Being actively involved in the Third Sector Network allows us to work with a range of forums and organisations to collectively influence key areas of community life in East Lothian.
Provide a safe space for information sharing and discussion
Promote networking between third sector organisations
Help identify key challenges and issues faced by the sector
Promote the sharing of learning and best practice from both local and national level
Allow the third sector to influence the development of strategy and policy at local level
Give direct access to third sector organisations for consultation and engagement
Build capacity through training
Encourage and promote collaborative working
East Lothian has a vibrant, growing range of organisations seeking to improve outcomes for children, young people and families.
VCEL has been working closely with partners around Children, Young People and Families (CYPF) since 2020. Our role is to connect, develop and enable community groups and organisations with an interest in improving CYPF outcomes in East Lothian to be involved in local decision making.
We’re actively engaged in the National Third Sector GIRFEC (Getting It Right For Every Child) project. This is a partnership between Children in Scotland and the Coalition of Care and Support Providers in Scotland (CPPS) whose aim is to support local and regional third sector organisations to navigate the challenges and opportunities within children’s services to deliver improved outcomes.
We get to work with our partners through the strategic Children, Young People and Families Forum - the purpose of which is to:
- Analyse and improve outcomes for children, young people and families
- Represent the third sector as widely and fully as possible
- Work with community planning and commissioning partners
- Provide strong, representative engagement with the strategic planning of CYPF services
- Identify needs and gaps in the sector and find solutions
- Empower service users, communities and the the third sector as a whole
- Share relevant information, training and news
DATE TO BE ANNOUNCED
VCEL provides operational and facilitation services for the forum, currently chaired by Dave Evans.
Bridges Project
Aberlour
Can-Do
CAPS
Circle
Cyrenians
First Step
GWT
Homestart
LAYC
North Berwick Youth Project
Safe Families
Midlothian Surestart
Pennypit
Venturing Out CIC
Volunteering Matters
MYPAS
Haddington CAB
Safe Families
Musselburgh CAB
ELSN Playscheme
Safe Families
Families Outside
Children 1st
Recharge
East Lothian Play Association
Dunbar ASN Community
Random Monster Tables CIC
VCEL
East Lothian has a growing network of organisations working to ensure everyone has access to affordable, nutritious and culturally appropriate food.
The East Lothian Friendly Food Network (ELFFN) brings together community groups, third sector organisations, and partners who are committed to reducing food insecurity and improving local food systems.
Volunteer Centre East Lothian (VCEL) facilitates the ELFFN, helping to:
- Connect organisations working in food provision and food insecurity
- Support collaboration and shared learning
- Enable the third sector to influence local decision-making
- Strengthen the voice of communities experiencing food poverty
The network is currently chaired by Maureen Allan (Interim Chair).
Through ELFFN, we work with partners to:
- Improve access to healthy and affordable food across East Lothian
- Share information, resources and best practice
- Support coordinated responses to food insecurity
- Build stronger connections between community groups and services
The ELFFN provides a space for organisations to come together and:
- Analyse and improve outcomes relating to food insecurity
- Represent the third sector as widely and inclusively as possible
- Work alongside community planning partners and stakeholders
- Support strategic planning and delivery of food-related services
- Identify gaps and emerging needs, and develop solutions
- Empower communities and people with lived experience
- Share relevant news, training and opportunities
The network works closely with local and national partners to align with wider strategies around:
- Poverty reduction
- Public health and wellbeing
- Community resilience
- Sustainable food systems
We welcome organisations and groups involved in:
- Foodbanks and emergency food provision
- Community food projects and pantries
- Health, wellbeing and nutrition initiatives
- Community development and poverty support
To find out more or to get involved, please contact VCEL.
East Lothian has a growing and innovative community of social enterprises working to deliver social, environmental and economic impact.
The East Lothian Social Enterprise Network (ELSEN) brings together social enterprises, aspiring entrepreneurs, and support organisations to help strengthen and grow the sector locally.
Volunteer Centre East Lothian (VCEL) facilitates the ELSEN, providing coordination and support to:
- Connect social enterprises across East Lothian
- Support collaboration and shared learning
- Provide advice and guidance to new and existing social entrepreneurs
- Enable the sector to engage with local opportunities and influence
Through ELSEN, we:
- Offer networking and development opportunities
- Provide advice and practical support to social enterprises
- Signpost organisations to specialist support and funding opportunities
- Deliver and coordinate events, meetings and workshops
- Strengthen connections between social enterprises and key partners
The network provides a space for organisations and individuals to come together to:
- Support the growth of social enterprise in East Lothian
- Share knowledge, experience and best practice
- Identify needs, challenges and opportunities within the sector
- Encourage innovation and collaboration
- Contribute to local economic and community development
- Share relevant news, training and funding opportunities
ELSEN works in partnership with a range of local and national organisations to support the sector, including:
- Academic institutions
- Local authority initiatives
- Business and enterprise support services
- National social enterprise organisations
This ensures that social enterprises in East Lothian are connected to both local opportunities and national support frameworks.
We welcome:
- Established social enterprises
- New and emerging social entrepreneurs
- Community groups exploring social enterprise models
- Organisations interested in supporting the sector
To find out more or get involved, please contact VCEL.
With no formal membership, the Third Sector Forum offers a general platform for addressing any matters involving or affecting voluntary organisations, community groups and social enterprises. These open and inclusive forums can be themed or involve guest speakers and are purposefully flexible in content and focus so as not to limit areas of discussion.
