As well as supporting the development of new voluntary organisations in Watford and Three Rivers, W3RT CVS provides support to existing voluntary organisation supporting our communities on a range of areas. One organisation that W3RT CVS have worked closely with over the last 12 months is Citizens Advice Watford who are one of the key frontline services tackling the cost-of-living crisis in Watford.

It was a successful event and we have already expanded our team as a result of the event.

Unsurprisingly, support around volunteering has been one of the ways that W3RT CVS has supported Citizens Advice Watford over the last 12 months. Volunteers make up the majority of the roles within the organisations.  As well as providing advice and support to local residents, volunteers also support with reception duties, administration as well as acting as trustees for the organisation.

Therefore, when W3RT CVS held its annual Volunteers’ Fair in June 2023, Citizens Advice were one of the first organisations to sign up to attend. With over 250 people in attendance, Citizens Advice Watford were able to recruit new volunteers to support their services. After the event, Emma Burgham, Chief Officer at Citizens Advice Watford said ‘We want to say a big thank you to Alex Murray and W3RT CVS for organising the Volunteers' Fair in Watford Atria on Saturday 3rd June, during national Volunteers' Week. It was a successful event and we have already expanded our team as a result of the event.’

This funding will allow us to continue to support some of the most vulnerable households in Watford

With both the ongoing Cost of Living crisis and the long term impact of the Covid19 pandemic, funding is one of the areas of support that W3RT CVS has provided Citizens Advice over the last 12 months. This support has come from funding directly from the W3RT Community Funds (funding pots managed by W3RT CVS) as well as signposting Citizens Advice to other funding opportunities that might support their existing or new projects.

In the last 12 months, Citizens Advice Watford applied for and received a total of £5,000 from the Watford Community Fund and the Household Support Fund to allow them to purchase Household Support Fund vouchers which will be provided to local residents in Watford. On receipt of the funding, Emma said ‘This is wonderful news. Thank you so much, we will be glad to support some of the most vulnerable households in Watford directly with this funding.’

Working in partnership with W3RT CVS has allowed us to reach out further into our community

W3RT CVS believes in the power of partnership working and how different organisations can work together to ensure that communities are supported. With the Cost of Living crisis impacting all quarters of our community, W3RT CVS has worked with Citizens Advice Watford to ensure that all members of the community know about the organisation and how they can access support.

W3RT CVS shared Citizens Advice Watford’s Cost of Living survey, ensuring it reached different organisations.. In addition, W3RT CVS then made specific introductions to organisations representing or supporting specific communities who may be underrepresented in the communities that Citizens Advice support.

On this support, Emma thanked W3RT CVS for the support and said ‘W3RT CVS’ support has been vital in ensuring that all parts of the community in Watford are aware of our services and how we can help them. From sharing leaflets to specific introductions, working in partnership with W3RT CVS has allowed us to reach out further into our community, ensuring more people can access our services and get the support they need.’

With the cost of living continuing to impact the community, we expect to continue to support Citizens Advice Watford over the next 12 months to ensure they can reach out to everyone in the town who needs their help. To find out more about Citizens Advice Watford, you can visit their website by clicking here.

W3RT CVS provides a range of free support to voluntary and community organisation in the Watford and Three Rivers area thanks to funding from Watford Borough Council and Three Rivers District Council. You can find out more about our services by clicking here and if you or your organisation would like support, get in touch by emailing [email protected].