The Cheshire and Merseyside Health & Care Partnership has reaffirmed its appreciation and support for Cheshire and Merseyside’s Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise (VCFSE) Sector by highlighting the indispensable role the sector has played in the region’s response to the Coronavirus pandemic. 

In a written statement issued on behalf of the Partnership’s Chief Officer, Dr Jackie Bene, and Chief Executive of Voluntary Sector North West, Warren Escadale, the sector was praised for its “flexibility and ability to respond to rapidly changing situations while still delivering innovative solutions.”

Over 14,000 voluntary organisations, community groups and social enterprises are currently operating in Cheshire and Merseyside, employing over 33,000 staff and supporting over 275,000 volunteers and 280,000 informal carers. 

It is this considerable number of VCFSE organisations, staff and volunteers that has enabled the quick and effective response to the challenges created by the pandemic. Over the last few months, the sector has supported communities by providing vital food deliveries, advice and advocacy, medicines collections, mental health support and much more.

Due to the sector’s deep-rooted presence in the community, this vital help has reached a number of groups who need it most, including those with disabilities, Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities, homeless and rough sleepers, people on low incomes, and many, many more. 

Read the Cheshire and Merseyside Health and Care Partnership’s statement of support here, and for more information about the VCFSE sector’s role in the region’s Coronavirus response, read a detailed paper from the sector here.