To continue work to bring the voluntary and health and social care sectors across Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin in closer alignment, and to provide the VCSE with a sector-wide voice, the first in a series of Breakfast Network Meetings took place recently, hosted by Voluntary and Community Sector Engagement and Partnership Lead, Marianne Grant.  

The event, which was held at Meeting Point House in Telford, was an opportunity for representatives from across both sectors to come together and begin to create important connections, elevate understanding of key pieces of work happening across the Integrated Care System and to enable wider reach and insight.   

Presenting to attendees were two health colleagues who each discussed their work in relation to partnership with the voluntary sector. Juliet Doman, Workforce Health and Wellbeing Manager, presented on the health and wellbeing offer for people working in health and care across the ICS and how colleagues could sign up and access support. 

Emily Marston, Project Officer, Transformation and System Commissioning, presented on the Diabetes Transformation Programme and how new ways of working can be found by working in partnership with system colleagues to raise awareness of diabetes with key groups and to reach those who will be most affected within the county.   

There was also an opportunity before and after the presentations to network with attendees, understand a little more about each other’s work, and swap contact details with colleagues from a range of voluntary sector organisations. All with the help of a good cup of coffee and some breakfast pastries.  

Speaking about the event, Marianne commented: “It was fantastic to have such strong representation in the room for our first event and to have the backing of organisations from the offset – it just shows there is a real need for this work.  

“I was really pleased to see everyone come along (despite the bad weather) and to take full advantage of the opportunity. We know that since the pandemic it has been harder to bring people together like this, so it was wonderful to see people coming together and chatting animatedly about their work. I am really looking forward to the next event and hope to continue to build momentum for the sessions.”   

To join the next VCS Breakfast Network Meeting, or to talk about your work with key voluntary sector groups, please contact Marianne Grant at: marianne.grant@stwvcse.org.   

The next event takes place on Tuesday 19 September, between 9 - 10:30am and will be held at The Lantern, Shrewsbury. Please see more details below or to book, click here:  

VCS Breakfast Network Meeting Tickets, Tue, Sep 19, 2023 at 9:00 AM | Eventbrite 

We hope to see you there!