Strengthening Community Infrastructure in East Surrey: How VASE Supports Emerging Groups through partnerships

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Collaboration I Engagement I Empowerment 

A Lunchtime Learning Webinar for emerging groups delivered in partnership with Growing Health Together, brought together a wide range of community organisations from across East Surrey. The session, led by Samantha Aung Thin Voluntary Action Surrey East (VASE) CEO, provided a structured and informative overview of the support available to new and developing community groups, with a particular focus on governance, safeguarding, funding, and operational resilience.

This event demonstrated the increasing importance of coordinated support for grassroots organisations, many of which play a vital role in addressing local health and wellbeing needs.

Connecting Community Leaders to Improve Local Health Outcomes

Gillian Orrow, GP and Director of Growing Health Together, opened the session by outlining the programme’s mission to strengthen links between GP practices and community health creators. Representatives from Hawley, Merstham, Reigate, Redhill, and Tandridge contributed insights into their current activities, challenges, and emerging needs.

Common themes included:

• Difficulty recruiting and retaining volunteers
• Limited access to sustainable funding
• Uncertainty around safeguarding responsibilities
• The need for clearer organisational structures
• A desire to expand services safely and effectively

These challenges reflect the broader landscape for small community groups—many of which are driven by committed volunteers but lack the infrastructure required to grow. VASE’s role is to bridge that gap.

How VASE Supports Emerging Community Groups and Charities

The session was an opportunity to provide practical guidance and highlighted the comprehensive support available to organisations at all stages of development.

1. Strengthening Governance and Operational Safety

VASE outlined the core components of running a safe and effective community group, including:

• Defining organisational purpose
• Establishing clear roles and responsibilities
• Managing finances appropriately
• Maintaining transparent communication channels
• Appointing a safeguarding lead
• Conducting risk assessments for activities

To support this work, VASE is distributing a resource pack containing templates, checklists, and safeguarding guidance.

 

2. Supporting Groups to Formalise and Access Funding

Many emerging groups are unsure how to progress from informal activity to a more structured organisation. VASE clarified that:

• Unconstituted groups can access small pots of funding
• VASE can act as a fiscal host while groups develop
• Local funding is available for core costs
• Growing Health Together offers up to £4,000 annually for projects promoting health equity

This support enables groups to build stability and plan for long-term impact.

3. Enhancing Volunteer Recruitment and Engagement

Volunteer recruitment remains a significant challenge across the sector. VASE offered:

• Support with advertising volunteer roles
• Templates for role descriptions
• Access to VASE’s volunteer recruitment platforms

4. Simplifying Safeguarding and DBS Processes

Safeguarding responsibilities can be daunting for small organisations. VASE is providing:

• Safeguarding training videos
• DBS guidance and resources
• One-to-one and group support sessions
• Clear processes for identifying and reporting concerns

This ensures groups can operate safely and confidently.

5. Facilitating Corporate and Community Partnerships

The session also explored opportunities for Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) partnerships. VASE is actively identifying:

• Local businesses willing to support printing and promotional needs
• Organisations offering CSR volunteering
• Potential long-term partnerships for community groups

These connections can provide valuable practical support beyond traditional funding.

Building a Stronger, More Connected Community Sector

The webinar highlighted the collective commitment of local organisations to improving health and wellbeing across East Surrey. It also reinforced the essential role of VASE in supporting emerging groups through:

• Governance and compliance
• Funding readiness
• Volunteer recruitment
• Safeguarding and risk management
• Partnership development

By providing structured guidance and practical tools, VASE helps community groups build the foundations they need to operate safely, sustainably, and with confidence.