This is a representing body for the voluntary and community sector in the Bracknell Forest Borough enabling groups to share experiences and raise issues.

• All voluntary and community groups can attend
• Representation by elected members on to key statutory bodies
• A network of communication to enable more effective two-way talking within the Forum

Aims of the Forum

• To promote good communication, development and support of the voluntary and community sector throughout Bracknell Forest Borough.

• To promote dialogue and good relationships between Bracknell Forest's voluntary   and community sector (VCS) and its public bodies and to encourage effective consultation.

• To ensure that the VCS's interests are heard, by developing mechanisms to enable the VCS to be both proactive and reactive with regard to policy changes, media interest and so on.

• To provide a means for local voluntary and community groups to be represented on various committees relevant to their specific focus.

If you would like to know more and/or are interested in representing your group on the Forum, please contact Chris Cowap on 01344 383520 or e-mail chris.cowap@bfva.org

Disability Focus Group

Bracknell Forest Voluntary Sector Forum was set up as a voice and representing body for the voluntary and community sector, promoting and encouraging good consultation and dialogue and ensuring that VCS interests are heard and taken into account in the delivery of local services. Through thematic focus groups the Forum wants to establish elected representation with a robust two way communication process

The subject of disability is very diverse covering many different areas. Representation on key strategic bodies is patchy and not truly representational of the whole sector. Having a focus group devoted to all aspects of disability would enable voluntary and community groups and their members to have an established channel of communication and a platform for representation onto the key decision making bodies which determine the delivery of services that affect them, thereby promoting equality for all

On 10 March, the VSF held a successful meeting to explore these issues with a view to creating a Disability Focus Group to develop a comprehensive network linking all voluntary and community groups dealing with all forms of disability, to provide developmental support, information, consultation and a platform for elected representation onto key strategic bodies.

If you would like further information or want to become involved please contact Chris Cowap on 01344 304404 or email chris.cowap@bfva.org