Representatives from voluntary, community and social enterprise organisations across Swindon gathered at the DoubleTree by Hilton hotel on 10 November for a special event focused on collaboration, community development and shared opportunities.
The event brought local organisations together to exchange experiences, discuss common challenges and explore new ways of working in partnership to strengthen support for communities across Swindon.
The Conference
The conference, organised by Voluntary Action Swindon (VAS), brought together organisations from across the Borough alongside Swindon Borough Council leaders and officers to discuss how they can work together to improve health, wellbeing and opportunities for residents.
Council Leader, Councillor Gary Sumner, the Council's Cabinet Member for Adults and Health, Councillor Vinay Manro, and Chief Executive, Sam Mowbray, attended the event to hear directly from local organisations about the issues facing communities and how partnerships can be strengthened.
Health and Wellbeing Focus
Discussions focused on helping residents stay active and healthy, creating more opportunities for children and young people to take part in physical activity, preventing ill health and supporting older residents to remain independent for longer.
The conference also highlighted the vital role the voluntary sector plays in communities across Swindon, from sports clubs and youth groups to organisations supporting vulnerable residents, unpaid carers and those most in need of support.
Council Leader's View
Councillor Gary Sumner, Leader of Swindon Borough Council, said:
The voluntary sector is one of Swindon's greatest strengths and plays an essential role in supporting residents and building stronger communities.
Today's conference was a valuable opportunity to hear directly from the organisations that know their communities best. Their experience, insight and commitment help us better understand local needs and ensure we are working together to improve outcomes for residents.
I would like to thank Voluntary Action Swindon for organising the event and everyone who took the time to share their experiences, challenges and ideas. By continuing to work in partnership, we can help create healthier, more active and more connected communities across the Borough.
Cabinet Member's View
Councillor Vinay Manro, Swindon Borough Council's Cabinet Member for Adults and Health, said:
So many of our voluntary and community organisations are already making a real difference by helping people stay healthy, active and independent.
Whether supporting young people to take part in sport and physical activity, helping residents manage their health and wellbeing, or providing vital support for older people and unpaid carers, these organisations are at the heart of our communities.
The discussions we had today reinforced how important it is that we continue to strengthen these partnerships and work together to prevent ill health and support people to live well for longer.
