Liberton and Gilmerton Voluntary Action Support

Background

The original South Edinburgh Voluntary Sector Support Project was established in December 1999 following support by EVOC and funding from South Edinburgh Social Inclusion Partnership. Liberton and Gilmerton Voluntary Action Support (LAGVAS) as it is now more appropriately called is currently funded until 2011 by the Liberton and Gilmerton Neighbourhood Partnership through Fairer Scotland Funding. The project is now based at 13 Newtoft St., Edinburgh, EH17 8RG

Who is it for?

The purpose of the project is to provide support and assistance to  more than 60 constituted voluntary organisations and community groups in the Liberton and Gilmerton Neighbourhood Partnership area which covers Inch, Moredun, Gilmerton, Gracemount, Liberton and Burdiehouse/Southhouse.

The support that is provided can include assistance with drafting constitutions, securing funds and providing training. It is very much a demand led service and exists to meet the self identified needs of those voluntary and community groups who provide a local service, particularly those groups that are working within communities that are socially excluded or disadvantaged.

How often do users  meet?

The project is accountable to a voluntary sector forum in which all community and voluntary groups in Liberton and Gilmerton are entitled to participate. Every two months forum meetings are held at which workers and volunteers within the sector can come together to discuss issues of common concern, share information and experiences and get updates on what is happening locally and nationally. Each year the forum elects two representatives who share a seat on the Neighbourhood Partnership Board. Two smaller themed forums are also supported – the Youth Service Providers and the Day Centre Volunteers.  

What does it do?

Building the capacity of the voluntary and community sector and promoting relevant activities and events are key activities in which the project engages.

The project acts as a conduit between Liberton and Gilmerton Neighbourhood Partnership and its substructure and the local voluntary and community sector. It also provides a mechanism to improve the co-ordination and integration of service delivery and to share and replicate good practice.

Regular bulletins and briefings are produced and an email bulletin is distributed fortnightly to interested parties in the area.

What is happening currently?

Areas of that have already been identified for involvement in 2010 are the development of a youth engagement strategy in conjunction with the Partnership’s Youth Issues Group and establishing processes to ensure that resources and services are targeted towards vulnerable groups.

There is a full programme of free training events over the next three months and a “meet the funders” day for local organisations in February.

To find out more about the work of the project or to subscribe to the fortnightly e-mail newsletter please contact Ian Brooke on 0131 666 0350 or at ian.brooke@evoc.org.uk.