We are delighted to share with you the dates for our next Third Sector Forums.

This survey is being undertaken by Voluntary Action North Lanarkshire (VANL) and Voluntary Action South Lanarkshire (VASLAN) to capture information from Lanarkshire’s community and voluntary sector (CVS) to identify their support needs in relation to managing COVID-19 risks and encouraging their employees, volunteers and service users to undergo regular testing for Covid-19.

The findings from the survey will assist VANL and VASLAN in providing information, guidance and support on COVID-19 health and safety issues to the CVS.

South Lanarkshire Integrated Joint Board are entering in the consultation phase of the 3rd Strategic Commissioning Plan 2022 – 2025 and would like to hear your views on how this next phase should be structured.

Evaluation Support Scotland carried out a review which aimed to better understand the role of Third Sector Interfaces during the Covid-19 pandemic. The review was funded by Scottish Government and prepared in partnership between Third Sector Interfaces and Evaluation Support Scotland. The review included a desk review, case studies of six TSI areas, and independent interviews with local partners. The review identified the types of activities undertaken by TSIs during Covid-19, the effectiveness of different approaches, and lessons for the future of TSIs.

At the beginning of 2021 VASLan experienced a vast amount of change in the wake of COVID-19. We welcomed our new CEO (Steven Sweeney), relocated to new premises (128 Almada Street, Hamilton) and now we are delighted to share with you our new branding.

As we move through this exciting period of change, we want to ensure that our brand represents our strategy and the future of VASLan.

South Lanarkshire Health and Social Care Partnership recently approved 2 years’ worth of funding totalling £1.26m to 12 South Lanarkshire based third sector organisations. 

This funding will go some way to strengthening and developing community-based services in South Lanarkshire to deliver person-centred support, reduce social isolation, improve and maintain mental health and well-being and promote independence. 

VASLan are pleased to announce Nominations for 2021 are Now Open 

Voluntary Action South Lanarkshire's Third Sector Awards will return this October and will recognise the very best work undertaken by South Lanarkshire's volunteers, charities, community groups and social enterprises. 

2021 marks the 37th year of Volunteers’ Week (1-7 June), when VASLan will join thousands of charities and voluntary organisations recognising the contribution volunteers make across the UK and thanking them for all they do.

This year at VASan we’re going to be Cheering for Volunteering this Volunteers’ Week and we hope you will join us!

This has been a really difficult year for everyone and we know more than anyone how volunteers have done some amazing things and deserve all our appreciation. We’re still restricted as to what we can do so we really hope you’ll want to help us out with our Cheering for Volunteering plans!

We have two new vacancies as part of the Youth Guarantee Provision. 

This provision works with with unemployed young people aged 18 -24 who face barriers to Employment. These barriers include:

• Lack of confidence
• Lack of qualifications and work skills
• Mental and/or physical health issues
• History of substance misuse
• Experience of homelessness

Applications close on 28th May.