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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 (10.00 till 4.00) - Weston-super-Mare

Regional Minister Jim Knight MP CONFIRMED

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

Introduce the EY 2010 European Year for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion and explain its purpose
Raise awareness of poverty in the South West particularly in rural and coastal communities
Highlight current activity to combat poverty within the region
Explore ways in which action to combat poverty can be increased

By sharing best practice and engaging additional stakeholders this event will contribute to a legacy for the European Year ultimately leading to an improved quality of life for those currently most disadvantaged within the region.

Read more information about the event. (421KB PDF)

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)

Community Crunch

During December 2008 South West Forum gathered evidence through its members of the impact of the current economic downturn on voluntary and community organisations and on their service users and beneficiaries.

Our findings paint a worrying picture. While many voluntary and community organisations in the South West are experiencing increased demand for their services supporting people in need at the same time their very existence is threatened by loss of funding and uncertainty over their future. The ability of the voluntary and community sector to respond to the challenges presented by the economic downturn, for instance in terms of providing support, advice and training for people who are unemployed and/or in financial difficulty, is seriously compromised by a lack of secure funding.

Download the full report. (180KB 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.