Selnet Ltd have published a Feasibility and Baseline Study, made possible by funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, to provide the Council with a better understanding of the Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise (VCFSE) sectors in Fylde.
The study found that 120 active groups sit within Fylde’s VCFSE community and provides clear evidence that these organisations make a significant contribution to the Borough, preventing need, reducing hardship, supporting those in crisis and driving social values.
This is crucial, as individuals across the country are currently facing significant economic pressures. As a result, the VCFSE sector, a lifeline to many Fylde residents, is facing some very challenging circumstances, with increased costs, increased demand on services and loss of staff and volunteers, all cited in the report as just some of the issues impacting their work.
The findings of the study will help the Council and other partners to understand how these organisations contribute to the local economy, how we work together now, and how they can be better supported in the future to ensure that the residents of Fylde continue to benefit.
Cllr Karen Buckley, Leader of Fylde Council, said: “The work of our local VCSFE groups is invaluable, and identifying the barriers these organisations face is essential in overcoming them. We are deeply grateful to all those groups who participated in the study, both for helping us better understand the sector and for their efforts in supporting their communities.”
If you would like to read the full report, please visit: https://www.fylde.gov.uk/vcfse-study/
The UK Shared Prosperity Fund is a central pillar of the UK government’s Levelling Up agenda and provides £2.6 billion of funding for local investment by March 2025. The Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills. For more information, visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-shared-prosperity-fund-prospectus
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