A new report which reveals the huge importance of the voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise sector to Trafford was published today

A new report which reveals the huge importance of the voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise sector to Trafford was published today
The ‘State of the Sector’ report, written by the University of Salford, shows how the VCFSE sector is of major importance to the everyday lives of residents across Trafford and also highlights the challenges ahead.

The survey was launched across Greater Manchester during the Covid-19 pandemic and a series of focus groups were conducted alongside the online survey. The report analyses the significant social and economic contribution the VCFSE sector makes in Trafford and reveals that:

  • There are an estimated 1,622 voluntary organisations, community groups and social enterprises making a difference in Trafford
  • 71% of the these are micro-organisations such as Friends of Park Groups and community groups supporting people who may feel socially isolated
  • Over 34,062 volunteers support the VCFSE sector in Trafford, amounting to 170,310 volunteering hours per week
  • The VCFSE contributes an estimated £139 million to Trafford’s economy

Chris Hart, Managing Director at Thrive Trafford, said:
“Never has the importance of the VCFSE sector in Trafford been more evident than during the pandemic, where the sector has shown great leadership, stepping up quickly to respond to the needs of vulnerable residents in the Borough by working collaboratively. The State of the Sector Report provides useful intelligence about the challenges and opportunities being experienced by the VCFSE sector and the research will be built into future strategy developments in Trafford”

Graham Whitham, Executive Member for Communities and Partnerships at Trafford Council, said:
“This ‘State of the Sector’ report provides a useful insight into the breadth of work being delivered by the VCFSE sector in Trafford and the challenges the sector is currently facing. The findings will enable those public services, organisations and businesses with resources to respond accordingly to ensure the VCFSE sector is both sustainable and valued”

Visit www.traffordpartnership.org to read the State of the Sector report.

The 2020 State of the Sector research was led by Salford CVS, on behalf of 10GM alongside GMCVO. The partnership included Greater Manchester local infrastructure services and local authorities including Trafford Council, working alongside The University of Salford. 65 VCSE organisations in Trafford responded to the survey which was promoted locally through Thrive Trafford and the Trafford State of the Sector report summarises the findings.

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