Network members focused discussion held on 13 July 2022

There are genuine ambitions from organisations to get around the table and better connect with communities, looking at shared learning and resources. More importantly finding out what the communities themselves say they want. There are many challenges to building relationships with communities and this can take time; however, the rewards are immense.

How do I start the process of reaching out to local communities?

• One organisation started by reaching out to their local Rotary Club at Christmas with the aim of helping to combat loneliness in the community.

• One of our guests was so enthused by a community charity called The Good Grief Cafe and with links to a local hospice has set up a bereavement group. The group is facilitated by our guest and healthcare professionals working with a group of volunteers, some of whom are from nursing backgrounds.

• Your local CVS can be a useful contact. They can help you find volunteers, write your policies and design good recruitment procedures.

  • If your organisation covers a large area it can sometimes be difficult to find the right CVS to approach.

• Healthwatch

  • After a hospital closure one organisation is working with Healthwatch to create some health and wellbeing pop up hubs.

• Highly recommended course

  • Hull CVS pointed one of our guests towards an online Level 3 Managing Volunteers course run by Hull City College. This course has now passed but here is the link for the details. You may be able to find another college running a similar course.