Voluntary Groups East Sutherland

www.vges.org.uk/

East Sutherland has a population of approximately 10,000, and voluntary sector activity is relatively high. It is a sparsely populated area within the Highland Council local authority. It has small, scattered townships none of which has a population greater than 2000. There are no large towns or centres in Sutherland. Unemployment rates are higher than the Highland average, and in line with the national trend, the population of Sutherland is getting older, and outward migration is increasing. However, crime rates are very low and the scenic beauty of the area and its wealth of natural and cultural heritage makes it an attractive place to live. In a recent survey of people who left Sutherland over the past 20 years, over 75% wanted to return if suitable jobs were available. There is still a great sense of community in East Sutherland.

· Voluntary Groups – East Sutherland was formed in 1973. It has grown from a part-time worker, who worked from her kitchen table, to an organisation with a full-time organiser, and a dedicated building for voluntary sector activity.

· Its main core funding comes from the Scottish Executive through the Voluntary Issues Unit, plus some funding through the Highland Council.

· It is a company limited by guarantee with a board of directors elected from the membership at the AGM. Each director may serve for up to three years and is eligible for re-election after that period.

· The company also includes under its umbrella the East Sutherland Village Advice Service and the East Sutherland Community Care Forum.

· It is recognised as a Scottish Charity - SC001528.

· Its role is to support the voluntary sector in East Sutherland through practical and advisory services which include:

Representation

Dissemination of information

Surveys of need

Training

Initiating new activities and services

Networking and working in partnership with other agencies

Advice on good practice for management and employment in the voluntary sector

Provision of advice on sources of funding, fund raising, constitutions, charitable status

Support to emerging new groups

Office support and services

Facilitating the East Sutherland Community Care Forum

Postal Address
Voluntary Groups East Sutherland
Alba
Main Street

Main Street

Golspie


Golspie
Sutherland
KW10 6TG

Contact
Ann Keating

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