Advice providers from all parts of the local not-for-profit sector came together on 17 June 2011 for the inaugural meeting of information and advice groups in Croydon. 29 participants attended with those present agreeing to further develop this new network following the event. See the full report here
Jointly organised and hosted by Croydon Voluntary Action (CVA) and Croydon Charity Service Delivery Group (CCSDG) with support from AdviceUK the meeting reviewed the state of advice provision in Croydon and considered ways of working together to tackle the challenges ahead.
Jo Gough, CVA’s Head of Community Involvement said, “CVA is committed to strengthening the collective voice of the not-for-profit advice sector to influence policy and make an impact to improve people’s lives. This sector has powerful data that if combined and published could make a powerful statement. Most importantly in working together we can ensure we are improving quality and reaching those least heard. We hope this is the start of something much bigger.”
Workshops facilitated by AdviceUK explored current issues and priorities faced by the local advice sector and made space for the development of a local strategy.
Free taster sessions aimed at advice providing voluntary sector organisations gave participants a chance to do some learning whilst networking.