Wandsworth Care Alliance

Election: Voluntary Sector Representative to Wandsworth Health & Wellbeing Board

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The Wandsworth Health and Wellbeing Board is a partnership between Wandsworth Council, local GPs, the Integrated Care Board (responsible for commissioning and overseeing health services) and the voluntary sector.  Closer working between Wandsworth Council and local health professionals presents the opportunity to improve the lives of Wandsworth residents and promote a healthier borough.  The focus of the board is to:

  1. Improve the population’s health and reduce health inequalities
  2. Help reform the way the health and care system works
  3. Protect the health of residents

This is a unique opportunity for someone with an understanding of health and social care issues in the borough to influence the strategic direction of our local services on behalf of the voluntary sector.  Do you want to ensure the knowledge and experience of our sector is heard?  Do you want to help shape inclusive, effective services which work for all?

We are looking for someone, prepared to work alongside the VSCS to ensure that the voluntary sector contribution to the Health and Wellbeing Board and the feedback from the Board is communicated effectively to the voluntary sector and to our statutory partners. 

Time to start thinking – is this a role for you? 

Here are the papers relevant to the Health & Wellbeing Board voluntary sector representative election:

If you have any questions about the election, please contact Julie Bristow, julie@wandcareall.org.uk

Please submit your nomination to Julie Bristow by Monday 31 October. 

Wandsworth Black History Month 2022

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October marks the start of Black History Month and Wandsworth Council is putting on a programme of events that will be unrivalled compared to previous years.

Cllr Kemi Akinola is deputy leader of the Council and is of Grenadian and Nigerian heritage.

She said: “I’m very proud to be the first Black woman to be deputy leader of Wandsworth Council and to be launching what will be our best ever celebration of the achievements of Black people across the borough.

“We want to encourage people to learn about Black history which is British history. Even though this is usually celebrated during one month in October, we feel in Wandsworth that the accomplishments and culture of Black people should be recognised all year round – so this year we are doing Black History Month 365.”

Over the coming weeks the council will be hosting a series of events, including talks, workshops, art showcases, history, music, dance and food. It will also be shining a light on Black people within the community who are making a real difference for Wandsworth.

The theme this year is “Time for Change: Action Not Words”, emphasising that to get to a better tomorrow, we can’t just focus on the past. The past is in the past. We can acknowledge and learn from it, but to improve the future, we need action, not words. We need to come together around a shared common goal to achieve a better world for everyone.

See the full programme of what’s going on

Among the highlights will be

  • A visit and talk from boxing legend Frank Bruno who grew up in Wandsworth
  • A pop-up market at Southside celebrating black-owned businesses and what they have to offer
  • Black Heroes Foundation event telling the story of John Archer, Battersea’s very own Black Hero

 The range of activities on offer follow on from events that have been underway this year including:

Cllr Akinola added: “This year everyone will enjoy our best ever celebration of Black history and culture, bringing people together to discuss issues that really affect the Black dispora and putting on a wide ranging programme of activities and events all across the borough..”

Read the latest Funding Bulletin for the Voluntary Sector in Wandsworth

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We have just published the latest of our monthly funding bulletins.
You can read it by clicking on the button below.

If you would like to be on the Funding Bulletin mailing list, please get in touch with communications@wandcareall.org.uk and we will send them straight to your inbox.

If you need any help with your funding applications, or have any questions, please get in touch with our funding officer melanie@wandcare.org.uk

Wandsworth State of the Sector Report: Report, videos and audio – read, watch and listen here!

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Wandsworth Care Alliance (WCA) commissioned IAP Consulting to conduct research into the state of the voluntary sector in the borough in late 2021.

Much of the research was undertaken whilst lockdown arrangements were still in place and when the pandemic was very much a current issue. At that time, the current cost-of-living concerns was only just beginning to emerge. Between the completion of most of the research and the publication of this report, local elections took place in the Borough which resulted in the first change of administration within the council since 1978. All these factors provide a context for much of the qualitative research.

The brief sought information to:

● Provide accurate intelligence for the Voluntary and Community Sector (VSC) organisations, partners and commissioners.
● Increase WCA’s understanding of how best to support existing and new organisations and groups.
● Inform the development of targeted services or support.
● Explore the impact of other key external issues.

Please find the full report attached as a pdf below:

Our findings and recommendations presentation can be found here:

The presentation that IAP Consulting made can be found here:

Watch the State of the Sector Report videos here!

Wandsworth Care Alliance (WCA) commissioned IAP Consulting to conduct research into the state of the voluntary sector in the borough in late 2021.

As part of their report they made videos with organisations and people from the voluntary sector in Wandsworth.

Enjoy the videos from Katherine Low Settlement, Sarah Rackham, Sen Talk, Little Village and the Mercy Foundation below:

Katherine Lowe Settlement

Sarah Rackham

Little Village

Mercy Foundation

Sen Talk

Audio Clips from the State of the Sector Report – listen to them here:

As part of their research for the State of the Sector report, IAP Consulting recorded conversations, a few of those clips you can listen to below. Just click on the link to play the audio clips:

Sahar Beg at Tooting Community Kitchen

John at Baked Bean

Senia Dedic – WoW Mums and Babies

Lunch Table at Regenerate Rise

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