Voluntary and Community Organisation Support Network (VCOSN)

This network has been set up to benefit the Voluntary Sector which includes community groups and churches to help engagement with Local Community Planning Partnership (LCPP) and the Community Health and Care Partnership (CHCP).

Tel: 07894 901 618       Email: vcosn@hotmail.co.uk

VCOSN is covering Baillieston, Shettleston and Greater Easterhouse Community Planning Partnership area.

VOCSN is being set up to:

• Bring together and unite all voluntary and community organisations in the above areas to work in partnership.
• Be a collective voice for the third sector. Promote networking among the VCOSN membership and ensure that the network is approachable and open.
• Provide support and engagement between the membership of VCOSN and the LCPP board, the CHCP and any other partnerships companies or organisations deemed appropriate.
• Have an input into the decision making processes of the LCPP and CHCP.
• Support the Voluntary Sector members on the LCPP board and to be recognised as an equal partner of the LCPP.
• Assist the membership to understand of the aims and objectives of organisations such as the LCPP and the CHCP.

The Future!

Shortly our web site will be up and running followed by a blog/forum where the sector can meet and discuss ideas, problems, successes, good and bad practices and generally encourage partnership working.

VCOSN will be able to assist any organisation with any need they might have by sign posting them to the relevant organisation or agency.

Community Planning has several partners; the police, fire brigade, council, John Wheatley College, etc. All have internal mechanisms to promote their respected views and enable them to work together with other partner. The Voluntary sector has no such structures in place and are in fact quite disconnected from each other.

VCOSN hopes to provide this mechanism and allow the sector to have a united voice at the Community Planning table.

Once our membership has grown we will hold themed meetings for different parts of the voluntary sector for example youth, addiction or health promotion.

By working together there will be savings in time and money as well as increased referrals and a more efficient Voluntary sector.

In theory any service user who comes through the doors of any Voluntary or Community Organisation in the future will be able to be referred to a relevant project that fits their needs using the VCOSN network.

Updated 22/1/08