With Watford being the most diverse borough of Hertfordshire and recently classified as a ‘rainbow town’, it is unsurprising that we work with a wide range of community groups supporting people from those diverse communities.  

An example of this work was our recent support of Ghana United Watford C.I.C, a newly formed CIC who have been supporting the Ghanaian community in Watford for the last few years. We were introduced to representatives from the Ghanaian community through one of the local councillors in Watford who explained to us that they needed support to become an incorporated organisation and which of the options was most suitable for them.  

As a result and following this introduction, we met with the community to understand what they were doing in the community, their future plans and some of the challenges they faced. In meeting with them, we also outlined the two options they had in becoming an incorporated organization, namely: 

1. A Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) i.e. a charity 
2. A Community Interest Company (CIC) 

Through additional follow up meetings, Ghana United came to the decision that becoming a CIC would be the right choice for them at this stage and as a result, we supported them in drafting the various documents and application forms needed to apply to become a CIC. Despite an initial request for additional information, confirmation of their CIC was sent through last month meaning that as an incorporated organisation, Ghana United Watford are now in a more sustainable position to continue their support of the Ghanaian community across Watford.  

Wisdom Dogbevi, director of Ghana United Watford CIC, thanks W3RT CVS for their support and said that ‘their advice and guidance over the last few months has been vital as Ghana United Watford became a CIC. Knowing that Alex at W3RT CVS was able to meet with us multiple times and to answer any questions we had has allowed us to be in the best possible position to continue to support our community.” He added that ‘we would encourage anyone looking for guidance and support in setting up a community organisation to have a conversation with W3RT CVS”.  

W3RT CVS provides a range of free support to voluntary and community organisations 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]. For more information about Ghana United Watford CIC, you can visit their Facebook page by clicking here or by emailing [email protected]