Wigan Voluntary and Community Sector Assembly

Hailed as a positive and interesting first event, the Invitation Only – Inaugural Event hosted by the Wigan Voluntary and Community Sector Assembly on Friday 27 January 2012, provided the opportunity for members from the Voluntary and Community Organisations to come together, listen to key speakers, discuss issues and identify positive ways of working together.

Key Messages from Stuart Cowley, Director Personalisation and Partnership, Wigan Council included the vision of a Confident Place, Confident People and a Confident Council, an update on new partnerships that are emerging, what is happening, and the opportunities and risk for the Sector. Members were also invited to ask questions after the presentation, generating a spirited discussion within the room.

Other speakers included Pamela Ball, Chief Officer, Wigan and Leigh Council for Voluntary Services (CVS) who gave an update on legislative and policy framework.  Additionally, representatives from the Interim Executive Group, Colin Greenhalgh (Groundwork Lancashire West & Wigan) and John McArdle (Age UK Wigan Borough) reported on the work that the group have been doing so far, what the work plan contains and the challenges ahead.

As part of the commitment to the Assembly, members were asked to commit to recruiting new members and sharing ideas. They were also encouraged to log any funding cuts that they have been informed about on the ‘cuts watch website’
http://www.vsnw.org.uk/news/view/2012-01-27-relaunch-of-voluntary-sector-cuts-website and document the impact to give a reflection of what is happening in the Wigan Borough.

If you have any questions about the Wigan Voluntary and Community Sector Assembly or would like to join this exciting initiative, please contact Gail Byrne, Membership Support Co-ordinator on 01942 686231 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .