We are working to bring together partners and groups in our sector so they can link effectively for the benefit of the people in Halton and St Helens.
Community Health Champions in St Helens and Halton
Are you looking to make a positive impact in your community? Do you want to help improve the health and well-being of those around you? Become a Community Health Champion!
As a Community Health Champion, you will have the opportunity to make a real difference in your community by sharing important health information and resources with your friends, family, and neighbours. You'll learn about a variety of health topics and be equipped with the knowledge and skills to help others live their best lives.
The Community Health Champion programme in Halton and St Helens was established to provide support to our local authorities and Public Health teams in helping our neighbourhoods recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Being a Community Health Champion is more than just about improving health outcomes; it is about building connections and strengthening your community. You'll have the opportunity to meet new people, learn new things, and make meaningful contributions to the well-being of those around you.
So why wait? Join the Community Health Champion movement today and make a positive impact in your community!
CORE20Plus 5 Connectors Programme – with Cheshire and Merseyside Health & Care Partnership
We believe people who actually live in our communities know them best and know what is needed to make them better.
The Core20PLUS Connectors programme harnesses their lived-experience to improve health and reduce inequality in six wards in Halton with high levels of deprivation.
Our team will work with these volunteers to influence the decision-makers to reduce inequality in five key areas: maternity care, severe mental illness, severe respiratory disease, cancer and cardiovascular disease.
It builds on community-based initiatives such as Community Champions, Vaccine Champions, Link Workers, Peer Advocates, and the extensive network of Social Prescribing link workers.
To find out more about our Health Champions or Core20Plus5 work please get in touch with Lorna, Janet or Shirley or email the team chcvol@haltonsthelensvca.org.uk
Volunteer Coordinators Network
Recruiting, engaging or working with volunteers is a tough but undeniably rewarding role.
The Volunteer Coordinators Network meets quarterly either virtually or in-person to share good practice, offer mutual support, and benefit from bite-sized learning sessions.
It supports volunteer recruitment fairs across the boroughs, promoting and championing the work of volunteers in our communities.
Contact volunteer@haltonsthelensvca.org.uk for more information.
St Helens Community Centre Managers Network
If you manage a community centre or venue in St Helens come and join us for an opportunity to network, support each other and share best practices for managing our centres and venues effectively.
Contact Ann-Marie Lawrenson: alawrenson@haltonsthelensvca.org.uk to book on to the next meeting - it would be great to see you!
St Helens Mental Health Alliance & Halton Mental VCFSE Mental Health Alliance
The voluntary and community sector has a crucial role to play in supporting mental health - now more than ever.
Local organisations are closely connected to our communities, trusted by the people they serve, and have a long history of user-led interventions and social action. There is a track record of offering highly effective support in a non-clinical setting.
HSHVCA is actively involved in numerous strategic partnerships in both Halton and St Helens, and we invite all VCFSE organisations working in the field of mental health to join us to establish a formal Mental Health Alliance.
This alliance would provide a space for collaboration and the sharing of ideas and resources to better support the mental health needs of our communities.
Contact Ann-Marie Lawrenson alawrenson@haltonsthelensvca.org.uk
Contact: Shirley Dalrymple dalrymple@haltonsthelensvca.org.uk
St Helens Borough Community Food Providers Alliance
Calling all community food providers in St Helens!
Are you a foodbank, pantry, community cafe, or community allotment? Join the St Helens Borough Community Food Providers Alliance to stay up to date on the latest developments in food access and resources locally, and share concerns with like-minded individuals.
Together, we can work towards clear actions that support and benefit all Alliance members and our community. Be a part of the wider conversation and make a difference.
Contact: Ann-Marie Lawrenson alawrenson@haltonsthelensvca.org.uk
St Helens VCFSE Forum
Join the St Helens VCFSE Forum for an unparalleled networking opportunity with key partners in the sector.
Discover the latest developments and updates on crucial initiatives and projects in St Helens.
Don't miss this chance to connect and stay informed about what's happening in your area. Find out when our next forum is
Contact: Debbie Morris dmorris@haltonsthelensvca.org.uk
You can find details of the next meetings, for all the above by visiting our events page:
https://www.haltonsthelensvca.org.uk/services/events
There are lots of amazing organisations working together in Halton and St Helens on key issues. Find out more in these comprehensive directories:
HSHVCA has put together a comprehensive directory of self-help mental health services in the voluntary sector in St Helens.
If your VCFSE organisation offers mental health services that should be included this directory please get in touch.
Community Food Provision
More and more people in our communities are facing financial hardship. Our directory lists local organisations working to ensure everyone can access affordable and nutritious food.
The VCFSE response to the cost of living crisis in Halton
The challenges the Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise sector has faced in the past few years have greatly impacted the work of organisations and groups in Halton. This snapshot gives insight into the trends affecting our borough.
The VCFSE response to the cost of living crisis in St Helens
This report gives insight into the pressures local organisations in St Helens have faced and will continue to face during the cost of living crisis.