VOLUNTARY GROUPS - EAST SUTHERLAND

VG-ES is a Council for Voluntary Service (CVS)

and exists to support the voluntary sector in East Sutherland

East Sutherland has a population of approximately 10,000, and voluntary sector activity is relatively high.  It is a sparsely populated area within the Highland Council local authority.  It has small, scattered townships none of which has a population greater than 2000.  There are no large towns or centres in Sutherland.  Unemployment rates are higher than the Highland average, and in line with the national trend, the population of Sutherland is getting older, and outward migration is increasing.  However, crime rates are very low and the scenic beauty of the area and its wealth of natural and cultural heritage makes it an attractive place to live.  In a recent survey of people who left Sutherland over the past 20 years, over 75% wanted to return if suitable jobs were available.  There is still a great sense of community in East Sutherland.

·        Voluntary Groups – East Sutherland was formed in 1973.  It has grown from a part-time worker, who worked from her kitchen table, to an organisation with 3  staff, Chief Officer, Development Officer and an Administrator and a dedicated building for voluntary sector activity.

·        Its main core funding comes from the Scottish Government through  the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations, plus some funding through the Highland Council.

·        It is a company limited by guarantee with a board of directors elected from the membership at the AGM.  Each director may serve for up to three years and is eligible for re-election after that period.  

·        It is recognised as a Scottish Charity - SC001528.

·        Its role is to support the voluntary sector in East Sutherland through practical and advisory services which include:

Representation

Dissemination of information

Surveys of need

Training

Initiating new activities and services

Networking and working in partnership with other agencies

Advice on good practice for management and employment in the voluntary sector

Provision of advice on sources of funding, fund raising, constitutions, charitable status

Support to emerging new groups

Office support and services

·        200 local voluntary groups became members of Voluntary Groups East Sutherland in 2010.  The breadth and diversity of activity is inspirational, ranging from small local groups to branches of national organisations.

In March 1999 the National Lottery Charities Board awarded VG-ES a grant of £108,475 to purchase and refurbish a building for voluntary sector activities.  The aim of the project was to maximise resources in a rural area through shared accommodation and facilities. In November 1999 VG-ES moved into the re-furbished building which has become a much-used resource centre for the voluntary sector in East Sutherland.  The building has a meeting/training room, which is dedicated to voluntary sector activities such as committee meetings, workshops and training events.  It is a well-appointed and well-used facility for the area.

The building comprises office accommodation for ourselves and several other voluntary sector groups:

Ø      Crossroads Caring Scotland – providing respite care for carers and a befriending scheme for the elderly

Ø      RSPB – the protection of birds

Ø      North Highland Forest Trust – advice, information and support for community based forestry.

Ø     Family First - East Sutherland.

Ø     Caithness and Sutherland Women's Aid.

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