One of the main roles of West Lancs CVS is to bring local not-for-profit groups together.  By working in networks and partnerships, these groups can share their knowledge, skills, and experience.  This helps everyone do more with limited resources, and work better together – on local projects, in consortia and across communities of interest.

In 2024/25, CVS focused on building stronger connections between organisations to make the most of scarce resources and to secure investment by:

• Undertaking a well-supported survey and consultation
• Organising four local networking events in Ormskirk, Mere Brow, Skelmersdale, and Burscough
• Hosting shared interest events on key topics like community spaces, arts and culture, the environment, and volunteering
• Holding the CVS Annual General Meeting and a Funding Fair in Parbold, attended by over 50 members

CVS also supported the development of three new integrated neighbourhood teams led by the community health provider.  These teams aim to support people to live well in their own homes across the borough.  CVS supports this joined-up approach that connects health, housing, and social care services at a local level.

Another area of focus is the emergence of consortium model of service provision by a group of local voluntary sector organistions working together to deliver services and create new projects.  CVS is supporting this collaboration while continuing to provide help for the wider voluntary sector.

Although the Shared Prosperity Fund ended on 31st March 2025, CVS has invested some of its allocation in ensuring that momentum can be maintained in key common interests — especially around neighbourhood working, the environment, community venues, and volunteering.

Looking ahead to 2025/26, the plan is to build on the momentum, energy and effort to date and use it to build strong, self-sustaining networks that can attract funding and recognition from local and national organisations, including the NHS and the Combined Authority.

Upcoming events include:

• Volunteering Week in early June
• A celebration of West Lancs volunteers in July
• The first Consortium Annual General Meeting in July
• Area based workshops around green issues and community venues
• Exploratory round-table event with local stakeholders in Health, Housing and Social Care

Want to get involved or find out more about networking and partnerships at CVS?  Get in touch!