Over sixty leaders, staff and volunteers from local charities, voluntary and community groups came together last Friday for the annual conference, Watford Together. 

W3RT CVS, an independent Watford based charity that provides advice, information, help and support to local charities, voluntary and community groups hosted the event and invited leaders from local charities to share their experiences on how they have successfully overcome the challenges many face with changes within the voluntary sector.

The morning session of the conference, which was held at Holywell Community Centre was themed ‘Movers and Shakers: A need to adapt to the changing landscape’ and delegates heard from leaders of four local charities, Playskill, Signpost, Peace Hospice Care and Small Acts of Kindness.

Bob Jones, Chief Executive Officer of Watford & Three Rivers Trust and Sue Lowe from the Cabinet Office also spoke about the changes and the government’s approach to a civil society.

Debbie Bezalel, Director of CVS for Watford & Three Rivers Trust “We were delighted to welcome such a wide range of local voluntary sector organisations to the conference, it’s a unique opportunity for so many local charities, voluntary and community groups to meet to talk about what matters most to their organisation and the people and families that access their services.  It was an inspiring, thought provoking day and a great reminder of what a vibrant and caring community we have here in Watford”. 

She continued to say “as a result of the current government agenda and the Big Society, there are many changes and new challenges that charities, community and voluntary groups have not faced before, particularly around funding and commissioning, so we wanted to give them an oversight and give them an opportunity to hear from experts, share ideas and explore ways they can adapt”.

Keynote Speakers

Andrea Clarke, Director of Playskill

Playskill a local Watford based charity that runs a group for pre-school children with special physical needs.

William Allen, Director of Signpost

Signpost offers free and confidential counselling to all 11-25 year olds in Watford, Three Rivers, Hertsmere and surrounding areas. 

Declan Caroll, CEO of Peace Hospice Care

Peace Hospice Care provides a day service, inpatient care, hospice at home and supportive care to people with life limiting illnesses and their families through bereavement support.

Lynne Misner, CEO and Founder of Small Acts of Kindness

A social enterprise delivering gifts to older people in Watford, Three Rivers, Hertsmere and surrounding areas.

Bob Jones, CEO of Watford & Three Rivers Trust

W3RT began in 1974 as "Watford Council for Voluntary Service".  W3RT CVS are funded by Watford Borough Council to provide advice, information, help and support to local charities, voluntary and community groups and work with the Council, other agencies, schools and businesses.

Watford & Three Rivers Trust also provides a number of services for older and vulnerable people who live in Watford & Three Rivers.

For immediate release 7 December 2015

Watford & Three Rivers Trust 

For further information on how we can help charities, community and volntary groups in Watford, please contact Debbie Bezalel on debbiebezalel@w3rt.org

To find out more about W3RT and it's services visit www.w3rt.org