About Us
Community First's aim is to strengthen the role, capacity and influence of voluntary organisations and community groups in Herefordshire and Worcestershire. We are an independent registered charity with around 350 members and a client-base of many voluntary and community organisations across the two counties.
Community First began life in 1975, when the two separate Community Councils in Herefordshire and Worcestershire joined forces. From very small beginnings we have developed to become an organisation with over 40 staff and a wide range of networks, relationships, projects and services.
Our aims are to:
-
Build the capacity of voluntary and community organisations to manage and grow in a sustainable way
-
Improve the quality and scope of services delivered by the voluntary and community sector
-
Build stronger, more inclusive communities, that provide a good quality of life for everyone
-
Raise the profile, value and resources of the sector and represent its interests in wider policy and strategic frameworks
-
Advance the governance, management and operations of the organisation, as a model of best practice
Our principles and values reflect:
-
a belief in equality of opportunity;
-
a commitment to overcoming disadvantage, exclusion, rural and social isolation;
-
the importance of active citizenship and collective action to address need and influence decision-making; and
-
the critical contribution of voluntary and community organisations to building and sustaining healthy communities.
Our services:
In addition to providing the services and information listed under Advice and Information, we take an active part in a wide range of partnerships and networks representing and bringing together the voluntary and community sectors. As part of this role we commission research, raise awareness and standards for good practice and work with policy makers to address the needs of the voluntary sector and influence policy. More information on policy and partnerships.
Community First is funded from a wide range of sources. Our thanks go to all our funders and partners for their continued support for our work.