CVS Inverclyde Hosts Successful Annual Conference
CVS Inverclyde’s virtual third sector conference was a huge success as around 100 delegates from the local sector joined together for a day of future thinking.
We were honoured to have broadcast legend Shereen Nanjiani as our host as we heard from a line-up of key local figures from Inverclyde’s third and public sector.
Inverclyde Council CEO, Louise Long, delivered an inspiring and passionate speech where she presented her vision for Inverclyde. She praised the joint cross-sector response to the pandemic and encouraged us to celebrate Inverclyde’s positives: “if there’s 100 people on this call, my challenge to you is to talk-up Inverclyde to another 100 people”.
Following Louise, Dr Linda de Caestecker, director of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, delivered an insightful presentation about health inequalities and how they have been exacerbated by the pandemic. Dr de Caestecker reminded us that “normal led to this” and the pandemic adds urgency to our challenge to address inequality and move beyond normal.
Third sector organisations The Corra Foundation and Carnegie UK made fascinating contributions about what we can be doing to create services, and indeed a society, based on wellbeing, kindness and place-based approaches.
We also had a funding session (a critical topic for the third sector) with contributions from The National Lottery Community Fund and The Henry Smith Charity. We also presented information about the Scottish Government’s new Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund that we will be administrating in Inverclyde.
Read more about our reflections from the day on our website: https://www.cvsinverclyde.org.uk/news/2326-conference-reflections
CVS Inverclyde CEO, Charlene Elliott, said: “Our 2021 conference was a brilliant success, in fact I don’t think it could have gone better!
“We were online again this year as a precaution but this had the advantage of attracting speakers and attendees from all over the country and we gathered a terrific line-up.
“With the future thinking theme in mind, our conference was a chance to look ahead to the opportunities that are on the horizon. Opportunities to grow, collaborate and continuing to improve the lives of people in Inverclyde.
“It was also an opportunity to take stock of how committed and inspiring our third sector is. It really came across in the conference engagement that there are so many people working tirelessly every day to make Inverclyde the best place it can be.
“I can’t thank each and every speaker and attendee enough for making the event lively and informative. I also want to extend my gratitude to the incredible CVS Inverclyde team for the work they’ve put in over the past few months to organise our conference make it so successful.
“Now we move onwards to 2022 and undoubtedly the third sector will continue to play a huge role in recovering from the pandemic and creating an Inverclyde that is s fair, inclusive and focused on wellbeing.”
Louise Long, chief executive of Inverclyde Council, said: “It was a privilege to be able to speak at the annual CVS Inverclyde conference to celebrate the magnificent work of our incredible third sector.
“It was also an opportunity to look towards a brighter future for Inverclyde with continued, positive partnership working between public, private and voluntary organisations.
“Inverclyde’s challenges shape our priorities, they do not shape us.
“Inverclyde is a special place because of our communities and we need to work together building on the work we have done during the Covid-19 pandemic.”
Linda McEnhill, chair of CVS Inverclyde’s board and CEO of Ardgowan Hospice, said: “it was a wonderful conference and a huge success for CVS Inverclyde which has gone from strength to strength over the past few years.
“I am incredibly proud to be the Chair of their board and it is a privilege to work with the CVS Inverclyde team who are passionate and ambitious about supporting Inverclyde’s third sector.
“It was exciting to host our AGM following the conference and welcome two new board members. I’m anticipating another busy year as the chair of the CVS Inverclyde board and the role of our organisation has never been more important at this crucial time.”