Achievements celebrated and ideas shared

25/10/2019

GVA’s AGM & the Community Voice Forum

On 22 October, 72 people (representing 45 organisations) attended Gosport Voluntary Action’s Annual General Meeting at the Gosport United Reformed Church. After an extremely successful year steering the organisation, Ian Reeves was unanimously re-elected as Chair. Three new trustees were elected – John Jeffs, Julia Golding and Suzanne Pepper.

Ian Reeves, Chair, said:

“Its a privilege to be re-elected as Chair for GVA; an organisation that remains single-minded in its commitment to helping the residents of Gosport.  We look forward to continuing to assist our members and taking action ourselves to achieve improved outcomes for disadvantaged residents in the Borough.”

Download Annual Report here

Download AGM and Community Voice presentations combined here

Download Community Voice Resource Pack here

Download GVA’s Annual Accounts here

Download GVA’s AGM Minutes here

The AGM was combined with Gosport’s annual Community Voice Forum, which brings together local representatives from voluntary, community and statutory organisations to address various topics. This year marked the 15^th anniversary of the Forum and the theme was The Power of Partnerships.

Mandy Bright, GVA’s Community Engagement Manager, gave an informative presentation about what makes a good partner. Belinda Dickins, Community Reporter from The News, gave her very helpful tips on influencing using the media and GVA’s Emma Kemp, shared practical advice and guidance on using social media effectively.

Updates from several local charities were delivered in the form of ‘Community News Bites’, short interviews with representatives from Privett’s Pavilion, Live Well with COPD, Gosport Open Doors, Close Encounters and The Leg Club.

GVA were delighted to host keynote speaker, Caroline Aeschliman, Operations Manager at the Kings Arms, a charity supporting young people in the Petersfield area. The organisation work with an impressive twelve partners to deliver support across Hampshire to young carers. Caroline gave an inspirational presentation and her top tips delivered with props, will surely be remembered by all!

Feedback for the event has been overwhelmingly positive, with attendees giving an average rating of 96% for content and 98% for the day meeting expectations. Comments were made such as “very interesting and informative as ever” and “extremely useful and informative.”

Many thanks to all who contributed, including the Worshipful, The Mayor of Gosport, Cllr Kathy Jones, the team of volunteers who did a fantastic job on the day and to our partner, Gosport Borough Council, who provided funding for the event.