‘Philanthropic Facebook’ to catalyse charity support

Cornwall is facing one of its greatest challenges with rising homelessness, food poverty and post-pandemic rebuilding. Cornwall Voluntary Sector Forum is the charity that supports charities, develops a rapid response to mobilise support.

The pandemic highlighted the fantastic work of voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations. Their talents, experience and timely support ensured that no-one in Cornwall went hungry, lonely or without support in our communities during this crisis.

Cornwall Voluntary Sector Forum (VSF) listened to its members wants/needs. They wanted a space to access and share resources and information immediately. The low-tech version of this existed when leaders from voluntary organisations would resolve crises by making phone calls to one another to mobilise support. An example of this in action happened at Cornwall VSF’s strategic alliance meeting this week. A sector leader was looking for an immediate provision for a family living in a Travelodge. Rather than wait for a fortnightly meeting to bring a crisis plan up, the enhanced platform offers immediate collaboration. This digital transformation will liberate the full potential of the sector, blazing a hi-tech trail. Like a philanthropic Facebook, charity leaders can come together in groups to access and share resources. In seconds, they can get their heads together to solve problems for people in crisis.

CEO Helen Boardman said, “We know that crises happen at any time of day or night. Cornwall VSF is right at the heart of an army of helpers and support. Never has it been more necessary to respond to this call to arms and enable a rapid response. Charity leaders can join our platform and fulfil our common purpose of getting timely support to those who need it the most.”

The enhanced website was funded by Cornwall Community Foundation and built on the Made Open platform. Integrated within it are ‘Teams’, which align with Cornwall VSF’s alliances. Charity leaders are encouraged to join these thematic alliances, to work together and improve provision and response.

CEO of Made Open, Robert Woolfe said, “I’m a great believer that people succeed best when they succeed together, as do organisations. So, it’s been a privilege to work with Cornwall VSF whose collaborative approach is central to creating a thriving and effective voluntary sector. This new website is a fast and easy way for VSF members to make connections, access resources and work together based on the things that matter to them.” 

Charity leaders are encouraged to sign up to the new platform, currently completely free of charge and be a part of the VCSE digital revolution in Cornwall. Visit vsf.madeopen.co.uk