NAVCA (National Association for Voluntary and Community Action) has launched a new campaign to shine a spotlight on the vital role that local infrastructure organisations play in supporting their communities.

The #HeartOfOurCommunity campaign describes local infrastructure as 'the beating heart of a community's voluntary sector', highlighting how CVS's like us support, develop and represent their local voluntary and community sector every day.

Jane Ide, Chief Executive of NAVCA, said, "Week in, week out the work of local infrastructure goes largely unnoticed, unacknowledged and quite often unappreciated. Our members work with local charities, and voluntary organisations to help them thrive, do the things that they need to do, and be the best they can be in support of their communities."

As part of the campaign, a video has been created which captures the incredible COVID-19 response effort of local infrastructure organisations across the country.

The campaign also focuses on explaining the role of local infrastructure in supporting charities and voluntary groups. It states that the support CVS's provide can generally be split into five key areas:

Development

Working with the local community to create and develop ways to meet the needs and aspirations of people in their area

Liaison

Bringing people together from all kinds of voluntary and community groups, to make connections, share what they do and support each other

Support

Encouraging local voluntary organisations and community groups with tools, information, and practical expertise, so they can be the best they can be

Representation

Making the case for, and speaking as the trusted voice of, the local voluntary community with local councils, NHS, government and others

Working in Partnership

Connecting with local initiatives and partners, and working together on local projects, to share knowledge and resources for the benefit of the local community, voluntary organisations and community groups

Get involved

We will be promoting and sharing NAVCA's campaign on our social media channels over the coming weeks/months. If you would like to get involved in sharing your support for local infrastructure organisations, you can download the campaign materials (infographic and social media graphics) on the dedicated campaign web page here.