VONNE - Listen Value Invest | www.vonne.org.uk

Listen Value Invest

Listen Value Invest: a new campaign movement

As we approach a General Election, with difficult financial decisions to be made by whoever takes power, we are asking the government and statutory agencies to listen to, value and invest in individuals, communities and the third sector.

Join our campaign, share your stories, and ask decision-makers in your area to commit to real action to listen to, value and invest in the Third Sector.

Launched by Voluntary Sector North West along with the regional networks support in a special event at the Houses of Parliament on March 2, it asks MPs and other decision makers to listen to, value and invest in the voluntary and community sector.

We believe that there has never been a more important time to show that listening to, valuing and investing in the sector is vital, not just for people and communities, but for the wider economy as well.

Size of the sector in North East

Risk to the sector (see our latest survey results)

8,500 registered charities in North East
Tens of thousands of voluntary and community organisations
Third sector contributes at least £1bn worth of region's economic activity
4% of region's Gross Value Added
Sector employs 40,800 staff and at least 143,600 volunteers are active

Over half of organisations (55%) report a decrease in funding
Over two thirds of organisations (69%) have experienced an increased demand for services
26% of organisations have already seen a decrease in staff numbers, and 27% of organisations anticipate making staff redundant in the next 12 months
Over a third of organisations are already operating on their reserves
One third of organisations expect to close an existing service in the next 12 months
10% of organisations anticipate closing down completely within the next 12 months. This jumps to 33% of small organisations.

Listen Value Invest is based on case studies which demonstrate the sector supporting individuals, transforming communities and, importantly, delivering tangible economic benefits. This powerful combination of personal stories linked genuine economic benefits shows decision-makers that the work of the Third Sector delivers real value for our region and reinforce our role as not just a deliverer of services but as a campaigning sector and shaper of services.

How you can get involved

While Listen Value Invest was devised by Voluntary Sector North West, organisations and groups of all sizes and types are able to take part - the more who get on board, the stronger and more unified our voice will be.

We want as many groups as possible to adopt the slogan, use the branding and contribute their stories. This makes the campaign into a strong, grass roots movement. We want to show decision makers that our sector is proactive, that we are clear in our messaging and that we are working in a joined up way.

By showing them relevant stories and examples of good practice from our localities, we are demonstrating the social and economic value of the third sector across the North West.

We will also show them that listening to, valuing and investing in the third sector makes a real difference to people, communities and society

Here are some ways you can get involved:

Lobby your MP, councillors or other decision makers using the Listen Value Invest logo and message.
Contribute your own stories to the Listen Value Invest website - whether these are written, audio or video, you can upload them all here, as well as accessing information on how to gather stories and resources for presenting them.
Show the world you're part of the campaign by using the Listen Value Invest logo in your publicity, documents, websites and events - you will find it here in a variety of formats.
Become a member of VONNE to receive regular information, policy updates and resources to help you engage with decision makers.
Tell us your success stories in the campaign, so we can gather evidence to show that our asks are having an impact!