Big Society in East Sussex

Monday 19 July, 2010

As Prime Minister David Cameron launches his ‘Big Society’ drive across the UK, the East Sussex Council for Voluntary Youth Service (ESCVYS) applauds the thousands of volunteers who are already giving up their time, skills and expertise in East Sussex.
ESCVYS represents more than 130 voluntary and community youth groups in East Sussex, which are improving the lives of more than 18,000 children and young people across Lewes, Wealden, Eastbourne, Hastings and Rother every day.
Many ESCVYS members are small, grass roots organisations run by volunteers in their spare time which provide an invaluable service in their communities.
The groups range from environment, art, sport, music and drama projects to youth clubs , scouts and guides, faith groups, counselling and advice services, respite care and special needs and disability.
Arwyn Thomas, Chairman of ESCVYS, said: “Every day in East Sussex, hundreds of volunteers are quietly making a difference to the lives of children and young people. Some are running sports clubs, others are helping children with disabilities explore the environment, others are advising teenagers and some are helping to keep our rural traditions alive.
“And it’s not just adults who are volunteering. Many of our members are creating opportunities for children and young people to volunteer in their communities, which not only helps them develop skills for later life but brings communities and generations together.
“From church members walking the streets on at the weekend to support young people to teenagers who have dropped out of school creating a garden at a care home, it is important to recognise the success of the volunteer army already at work in East Sussex.”
Funding is a key issue for the voluntary and community sector and ESCVYS supports its membership by identifying funding opportunities and grants and helping members apply for them.
Mr Thomas added: “ESCVYS will continue to support the fantastic work of its members in East Sussex by providing advice on funding, training and best practice. We will also be representing them at a local and regional level and exploring any further opportunities for support which may be available through the government’s ‘Big Society’ initiative.”
Ends
Note to Editors:
Media Contact at ESCVYS: Rebecca Burgess on 07859 896360.
For a full list of ESCVYS members visit www.escvys.org.uk.
ESCVYS acts as the voice of the voluntary and community youth sector in East Sussex, offering practical advice on setting up, funding, training, best practice and also representing the sector with local, regional and national government.
ESCVYS is a member of the National Council for Voluntary Youth Service (NCVYS).