New platform for Clydesdale's organisations

The Third Sector Forum is a new platform for local community organisations and charities to meet up, share common experiences and have their collective voice heard.

The first meeting for the Clydesdale area will take place at the Lanark Memorial Hall on Friday January 22 at 2pm.

Supported by South Lanarkshire third sector support body VASLan, the Third Sector Forum marks a change in how organisations work together to positively effect change.

The aim is that a stronger voice will be given to the many voluntary sector organisations in Clydesdale delivering vital services including community transport, youth groups, sports clubs, food banks, healthy eating initiatives, befriending services, lunch clubs and much more.

This meeting will outline the aims and objectives for the forum, offer a platform for networking, and offer an activity session based upon the sector’s contribution to health and wellbeing outcomes in our communities.

Charlie Duffin is VASLan’s Strategic Officer. He stresses that energetic involvement from the sector will be crucial to the Forum’s success:

“It’s of utmost importance that third sector organisations have a platform to discuss policy issues that will potentially have an impact on how we deliver services,” he said.

“With the initial meetings focussing on key areas like health and social care and children’s services, we are positive there will be huge interest in the local third sector keen to have a full and active role in the future shaping of services.

“The long-term plan is for those who are attending and engaging regularly to take ownership of the Forum, ensuring it is putting forward a truly representative voice of the sector when key policy decisions are made.

“To help with this, I would encourage all third sector organisation to do their best to be represented at these initial meetings, to ensure we embark in the right direction and are making proper use of the sector’s expertise, energy and commitment.”

South Lanarkshire’s other three locality areas are Hamilton, Blantyre and Larkhall; Cambuslang and Rutherglen; and East Kilbride and Strathaven. Information on these meetings can be found at www.vaslan.org.uk.

If you are interested in attending, please contact VASLan’s David Bett on 01698 300 390 or email [email protected].