Hello everyone,
Welcome back to our series aimed at informing everyone about what Dorset VCSA are doing to strengthen and support our sector. In our first installment, we explored the importance of communication. Today, I want to shine a spotlight on Engagement — a vital pillar that connects us all, fosters collaboration, and underpins the resilience of our VCSE sector here in Dorset.
💡 Why Engagement Matters 💡
Engagement isn’t just about participation; it’s about building meaningful relationships, sharing knowledge, and creating opportunities for collective impact. Through active involvement—whether via virtual platforms or face-to-face events—we strengthen our network, build trust, and ensure our sector’s voice is heard in shaping local health, social care, and community initiatives.
Our Involvement in Dorset’s Engagement Activities
Dorset VCSAs are deeply involved in a range of engagement activities, working in partnership with local authorities, NHS bodies, and other stakeholders. We often co-host, co-deliver, and support events that bring sector voices into the heart of decision-making. More details about our ongoing engagement efforts can be found here: Dorset VCSA Engagement.
Some of our recent and upcoming activities include:
- Co-hosting and delivering webinars as part of our Inside the System Virtual Exchange Series, helping to deepen understanding of Dorset’s health and social care landscape. Find out more about our second virtual exchange series starting in September here.
- Supporting face-to-face events such as the Dorset Stakeholder Conversation on Social Connection and the ‘Transforming Health and Care’ partnership event, where we facilitate meaningful dialogue between community groups, local authorities, and health providers.
- Working in partnership with key organisations to create platforms for collaboration, ensuring the VCSE sector’s voice influences local service development and policy.
👥 Upcoming Engagement Opportunities 👥
While virtual engagement allows us to reach many, face-to-face meetings remain essential for building trust and sharing stories. We’re pleased to host two upcoming events at the Dorford Centre, Dorchester:
- Dorset Stakeholder Conversation on ‘Social Connection’ – Wednesday 17th September (10:00-13:00)
Join us to explore ways to strengthen social bonds across our county. This event brings together community leaders, local organisations, and residents to share ideas and foster collaboration to combat social isolation.
To find out more and book your place, click here.
- Transforming Health and Care Together’ Wednesday 8th October (10:00-13:00)
Building on our April gathering, this event offers an opportunity to reconnect, share updates, and develop new partnership initiatives to improve health and social care in Dorset.
To find out more and book your place, click here.
✨ The Power of Engagement ✨
Engagement is at the heart of a thriving VCSE sector. It enables us to share information, pool resources, and amplify our collective voice—ensuring that community needs are at the forefront of local health and social care planning. Whether through webinars or face-to-face meetings, each opportunity to connect strengthens our sector’s resilience and impact.
I encourage everyone to get involved in these upcoming events and initiatives. Your participation helps unlock new opportunities, fosters innovation, and keeps our sector vital and responsive to our communities’ needs.
Looking forward to seeing many of you at these events soon!
Together, let’s continue building a more connected, collaborative, and impactful voluntary sector in Dorset.
For more information or to get involved, contact me at: adam.martel@dorsetvcsa.co.uk
And don’t forget—stay connected on social media by liking and following our pages on Facebook and LinkedIn.
Warm regards,
Adam