About Us
What is the CVS?
The Council for Voluntary Service Central Lancashire is a registered charity, established in 1934 as an umbrella organisation for local voluntary and community groups.
We became CVS Central Lancashire in July 2011. Prior to this we were called Preston CVS.
We provide support, training, development services, information and representation on behalf of the voluntary sector in Preston, Chorley and South Ribble.
Our aims include:
Providing services and support to other voluntary organisations in Preston, Chorley and South Ribble.
Providing opportunities which enable a closer working together within the voluntary sector and with statutory authorities.
Providing a channel through which other organisations may make representations on matters that concern the community.
Developing new ideas, strategies and organisations.
Forming strategic partnerships with statutory and other organisations in order to participate in decision making processes.
Providing a service to individuals who wish to volunteer and support for voluntary and community organisations and other agencies who seek to recruit volunteers.
The team…
A board of trustees, elected officers and representatives of statutory bodies form the executive committee.
Staff at CVS Central Lancashire include:
Joan Burrows - Chief Officer
Simon Fowler - Administrative Officer
Ian Ferguson - Grants/Project Officer
Mark Waddington - Volunteer Coordinator and Public Relations Officer
Stella Swift - Domestic Worker
We also have a number of volunteers assisting the staff, and we are very grateful for their support. Thank you to Remploy Primeforce, Age Concern, Lancashire Youth Training and HMP Kirkham for providing us these work placements.
A Brief History…
The first CVS was created at the end of the 19th century, and in 1945 The National Association of Councils for Voluntary Service (NACVS) was formed, creating a network of CVS’s. CVS Central Lancashire is one of the 240+ local CVS’s who form this network.
Preston CVS was first established in 1934 during the depression, with the aim of alleviating some of the needs of the population by harnessing the goodwill in ‘social services’.
During its 75 years of establishment, the CVS has achieved a number of successes, nurturing new projects and supporting and representing many groups.
Membership Details
We now have over 180 members, including charities and voluntary and community groups. Annual membership to the CVS costs £10.00. For further details, please contact Joan Burrows on 01772 251108. Should you have any queries on the services we offer, or suggestions for new services you would like us to provide, then we will be happy to hear from you.