What are we working on?

Spark Somerset is the main infrastructure organisation in the county providing support to the VCFSE sector. We worked with Spark to produce a suite of linked reports based on data from an online survey, one-to-one interviews, group discussions and a comprehensive desk-based review. The main State of the Sector report highlights the need for financial stability, strategic planning and strong relationships with the public sector to support a thriving resilient VCFSE. Alongside the full report, we also wrote a review of the national picture, as well as an opinion piece which tackles the key question: collaboration between the VCFSE and public sector in Somerset: challenge or opportunity? Together, our reports provide an important snapshot of the issues facing the voluntary sector. These include the cost of living crisis, demand, volunteer recruitment, working in partnership and funding. We also celebrated the many achievements of VCFSE organisations, large and small, in Somerset.

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Read the reports here. 

Would your organisation benefit from similar insights? To find out more about what we do and our discretionary rates for voluntary sector organisations, get in touch here.

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As academics, we also publish research papers on the topics close to our hearts. Our recent publications include:

1. Esmene, S., Leyshon, M. & Leyshon, C. Ethnic Minority Inclusion in Well-Being Research: Beyond Widening Participation. Int. Journal of Com. WB (2024). Read this paper here.

2. Esmene S, Leyshon M, DeBraal P, DeBruin H, Leyshon C (2024). ‘Where’ is the evidence? a starting point for the development of place-based research reviews and their implications for wellbeing-related policymaking. The Geographical Journal. Abstract.

3. Mittal R, Rowse E, Leyshon M, Leyshon C (2023). Improving health and wellbeing through social prescribing. British Journal of Hospital Medicine, 84(7), 1-4. Read this paper here.

4. Williams AJ, Menneer T, Sidana M, Walker T, Maguire K, Mueller M, Paterson C, Leyshon M, Leyshon C, Seymour E, et al (2021). Fostering Engagement with Health and Housing Innovation: Development of Participant Personas in a Social Housing Cohort. JMIR Public Health and Surveillance, 7(2), e25037-e25037. Abstract.

5. Leyshon M, Leyshon C, Walker T, Fish R (2021). More than sweat equity: Young people as volunteers in conservation work. Journal of Rural Studies, 81, 78-88. Abstract.

6. Colebrooke L, Leyshon C, Leyshon M, Walker T (2021). ‘We’re on the edge’: Cultures of care and Universal Credit. Social & Cultural Geography, 24(1), 86-103. Abstract.

7. Esmene DS, Leyshon PC, Leyshon DM (2020). Beyond adherence to social prescriptions: How places, social acquaintances and stories help walking group members to thrive. Health & Place, 64, 102394-102394. Abstract.

8. Walker T, Menneer T, Leyshon C, Leyshon M, Williams AJ, Mueller M, Taylor T (2020). Determinants of Volunteering Within a Social Housing Community. VOLUNTAS: International Journal of Voluntary and Nonprofit Organizations, 33(1), 188-200. Abstract.

9. Walker T, Esmene S, Colebrooke L, Leyshon C, Leyshon M (2020). Digital possibilities and social mission in the voluntary sector: the case of a community transport organisation in the UK. Voluntary Sector Review, 11(1), 59-77. Abstract.

10. Williams AJ, Menneer T, Sidana M, Walker T, Maguire K, Mueller M, Paterson C, Leyshon M, Leyshon C, Seymour E, et al (2020). Fostering Engagement with Health and Housing Innovation: Development of Participant Personas in a Social Housing Cohort (Preprint). Abstract.