We are Barking & Dagenham’s leading voluntary and community sector support agency and local Council for Voluntary Service (CVS).
We support individuals to run successful voluntary and community sector groups / organisations by giving them access to the key skills, knowledge and resources necessary to respond to the needs of local people, especially those most in need.
The CVS provides a platform from which all communities are able to influence local policy makers and service providers. Working at a strategic level to promote and represent the interests of the voluntary and community sector and provide practical support and direct services to organisations and the people who manage and work in them.
We also manage the Ripple Centre providing office and meeting room space for a number of local voluntary and community organisations and a venue for local community events.
Our experienced Development Team provide:
• Fundraising & Income generation support
• Practical workshops & skill-based seminars
• Governance & Leadership support
• Organisational health-checks
• Dedicated one-to-one support
• Volunteer/Brokerage service
We are also developing a range of new projects including:
BanD Together the brand used for partnership working across all the sectors – both voluntary and community and statutory within the London Borough of Barking & Dagenham
The Women’s Social Leadership Programme our response to strengthen the skills of women who live and work in the borough to take on more leadership roles within the community and engage more actively in social action
Communities Can a partnership initiative with the Young Foundation to provide consultancy services for developmental and organisational support for below the radar groups in order to strengthen and enhance their work in the community
The Huggett Project an innovative violence against women and girls centre, led by CVS and partners to develop a holistic service offer for women and girls in the borough and build the capacity of community and voluntary organisations in the sector
Developing the Ripple Centre into a thriving community activity centre delivering activities such as lunch groups, free access to a computer club and training, a community cinema and much, much more