Review highlights key role of voluntary, community and social enterprise sector throughout the pandemic

A review has highlighted the key role the local voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) sector has played in response to COVID-19 by responding to local need, and supporting the NHS and other statutory sector services during the pandemic. The review commissioned by Sussex Health and Care Partnership calls on leaders from across the statutory VCSE sectors to build on lessons learnt during COVID-19, to strengthen existing partnerships, and build new ones to support the health and wellbeing of communities across Sussex.

The review calls on leaders from across the statutory VCSE sectors to build on lessons learnt during COVID-19, to strengthen existing partnerships, and build new ones, to support the health and wellbeing of communities across Sussex.

The report was endorsed by Adam Doyle, Senior Responsible Officer of the Sussex Health and Care Partnership, who said:

“The voluntary, community and social enterprise sector is an important and valued partner of SHCP; it contributes significantly to improving and maintaining the health and wellbeing of our population. The response of VCSE and statutory partners to one of the most challenging of tests to our system demonstrated the strength and power of collaborative working. The role of the VCSE was instrumental in supporting and protecting the NHS and our other statutory sector services, in tailoring local responses that recognised the uniqueness and strengths in our places and neighbourhoods”

The key themes from the review are:

  • Strong and effective collaborations between VCSE and statutory services developed at speed during COVID-19;
  • VCSE supported statutory services to provide early support to local need during the pandemic;
  • VCSE organisations are valuable partners in improving health and wellbeing and addressing wider inequalities;
  • VCSE sector should be meaningfully involved as a key system partner;
  • Investment in the sector is needed to build the long-term sustainability and resilience of the sector.

As we continue to restore and transform health and care services, actions are underway to continue to ensure that the essential role of the VCSE is recognised. The completed actions and impact will be shared through the through the Sussex Health and Care Partnership website with VCSE and statuary partner organisations.

Download the reports below:

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