Engage is the Voluntary Sector Development Agency for West Somerset.
Our aim is to develop a vibrant, effective and influential voluntary and community sector in West Somerset. We do this by: operating a local Volunteer Centre; co-ordinating the West Somerset Voluntary Sector Forum; providing advice on setting up and running charities; offering advice on funding sources and applications; and operating a furniture re-use service, particularly for low-income individuals/families.
Why the community needs usWest Somerset is a predominantly rural area with a high proportion of elderly residents and with a relatively low level of average household income. As such it suffers from areas of rural deprivation, social isolation and cases of individual poverty. Engage's range of activities are designed to address directly these issues as well as providing a central forum for volunteer and commmunity groups to share their experiences, identify opportunties for joint working and act as a common voice.
Our impact on the communityIn a typical year, Engage: provides advice to around 50 charitable groups on a range of topics including governance, charitable status, sources of funding and specific support on funding applications; handles over 200 expressions of interest from local residents in volunteering opportunities; and recycles over 1,000 items of donated furniture, with most being bought by low income households at discounted prices.
Engage relies upon volunteers to play a major role in delivering our services, in particular for our furniture re-use project - helping out on our furniture van or in our furniture showroom. We also run the West Somerset Volunteer Centre, providing a free match-making service between individuals interested in volunteering and local groups seeking volunteers. Contact us on 01643 707123.
