There was collective agreement from the hundred plus individuals that attended the ‘Don’t Get Burnt’ public and third sector conference, hosted on 11th June in Brighton, that more cross-sector collaboration and sharing of resources is needed to ensure that the communities and residents of the city are properly supported throughout the recession and beyond.
During the course of the day there were several keynote speakers, which included city leaders, as well as local and national third sector representatives. Interactive workshops also provided an opportunity to learn and share ideas, knowledge and skills.
At the close of the event, the following conclusions stood out:
- Closer collaboration is needed between cross-sector organisations on strategies to address the recession.
- It is vital for the public and voluntary sectors to share knowledge around the support and services that are available for local people.
- More support is needed to help community and voluntary organisations come together in partnership.
- The public sector commissioning and procurement processes need to be demystified and made more accessible
Sally Hiscock, CEO, Community Voluntary Sector Forum commented: “The conference achieved its aims of indentifying how the public and community sectors can work better together to support the residents of Brighton and Hove. It became apparent that with the additional strain placed on public services and funding, that better partnerships with specialist community organisations could help to address some of the crucial challenges residents are facing. These include financial literacy awareness and understanding, and mental health support.”
A full report will be publicly available shortly and will feature an action plan based on recommendations made and conclusions drawn.
The conference hosted at the Ramada Jarvis hotel was the first event of its kind in Brighton and Hove and was been coordinated by the third sector support organisations; Community Voluntary Sector Forum (CVSF) and The Working Together Project.
Media enquiries to: Fay MacDonald, Director, Diosa Media 07880 896 131 or e-mail:fay@diosamedia.com
Visit http://www.cvsectorforum.org.uk/ for more information about The Community and Voluntary Sector Forum (CVSF).
For The Working Together Project (WTP,) contact: Paul Bramwell (Chair) on Tel:01273 234773, or e-mail: enquiries@workingtogetherproject.org.uk. Visit: http://www.workingtogetherproject.org.uk/org/
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15 March 2010