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Connecting, empowering and championing the voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise sector to shape a brighter future for the North West

At Voluntary Sector North West (VSNW), we are proud to be the driving force behind collaboration, advocacy, and innovation for charities, community groups, and social enterprises across the North West.

Our mission is simple yet powerful: to empower the voluntary, community, and social impact sector to shape a better future for the region. Through strong partnerships, we bring people and organisations together, amplify their voices, and ensure they have the tools and support to thrive.

As the first regional infrastructure organisation of its kind in England, VSNW plays a unique role. We connect with over 50,000 organisations across the North West—providing a platform for collaboration, campaigning for investment, and tackling inequalities to create stronger, healthier communities.

Working in partnership across the North West

  • Co-designing solutions with local voluntary organisations rather than imposing a single model.
  • Acting as a network of networks, bringing together grassroots groups, equalities organisations, and larger voluntary sector providers.
  • Supporting regional partnerships, sometimes leading initiatives, sometimes providing behind-the-scenes coordination.
  • Advocating for investment and policy influence, ensuring voluntary organisations are recognised in key decisions.
  • Facilitating collaboration between the voluntary sector and public agencies.
  • Piloting new delivery models in areas like health and social care, economic development, and fair funding.
Find out more about our work

Influencing change for the VCFSE sector

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Latest news

Sector News

NHS and VCFSEs in Cheshire and Merseyside to co-design new collaboration agreement

Work is underway across Cheshire and Merseyside to develop a new collaboration agreement between the NHS and the VCFSE sector, marking a step forward in building stronger, more equ...
Sector News

New assurance framework to strengthen VCFSE involvement in neighbourhood health

What does good VCFSE involvement in neighbourhood health actually look like? This new assurance framework helps systems test, evidence and improve it.
Sector News

New briefing on Neighbourhood Health Framework and what it means for the VCFSE sector

We have published a new briefing analysing the government’s Neighbourhood Health Framework, highlighting both the opportunities and risks for the VCFSE sector at a critical momen...
Blog

Blog: New opportunities for co-operatives and mutuals

This blog is the second in a series from Andy Churchill, previously of Network for Europe, who will be sharing reflections and updates on programmes and policy developmen...
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Recent publications

North West VCFSE Manifestos

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VSNW Strategic Plan 2025-2030

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VSNW Impact Review 2025

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