10:29am Sunday 25th July 2010
As the government cuts start affecting Oxfordshire’s 4,000 charities and community groups, Oxfordshire Community and Voluntary Action’s (OCVA) award-winning support services will be critical to their survival.
Last month, OCVA hosted an open evening to celebrate gaining the NAVCA Quality Award.
The award is open to local charities like OCVA that work behind the scenes to ensure that local voluntary organisations and community groups get the support they need.
To gain this award, OCVA had to demonstrate that its support makes a real difference to charities and community groups.
OCVA provides free funding and development advice, and can help groups adapt to meet the new challenges ahead. Low-cost training is on offer for charity staff, volunteers and committee members, while OCVA’s volunteer centre can help groups find volunteers.
As a membership organisation with 430 members, OCVA also acts as the voice of the local voluntary sector and speaks out on how charities are affected by government decisions.
The award was presented to David Young, Chair of Trustees of OCVA, by Felicity Dick, Deputy Lieutenant, on behalf of OCVA’s President Tim Stevenson OBE, Lord Lieutenant of Oxfordshire.
Mr Young said: “We know charities and community groups in the county are bracing themselves for a difficult time with the budget cuts, but this award demonstrates how OCVA can help in even very difficult circumstances.”
Kevin Curley, chief executive of NAVCA, said: “We are delighted to announce that OCVA has obtained the NAVCA Quality Award. OCVA has demonstrated that it delivers high-quality services to the voluntary and community sector in Oxfordshire.
“By working towards and gaining the award, OCVA has underlined its commitment to making a difference for local people.”
To find out more about the award, the event or OCVA and its services please contact John Gardiner, communications and marketing officer on 01865 251946, email john.gardiner.@ovca.org.uk or visit www.oxnet.org.uk
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