Supporting our voluntary and community sector

The Communities and Participation team work hard to support our voluntary and community sector in Waltham Forest. There are various ways that local organisations can access this support.  

Come along to our monthly network meetings 

Each month the team hosts network meetings which are open to any community or voluntary sector organisation in Waltham Forest and provide an opportunity for community groups to network, share ideas and plan partnership working. The meetings alternate between online and in person. 

If you would like to find out about future meeting dates, please get in touch.

connectingcommunities@walthamforest.gov.uk

Waltham Forest VCS Funding Portal  

We have invested in a new portal to give the Waltham Forest VCS direct access to all the latest local and national funding opportunities. 

For information on hundreds of funding streams, register at the address below to:

• Create a bespoke search suited to your organisation. 
• Setup weekly email notifications.
• Create reports. 
• Read funding news and updates.

Take a look at our Online Community Noticeboard  

Each month we feature new community activities and events, as well as new funding and training opportunities for our voluntary and community sector.  

Be a part of our Community Database

Our community database aims to get a full picture of all voluntary and community sector organisations in Waltham Forest – to enable us to understand the work you do to support residents, promote the fantastic activities you have on offer and ensure you remain up to date with support on offer.  

If you represent a voluntary and community sector organisation and would like to speak to the team, please get in touch.

connectingcommunities@walthamforest.gov.uk

Get support in recruiting volunteers  

Volunteers are currently supporting community groups with one-off events, service delivery and much more. Community groups can register on our volunteering partner website to access training and support to create and promote volunteering opportunities. 

Take a look at facilities on offer  

Find out about spaces available in local community centres, what each facility offers and how you can book.  

Training opportunities for community organisations  

We have committed to offering training to build capacity within our voluntary and community sectors and will be offering training opportunities throughout the next year.  

Useful resources for accessing funding  

Find out about useful statistics about our residents in Waltham Forest, including census information, health inequalities information and more.  

• See statistics about Waltham Forest
• A local benchmarking tool for local government
• Office of National Statistics
• NCVO
• The Charity Commission
• Big Lottery fund
• Community ward funding