Representation & Partnership Work

One of the strategic aims of Mid Beds CVS is represent the views of the voluntary and community sector in Mid Bedfordshire.

Mid Beds CVS also works in partnership with other voluntary groups, statutory authorities and local businesses, with the ultimate aim of improving the quality of life for everyone.

Below are some of the forums where Mid Beds CVS represents the voluntary sector and works in partnership on behalf of the local voluntary sector:

Mid Beds Local Strategic Partnership - is a single body which brings together the key organisations from the Voluntary, Statutory and Business Sectors that can improve the social, environmental and economic well-being of its community. By working together, resources can be better used, duplication minimised and the aspirations, needs and priorities of the community better met. You can have your input into this partnership via Mid Beds CVS, so let us know your views.

Mid Beds Healthy Living Initiative (HLI) - is a New Opportunities Fund (NOF) and Children's Fund project, which aims to promote good health in its broadest sense and to help people of all ages improve their well being and get the most out of life. In undertaking this, the Mid Beds HLI will be working in partnership with seven organisations from the voluntary and statutory sector (namely Alcohol Services for the Community, Arlesey Toy Library, Christian Family Care, Bedfordshire Heartlands Primary Care Trust, Mid Beds Citizens Advice Bureau, Mid Beds District Council and Spurgeons Child Care. Mid Beds CVS is currently a member of the Healthy Living Initiatives Steering Group.

The Bedfordshire and Luton Compact - is a working document aimed at developing a close, efficient and more effective equal working partnership between local voluntary and community organisations and statutory agencies? Mid Beds CVS is a member of the steering group and should be your first port of call for more information or details of how you can become a signatory or if your group is in conflict with a local authority.

Tell Us Harassment Group – coordinates the Tell Us Campaign which is a local campaign aimed at encouraging people to report incidents of all kinds of harassment. Incidents can be reported to the local authorities, the police and community groups. Mid Beds CVS is a member of the Tell Us Steering Group.

Tackling Poverty Together Group - is an informal multi-agency group focused on tackling poverty together through information exchange, group support, advice and joint action (e.g. conference & research) on poverty. Mid Beds CVS is a member of the steering group of this forum.

Bedford Advice Forum - promotes the provision and quality of advice services in Mid and North Bedfordshire. Membership of the forum is open to organisations that provide advice is those areas. Mid Beds CVS provides advice throughout the district and so is a member of this forum.