2014 in Bristol’s Voluntary & Community Sector
Challenges Historic ways of working are disappearing
Growing demand for services Little capacity to take advantage of new opportunities Cuts in council funding and changes to priorities
Hard for small & medium groups to engage with commissioning More and more older people isolated and lonely
Many are in debt, struggling to pay fuel bills, find jobs, and access affordable housing.
Continued reduction in budgets to publically-commissioned services Keeping expert staff in the sector Young disproportionately affected by cuts
Opportuntiies Jointly seek private/charitable funding to plug service gaps
Chance to innovate & be creative Community stewardship of land, buildings and services
Find new ways of responding to local need and encourage communities to take a greater role in helping themselves
Mobilise people around a shared vision of social change Work more closely and creatively with partner agencies
First Response Get people of all ages to work with our older residents so that they stay connected Focus attention on tax evasion rather than welfare cuts
Look collectively at solutions, despite competitive tendering More partnership and consortia working
Self-directed support - difficult to attract individuals and shifting attitudes of service users
Seek commissioning practices that genuinely encourage the growth of a vibrant VCS
Protecting our independence as a sector especially if delivering government services
Green Capital for 2015 - vehicle to promote green agenda
Lack of community services and amenities
Share resources more effectively