The South West's diverse voluntary and community sector (VCS) has a big role to play in supporting a sustainable region. Voluntary organisations are at the heart of communities. Whether the main focus is basic needs & well-being, skills & jobs, inclusion & advocacy, 'the arts' or the environment - VCS organisations are usually seeking to improve the quality of life for the most disadvantaged.
A long term, global approach to social justice and quality of life is what sustainability is all about. By supporting sustainable communities in the round - defined by the Shaper as "healthy, socially just, productive and living within environmental limits" - the sector has a real opportunity to increase its contribution. This does not mean that every voluntary agency should try to deliver all aspects of sustainable development on its own. But an integrated approach - which aims for joined up social, environmental and economic solutions - will help voluntary sector organisations to work in harmony. Ultimately this will bring more benefits to people in the South West...and beyond.
Before browsing our resources (right) - here's some quick 'sustainability wins' that all voluntary and community sector organisations can benefit from:
- improving your resource and energy efficiency (including boosting budgets by finding ways to share resources)
- developing local, 'green' and ethical purchasing practices (to support local economies and social and environmental justice)
- promoting green travel/access to support cleaner air, cuts in greenhouse gas emissions and healthy lifestyles
- supporting community well-being, resilience and cohesion by engaging all groups in the challenge of sustainable communities (for eg through reskilling programmes to support the local economy or 'grow your own food' schemes)
