Well, it has been another very busy year for EVOC and Edinburgh’s Third Sector!
In 2014 we have:
- Administered an Early Years Change Fund across several initiatives around Edinburgh,
- Helped launch the LOOPs project in each of Edinburgh’s H&SC quadrants, improving uptake of social activities and preventative services by Edinburgh’s older people
- Gathered opinions and reviewed the last ten years of the Edinburgh Compact Partnership as part of our Compact 10 year
- Offered invaluable advice and resources from our Recovery Essentials team in light of Welfare Reforms & the introduction of Universal Credit
- Held regular and varied training events, helping over 500 people gain new skills
- Held regular Voluntary Sector forums & Neighbourhood Partnership meetings
- Held our AGM & Conference at Norton Park
- Held a thinkSpace on, and actively participated in the City of Edinburgh Council Budget Consultation
- Published a response – ‘The Year of Reckoning‘ – to the CEC Budget Consultation, and submitted a response on behalf of Edinburgh’s Third Sector.
- Responded to approximately 150 enquiries regarding setting up a new organisation/charity
…And so much more.
All this whilst Scotland hosted the Commonwealth Games, welcomed the Golf Open Tournament, and held a much talked about and widely debated Independence Referendum. Phew!
Looking to the future, it’s not difficult to see that heavy challenges lie ahead. Edinburgh’s Third Sector is moving into new and difficult territory, with more funding cuts and an ever-growing demand for services. I know we will face these challenges head on, in true Third Sector style.
2015 in my view will be about taking risks and trying new ideas- not just doing what we’ve always done, and expecting different results. By working in true partnership with the public sector – that spirit of ‘coproduction & collaboration’, we can continue to respond to both individual and local needs and continue make an invaluable contribution to the Capital.
On behalf of the team here at EVOC, I would like to wish you a very Merry Christmas, and a happy 2015.
Take care,
Ella.
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