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Welcome to South West Forum

There are around 70,000 'third sector' organisations in the South West employing over 60,000 paid staff and 1.4 million volunteers.

With 18,500 registered general charities the South West region has more charities per 1000 people than any other region.

South West Forum is the region's voluntary sector network; a network of networks, our members support 16,000 front-line organisations.

Established in 1999 by voluntary organisations seeking a voice at regional level, South West Forum is an independent charity.

We're here to help - contact us.

We need your participation and support: join us.

Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion Regional Event

Thursday 25th February 2010 - Weston-super-Mare

This FREE EVENT was organised by Department for Work and Pensions, Third Sector European Network, South West Action on Poverty and South West Forum.

Click here for Combating Poverty post-conference information.

Vital and Voluntary

South West Forum has distributed an 'action agenda' to all South West Prospective Parliamentary Candidates (PPCs) in advance of the general election.

The 'manifesto' sets out a vision of:

"prosperous and cohesive communities in the South West which offer a safe, healthy and sustainable environment for everyone." with "Strong and dynamic voluntary and community organisations which are at the heart of their communities of interest and place and work as advocates, campaigners and deliverers of services."

The document lists the priorities we want a new government and individual Members of Parliament to pursue in order to achieve this vision:

• full involvement in strategic decision-making and partnerships
• high quality support for front line organisations
• excellent commissioning and funding practices
• strong relationships between voluntary and public organisations

Download the covering letter (30KB MS Word document)

Download the manifesto (166KB MS Word document)

A more detailed supporting document will be posted here very shortly.

Get Briefed!

Four excellent new briefings available now

Click here to view briefings on:

'Total Place'
'Comprehensive Area Assessments'
the 'Place Survey'
'National Third Sector Survey'

Or contact us to request in hard-copy.

Enquiries and feedback welcome - contact briefings author Georgie Constable on 01392 823758 / georgie@southwestforum.org.uk.

Action when it matters

Two excellent new publications proudly demonstrating the value of South West voluntary and community action.

A Thriving and Vibrant Third Sector

The value of Infrastructure Organisations

Produced by South West Forum and the South West Strategic Infrastructure Partnership, this publication demonstrates the breadth and range of services provided by third sector Infrastructure organisations and the essential contribution they make to the health and well being of people in our neighbourhoods.

Download the full report.(1.2MB PDF)

When it matters

Voluntary and Community Action in the South West

Six case studies showing how frontline voluntary and community organisations are responding to needs in a recession. Voluntary and community action: there when it matters.

Download the full report. (620 KB PDF)

Get in touch with South West Forum

Unit 6, Cranmere Court
Lustleigh Close
Matford Business Park
Exeter
EX2 8PW

Tel 01392 823758
Fax 01392 823033

Email admin@southwestforum.org.uk

Directions: link to map, nearest major train station is Exeter St Davids.

Download directions (30KB MS Word document)

South West Forum is a registered charity, no. 1102082 and a Company Limited by Guarantee, no. 4978095.