In her new blog Siobhan Flynn shares her reflections on her time working in VONNE's Health and Wellbeing team, as VCSE Engagement Manager, and her exciting move into a new policy role in the organisation.
After three and a half years as North East and North Cumbria (NENC) VCSE Engagement Manager within the VCSE Partnership Programme, I’m excited to announce that from the end of September I will be moving into a new policy role at VONNE, alongside colleague, Georgia Morris. While I am very much looking forward to this new challenge and opportunity, I will miss being part of the VCSE Partnership Programme. It has been a privilege to contribute to ensuring our Integrated Care System (ICS) works for everyone.
Over my time in post, I’ve had the opportunity to work alongside inspiring VCSE organisations, system partners and colleagues who are all deeply committed to improving health and wellbeing for people and communities across the North East and North Cumbria. The programme is unique in bringing together voices from across such a diverse sector and has created new spaces for collaboration.
My work has focused on building strong relationships, creating opportunities for a collective VCSE voice to be captured, and supporting meaningful engagement within our ICS. Along the way, I’ve seen how collaboration can drive real change. This has included being part of the Research Engagement Network (REN) project from its early stages, supporting the development of our Research Partnerships work, and contributing to the Assura project, which aims to strengthen and sustain strategic working relationships between the VCSE sector and health and care partners. These sit alongside a wide range of other initiatives I’ve been fortunate to support, all of which highlight the breadth of expertise in our sector and the impact of partnership working.
What I’ll remember most is the sense of shared purpose - something that is evident through the various networks and forums that make up the VCSE Partnership Programme’s structures. I’ve been consistently reminded of the expertise, energy, and commitment that exists within the VCSE sector. I’ve also had the privilege of being part of VONNE’s Health and Wellbeing team - an incredible group whose dedication and creativity are reflected in everything they do. I know they will continue to thrive and make an impact across the wide range of projects they deliver. I’m hugely grateful to everyone I’ve had the chance to work alongside, and for the trust and support that has made this role so rewarding.
Although I’m stepping away from the NENC VCSE Engagement Manager role, I’m delighted that my colleague Beth Reeves, Health and Wellbeing Coordinator, will be stepping into it and providing continuity for the programme. Beth already brings strong experience, insight, and drive to this work, and I know the role will be in excellent hands moving forward.
As I take on this new challenge, I want to say a huge thank you to everyone I’ve worked with in this post. I’m proud of what we’ve achieved together, and I’m excited to continue working with many of you in my new capacity within VONNE.