Support So Far

Dear readers,

In challenging economic times, few things can be more important than getting the right support at the right time. This is at the core of what we do; supporting and developing the local voluntary and community sector so that it can grow, become sustainable and have a voice, and it's been a busy few months.

We're now halfway through the year and we wanted to share the headlines of this work. In the financial year to date we have:

• Supported 8 new groups to being their development
• Hired out our meeting rooms in Eastbourne for over 2,200 hours
• Delivered 14 enewletters and two hardcopy 3View newsletters
• Supported 111 groups with funding advice
• Organised 16 training courses
• Held networking forums in Eastbourne, Lewes District and Wealden
• Supported local groups with funding applications that amount to over £2.5 million

We've also recently looked at how we develop the services we provide to ensure that what is on offer is what you need most. We did this by asking our members to tell us the skills they needed within their organisations and work, and where they felt they had gaps. Thank you to all those who responded.

The results are now in and top three skills you identified as the most important were:

1. Fundraising
2. Staff/volunteer management
3. Communication/PR

In the next few months we're going to be working with our members and partners to develop the best possible support for these areas of need identified by our research. So watch this space!

Best wishes,

Adam

Chief Executive