Welcome to the Wigtown Council for Voluntary Service (WCVS) web site!

WCVS exists to support individuals and voluntary groups and organisations in the Wigtownshire area. WCVS offers many services including funding advice, group/ organisation development, administration services and the use of a state of the art colour photocopier.

Mission Statement
WCVS exists to represent and support the voluntary sector, to assist organisations in coming together for common purpose, and to enable local people to gain access to decision making processes which affect their community.

WCVS aims to present the common policies and concerns of voluntary organisations, to develop new ways of responding to need in partnership with statutory and other health, social work, housing, employment, environmental and recreational agencies and any other concerned with the socio-economic regeneration of the area.

Objectives
WCVS's main objectives are:-

a) To develop the voluntary and community sector by:

1. helping to establish new organisations to meet local needs
2. assisting existing organisations to develop their effectiveness
3. providing access to support and funding
4. developing mechanisms to enable local organisations to share good practice
5. developing mechanisms to encourage innovative practice
6. providing assistance with marketing and event organisation

b) To facilitate voluntary sector involvement by:

1. gathering and disseminating information on issues that affect the communities of the area
2. assisting groups to develop informed views
3. liaising with and developing partnerships between local agencies and the voluntary sector
4. developing and sustaining mechanisms whereby local organisations can express their views and be heard at local, regional and national level.

c) To support voluntary sector organisations by:

1. developing local networks and encouraging links between local organisations
2. improving access to opportunity for marginalised and disadvantaged groups
3. providing and facilitating training opportunities for the local voluntary sector including staff, management committees and volunteers.