Councils for Voluntary Service

What are they?

A Council for Voluntary Service (CVS) is a voluntary organisation which is set up to promote and develop local voluntary and community action. They are owned and run by local groups.

CVSs support their members by providing them with a range of services and by acting as a voice for the local voluntary and community sector.

There is a CVS working in almost every district and city – 58 in Scotland. Individual CVSs differ in character and size and they also differ in name. In Scottish Borders there are two CVSs.

They are:

• Berwickshire Association for Voluntary Service (BAVS)
• The Bridge
  

BAVS works in Berwickshire as its name suggests and The Bridge has area offices in Galashiels, Jedburgh and Peebles. The Bridge also has a head office in Galashiels and has a big role in making sure the voice of the voluntary sector is heard in policy making.

What can your CVS do for you?

• Do you have an idea for setting up a local group?
• Are you planning a project that will benefit your community?
• Could you do with some funding information or help with your grant application?
• Would you like help with your constitution?
• Are you seeking charitable status?
• Are you trying to develop as an organisation?
• Would you like help managing your accounts?
• Do you want to know where your group fits into the bigger picture?

If your answer is YES to any of these questions, then your CVS can help you!

All of the local CVS offer the following services:

• Information library
• Advice and information on starting and running a voluntary organisation including fundraising and writing constitutions
• Administrative services
• Quarterly newsletters
• Links to SCVO and other national voluntary organisations
• Equipment loan
• Public access computers
• Project development support
• Office accommodation for voluntary organisations
• Support for village halls
• Representation of the interests of the voluntary sector on a range of partnerships and networks
• Training events

Some offer extra services too so please contact your local CVS if you would like more information.