For Voluntary and Community Sector Organisations
Sobus acts as the Council for Voluntary Service (CVS) for the voluntary and community sector
in Hammersmith & Fulham.
We provide support, information and advice to local voluntary and community sector (VCS)
groups to help them establish and thrive, act as a conduit of communication with and between
the local VCS, represent the VCS in local strategic forums, and advocate for the voice and value
of the VCS community.
The support we provide is tailored to each individual organisation – from help to set up and
establish a new organisation, to developing your services, fundraising, staff, trustee and
volunteer training, connecting with other groups and organisations, and much more. We offer
free advice and support for any VCS organisation based in Hammersmith & Fulham. We also
offer support on a paid-for consultancy basis to organisations outside of the borough.
Capacity Building & Organisational Development
Sobus provides a monthly funding bulletin, plus training and 1-2-1 support to local groups
around:
✔ Fundraising – helping organisations with funding strategies, improving their grant
application skills and funding applications
✔ Governance: helping groups ensure their organisations are run well and are robust and
sustainable, including training and advice for Trustees
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✔ Strategic development: supporting you to develop your organisation and services to
respond to local priorities and emerging needs
✔ Monitoring and evaluation: supporting groups to be able to evidence the difference they
make.
Signposting and Connecting
Sobus manages a database of local community and voluntary groups, and uses this to communicate with local groups, and to signpost people to local services and organisations. We also support the development of H&;F Community Compass, an online signposting tool. https://hfcompass.org/
Communication
We produce regular news bulletins for the local VCS, and a monthly newsletter about the local VCS to raise its profile with local statutory services, funders and decision makers. We also have a local events calendar, disseminate information and to invite and encourage groups to get involved in local opportunities. Information about local organisations from the database is available on request, where consent for sharing information has been provided.
Collaboration, Cooperation & Partnerships
Sobus facilitates cooperation and collaboration between organisations to develop effective service proposals which respond to local needs, challenges and priorities in a joined up and cost effective way.
Training
Sobus offers a range of training and resources for the local VCS, focussing on micro and newly formed groups with training tailored to their individual needs. Our training is developed and delivered collaboratively with other VCS organisations who are experts in their field.
Voice & Representation
Supporting the engagement and involvement of local organisations to ensure the views and voice of the sector are heard. At times Sobus represents the sector, but primarily seeks to support the direct participation and involvement of local groups. Sobus supports a number of local forums, providing opportunities for organisations to come together around areas of mutual interest.
Networks and Forums
Sobus supported forums bring together organisations around particular themes and areas of work. These give groups the opportunity to come together on specific subjects, network and collaborate with other organisations, and get the latest updates and information from partners.
Information & Data
Sobus provides organisations with access to a range of information and data sources, including borough profile and JSNA, and collates data from local organisations to contribute to local service development and decision making processes.
Affordable Premises
Sobus provides affordable serviced offices and meeting rooms at our hubs. Our Dawes Road Hub in Fulham offers meeting rooms for 2-50 people, and flexible office space and business services. Our Dawes Road Hub prioritises local 3rd sector organisations, with reduced rates for our desk use and room hire. Find out more here: (here our our Our Hubs link)
Coproduction Support
A project to support and facilitate coproduction opportunities with a focus on health inequalities.