What is the Congress? Committed organisations - Small, Medium and Large Charities in Suffolk Working together to respond to changes in the policy arena in which Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) operate. With a commitment to partnership working, best value, utilization of skills and knowledge, increasing social return on investment and much more…..

Suffolk individual VCS Organisations (Suffolk Residents) Suffolk Congress, representation from VCS groups (Suffolk Residents) Consultative and information gathering organisations Health & Wellbeing Group Health and Wellbeing Board Procurement and commissioning bodies 2 Way RELATIONSHIPS

 The emerging prominence of Clinical Care Groups in local strategic commissioning– and the need for a greater awareness of organisations delivering care, rehabilitation and support services in communities. including the  Increase care in the community and the pressure that places on families including Young Carers and Young adult Carers.  The growing importance of “The Big Society” as an impetus for activity understanding the needs, avoid duplication and community intelligence.  The reform of public services including the outsourcing of these services to, amongst others, the VCS and commercial companies – what is best value?  Changes in consultative structures through which the public sector gathers evidence, develops policy and practice. A greater requirement to engage with individuals and groups. Key changes include:

The Suffolk Congress has established a Health and Wellbeing Group to identify, develop and lead the implementation of a voluntary and community sector strategic approach to Health & Wellbeing issues in the County To share intelligence, influence services, gather information on trends, health inequalities, needs and outcomes from the Suffolk residents we come into contact with. The Congress Health and Wellbeing Subgroup

 To facilitate and promote joint working between the VCS and the statutory, public, acute, primary care and business sector.  To act as a consultative forum and identify and raise issues of concern and promote good practice with all funding and commissioning bodies.  To assist all sectors in developing a strategy for working with the Voluntary and Community Sector and develop partnerships.  To act as a source of information and assist communication both within the VCS and with external bodies  To advocate and campaign on behalf of the Voluntary and Community Sector using information provided by the wider Congress. Group Objectives

How can we help? Assist in shaping practice from the experience of our clients/families/relatives/patients. Responding to need with regard to our services – a partnership approach Being that sounding board. Sharing community intelligence Being subject focused in our input – when required. Working together for the people of Suffolk to reduce health inequalities.

Jacqui Martin (Facilitator Chair)Suffolk Family Carers Mick Smith HAVO David Dawson Workwise Sue Gray Suffolk MIND Valerie Beresford Workwise Paul Baker Age UK Suffolk Martyn Burnside The Community Forum, Waveney Dawn Henry Suffolk Young People’s Health Project Administrative support from Infrastructure organisation Other members are engaged in relation to the subject, need and joint working opportunities i.e. Suffolk Foundation. Core Members:

Anything Else?