Community First for Portsmouth Ltd is consituted as a council for voluntary service (CVS). We are a Local Infrastructure Organisation (LIO), umbrella and support agency for the Voluntary and Community (Third) Sector in Portsmouth.
Our Mission
To support a thriving Civil Society in Portsmouth.
Our purpose
To lead the development of a vibrant Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) whose voice is at the heart of decision making.
What we do
Community First for Portsmouth brings local Voluntary and Community Organisations (VCOs) together to promote and develop effective local voluntary and community action. We use local knowledge and expertise to operate at the heart of the community. Community First for Portsmouth assists in the support of new and existing groups, helping them to identify need, and develop initiatives and activities to meet them. We encourage and develop partnership working for the good of the local community, and provide a channel for local groups to voice their opinions on local policy issues.
How we do it:
Community First for Portsmouth operates according to the five core functions of a CVS as determined by the National Association of Voluntary and Community Action (NAVCA) of which we are a member.
Services and Support
Providing a range of information, advice, support and resources to the Voluntary Secto r and local communities.
Liaison
Liaising between the Voluntary & Community Sector and other agencies, including public bodies, the private sector and local networks.
Representation
Enabling effective representation and championing the cause of the Sector and its voice at networks, events, in the media and through consultation.
Development Work
Raising the capacity of the Sector and local communities to effectively engage in voluntary action through training, community development and events.
Strategic Partnerships
Engaging in strategic and practical partnership working with our members, Portsmouth City Council, the NHS and other agencies to make Portsmouth an even better, safer and healthier place to live, work, play in or visit.
In common with many CVS we also run the local Volunteer Centre and some direct community services – for example, Community Transport.
Our Strategic Objectives and operational priorities are determined through consultation with our members, user-groups and partners.
For the Community First Strategy, click here.
Our services and activities aim to met the needs of the local Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS). For the Community First Business Plan, click here.
Relationship with external bodies
Community First for Portsmouth is a member of a number of national and regional Voluntary Sector bodies including the following:
- National Association for Voluntary and Community Action (NAVCA)
- National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO)
- Community Matters
- Urban Forum
- Raise
We also have close links and work in partnership with many statutory (public) bodies including:
- Portsmouth City Council
- Portsmouth (NHS) Primary Care Trust
- Portsmouth (NHS) Hospitals Trust
- Hampshire Constabulary
- Business Link
and with the Business (commercial) Sector through the following agencies
- Business Link
- Hampshire Chamber of Commerce
Community First for Portsmouth Limited is an independent organisation.
Registered Charity No. 062338
Company Limited by Guarantee No. 3335975
