14 th November 2013 Warrington Business Engagement Event 14 th November 2013

Alison Cullen - Chief Officer Warrington Voluntary Action

WVA supports the development of a vibrant, thriving and sustainable third sector to meet the diverse and changing needs of local communities.

Provide information, support and resources Promote, support and develop volunteering Initiate and nurture the development of new groups Support local networks and forums to encourage effective partnerships and strengthen cross sector working. Enable effective representation and involvement on key strategic partnership bodies

Empowering Communities

 Partnerships & Representation WVA worked with the Gateway and OPEG for Older People’s day At the Volunteering Strategy Launch Becky Brown and Lynn Johnson (centre) at the BITC event in London

Communications Follow us on Twitter! Join 781 followers on Twitter to keep up to date with our ‘Like’ us on Facebook! Our Facebook page is an extension of our community events calendar; if you use Facebook regularly, this is a great way to keep up to date with community activities! Find us on Flickr! We’re involved with lots of events across Warrington, and we’ve created a community photo album on Flickr.

Volunteerin g

Stay in touch… Call  Click Connect  the Gateway 89 Sankey Street Warrington WA1 1SR

How can your organisation get involved? What impact does your organisation make to the community? How will this benefit you as an individual?

Becky Brown Partnership Development Officer

Michael Sheppard – Chief Executive Warrington Community Living

Lynn Johnson Business Connector

Business Connector Warrington

Business Connector – Warrington Lynn Johnson About us A network of businesses with strong presence in Warrington Businesses who act responsibly in their local community Business who want to offer free support and expertise to the voluntary sector Our Mission To contribute to a culture in Warrington where businesses, public and third sectors work closely together to improve the lives and communities of Warrington people

Supporting Warrington ( Breakout Groups ) Sharing your Skills Getting Physical Payroll Giving Becoming a Trustee

ullen Breakout Session Summary Alison Cullen

Charity Film Warrington Young Carers appeals

Gillian Beckett – HR Manager Restons Solicitors

Colin Merrick – General Manager United Utilities

NCA Community Events

Westy Community Centre What we did Used the One Voice employee forum to discuss options and vote Matched the skills of our people to the projects Selected Westy Community Centre as a project to support Why we did it To make a difference in the community/ give something back Share our expertise Great team building opportunity There was a great sense of achievement Before After

Salford Young Carers 5 & 10k Run Why we did it Family connection An element of guilt A feeling that we needed to act! Rewarding! Pride – in ourselves and in the carers for the support they provide What we did Attended the premiere of an emotive and inspirational film about Salford Young Carers Got a team together who wanted to help Spread the word to our colleagues, family and friends Through sponsorship we raised over £6,000 for this amazing charity

How we’re supporting other projects Donated a H&S DVD Carried out feasibility studies Encouraging employees to donate their old bikes Developing leaflets to promote the centre Holding a food collection across the UU offices at the end of November Encouraging employees to donate specific items to help less fortunate families have a better Christmas Summary – It is a very satisfying experience!

Closing Summary Alison Cullen