Launch of new community and voluntary sector magazine

Want to know more about the thriving voluntary and community sector in Brighton & Hove? Spoke is a new magazine that has been launched to help the hundreds of community groups, charities and other third sector organisations[1] in the Brighton and Hove area. It includes stories about the work of local charities as well as a wealth of information to help them with their work in the community. This includes advice about training, health and safety, useful web pages and funding information.

Thea Allison, Chair of Spoke's Editorial Board, said:

"There are over a thousand charities and community groups in Brighton and Hove who will benefit enormously from having a regular magazine, tailored exactly to their needs.

"Spoke highlights news stories, examines policy documents, and offers a range of practical help and support. It also provides a fantastic opportunity for people to share their own stories and experiences in an arena which is sensitive to their needs and understands the often very difficult or complex messages they need to give".

Although Spoke is a brand new magazine, it has been created by a coalition of local charities and third sector organisations that have provided support to groups in the city for many years. They have pooled their efforts to provide a single magazine that covers a wide range of issues and have been supported by the council's Voluntary Sector Unit, who have also been involved and contributed funds to the project.

Ms Allison continued:

"By working together we can save our limited funds, whilst producing a high quality magazine in larger quantities. We can reach more people without duplicating our efforts. It is a very good example of the benefits that partnership working can bring".

The first issue of Spoke includes news on a new health and safety scheme, a feature on Woodingdean Youth Centre and ‘Spoke's Guide to Health and Safety'.

It is free of charge and will be posted to voluntary groups and charities. It can also be obtained by contacting the Community and Voluntary Sector Forum on (01273) 234000.

NOTES

1. Spoke has been produced by a partnership of groups that support local voluntary and community organisations, including Brighton and Hove Business Community Partnership, The Community and Voluntary Sector Forum, The Federation of Disabled People, SCIP, The Working Together Project and the Council's Voluntary Sector Unit.

2. Spoke magazine is a sister publication of the Support for Groups website (www.supportforgroups.org.uk) and has been developed under ChangeUp programme.

[1] Third sector organisations include charities, voluntary groups, community groups and social enterprises.