The Bradford District and Craven voluntary, community, and social enterprise sector (VCSE) has formalised its partnership with health and care organisations across the region.
On Monday 4 July, the West Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership (WY HCP), which includes the Bradford District and Craven Health and Care Partnership, and the area’s VCSE signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU). This formal agreement cements the role of the sector as an equal partner at all levels.
Locally, this means that the VCSE, in partnership with the NHS, councils and others, are committed to act as one to deliver on a shared ambition to keep people happy, healthy at home. The sector will bring valuable expertise and community voice into decision making around health and care for the future.
In Bradford District and Craven, the VCSE includes more than 5,000 registered and unregistered groups which support people in many areas of their lives from youth groups, ageing well support, sports and wellbeing clubs to name a few. VCSE organisations bring a wide range of experiences and voices, as well as creative and agile ways of working. They are supported by a valuable network of volunteers, around 130,000 people got involved in volunteering throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, demonstrating real enthusiasm and community spirit in our local place.
Dr Soo Nevison, representing the Bradford District and Craven Health and Care Partnership said: “Community Action Bradford and District are honoured to sign this memorandum of understanding, as part of the Voluntary Community and Social Enterprise sector of Bradford District and Craven, in this essential partnership. Whilst we continue to deliver much needed services to the groups helping communities to thrive, this partnership provides more resources and tools to be placed right at the heart of those that need it most.”
Foluke Ajayi, chief executive at Airedale NHS Foundation Trust, speaking on behalf of the Bradford District and Craven Health and Care Partnership said: “The NHS, local authorities and the VCSE in our area have a strong history of working together to make a positive difference to local people. I am delighted that this MoU cements the VCSE as equal and essential partners in our shared ambition of keeping people, happy, healthy at home.”
MoU signatories
- Rob Webster CBE and CEO Lead for West Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership
- Cathy Elliott, Chair of NHS West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board
- Soo Nevison, Chief Executive, Community Action, Bradford District and Craven
- Julie Robinson, Chief Executive, Voluntary and Community, Calderdale
- Hilary Thompson, Trustee, Third Sector Leaders, Kirklees
- Pip Goff, Director, Volition, Forum Central, Leeds
- Maddy Sutcliffe, Chief Executive, NOVA, Wakefield
- Jonny Richardson Glen, Chair, WY VCSE Mental Health Group
- Kaneez Khan, Chari, WY VCSE Voices panel
- Becky Bracey, Chair, WY Integrated Volunteering Group