NCVA — in the community, for the community
NCVA helps charities and local groups take action in their communities around Northumberland
NCVA helps people in Northumberland to set up, maintain and grow groups in the community. These groups, many of which are charities, have one thing in common – their desire to improve life in our communities and to benefit those who live there. By establishing networks around common causes we seek to extend the influence of community and voluntary action in Northumberland.
Starting a new community group
Providing people, many of whom have never run a local group before, with the essential first steps to get a new organisation off the ground. NCVA enables new community groups to put in place the sound foundations on which to grow and deliver their objectives.
Support for groups & charities
As a local group grows and develops and as its personnel or the needs of its beneficiaries change the right principles of governance and policy framework means it can continue delivering. NCVA provides the advice and experience to guide groups toward stable and safe operation.
Finding funding for your charity or local group
Charities and community groups are eligible for funding from a range of local, regional and national sources. NCVA helps groups not only to identify funding sources but also provides the challenge to ensure that they can answer the difficult questions that make them fit for funding.
Community Networks – achieving more together
Community networks amplify the voice, extend the reach, and build the influence of community and voluntary organisations in Northumberland. NCVA uses its knowledge and experience of the sector to enable partnerships, maintain networks and broadcast their achievements.
Improving the skills and job prospects of people in Northumberland is central to NCVA’s work. The Northumberland Employability Network brings together organisations delivering services in this field to share experiences and build links.
The Northumberland VCFSE Health and Wellbeing Network is a new partnership bringing together community and voluntary groups to share information, experience and good practice and link with statutory services in the County.
The towns South East Northumberland accommodate 50% of the County’s people in 3% of it’s land area. The network share experience addressing shared problems of limited transport connectivity and high levels of social deprivation.
Northumberland 50+
The emphasis of Northumberland 50+ is to enable people to do things for themselves, giving them support and time to make their own choices, and promoting independence and inclusion. We currently run two services in South East Northumberland.
Digital Inclusion
Having identified a gap in ICT provision in the area, NCVA established a digital inclusion programme for older people through which they can become familiar with the essentials that make life in a digitally-driven world liveable.
Engage
A service for those over fifty, aimed at improving the wellbeing and quality of life. Engage will enable access to a range of existing or newly developed community activities and events to promote social connections.
Simply Connect Northumberland enables people to find self-help groups, advice and support organisation or to get involved in leisure and social activities by searching a database of hundreds of local community organisations.