New funding strengthens Rutland's voluntary sector

Rutland County Council is pleased to announce that Citizen’s Advice Rutland (CAR), have been awarded a one year contract to provide sector support to the Voluntary and Charitable Sector (VCS) in Rutland.

The £40,000 contract covers 12 months from 1 April 2025. It is funded jointly by RCC Public Health and the Integrated Care Board and will be contract-managed by the council. CAR will provide support to enable VCS partners to contribute to improved outcomes for the sector and the wider community.

With the additional support and funding, people in Rutland can expect more from voluntary organisations, which will now be better equipped to provide practical assistance and activities that promote health and wellbeing. 

A strong support system for the sector will also enable communities to establish their own voluntary organisations where needed. They will receive guidance on developing support services, as well as training and managing volunteers to effectively deliver them.

Citizens Advice Rutland (CAR) will continue to map available services and promote volunteering opportunities through the Volunteer plus website. Their work will help identify communities with unmet needs, ensuring that support is directed where it is most needed. By clearly communicating the voluntary sector’s offerings, those in need can be more easily matched with organisations that can provide the right assistance.

As well as this, Rutland’s Voluntary and Charitable Sector will bring a range of benefits to the community, including:

• Residents, community groups and informal networks will be able to do more in, with and for their communities.
• More of Rutland’s residents, of all ages, will be encouraged and enabled to volunteer, help themselves and others.
• The VCS will play a positive role in the health and wellbeing agenda.
• CAR will help the sector to identify and draw in additional resources and funding to strengthen and enhance Rutland’s services and community support networks.
• Partnership working and pathways will be improved across services, leading to more accessible, flexible, and robust services.

“This is great news for Rutland’s voluntary and community sector. It means that local organisations will be better equipped to provide important services, support health and wellbeing, and create more opportunities for residents to get involved. By investing in volunteering and local initiatives, we’re building a stronger, more connected Rutland for everyone.

Councillor Christine Wise, Cabinet Member for Transport, Environment and Communities at Rutland County Council

"We are delighted to continue our support for the voluntary sector through sustained funding and the dedicated work of our Community Development Officer. This investment ensures that local organisations have access to the guidance, resources and support they need to grow, thrive, and to make a lasting impact in our community."

Chief Executive of Citizen’s Advice Rutland, Emma Jefferson