Introducing the Voluntary and Community Sector Hub: A dedicated workspace for Wandsworth’s VCS

Wandsworth’s voluntary and community organisations play an important role in supporting residents, whether through food banks, youth support, community projects, or services for vulnerable residents.  However, many operate on limited budgets, with little access to dedicated office space.  

Recognising this, the council has opened up Wandsworth Town Hall to provide a new and flexible workspace, designed specifically for the Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS). 

On Tuesday 11 March, local organisations were invited to see the new Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) Hub for the first time, where it was officially opened by Council Leader Simon Hogg and Kemi Akinola, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Business, Voluntary Sector, and Culture. The Hub is an exciting and collaborative workspace which has been supported through a grant funded by the UK Government.  

Why this matters 

The VCS Hub is more than just office space, it’s part of a wider commitment to supporting the voluntary sector and strengthening its role in the borough. We aim to: 

• Ensure community organisations have a stronger voice in local decision-making. 
• Provide practical support to help organisations grow and collaborate. 
• Recognise and strengthen the essential work of local voluntary groups. 

About the VCS Hub 

Located in Wandsworth Town Hall, the hub offers: 

• 24 workstations – bookable office space for local organisations. 
• Three meeting rooms – for planning sessions, training, or strategic discussions. 
• A collaborative workspace – designed to bring organisations together, share ideas, and build stronger networks. 

The hub is free to use for the first three months and provides flexible working, allowing organisations to book desks and meeting rooms to suit their needs. By opening up council space, Wandsworth is ensuring local voluntary groups have the resources they need to focus on delivering vital services for residents. 

This hub opening follows the launch of the new Voluntary Sector Strategy, developed in partnership with the sector, which sets out a commitment to working together to strengthen community impact and ensure organisations have the tools they need to thrive. 

At the VCS Network Partnership meeting, where the strategy was launched, over 80 community leaders gathered to hear from Deputy Leader Kemi Akinola about how the council is working in partnership with the sector to deliver real change for residents. 

Kemi said:   

“The VCS Hub is going to be an exciting opportunity for organisations to collaborate and network as well as giving them their own space to thrive. We want to support grassroots organisations who do so much for our local community, and we are delighted to welcome them to the Town Hall. Their work is so valuable and needs a place to grow from.

"The open days are a chance for those who may want to use it to get a feel for the space and we look forward to welcoming them. We are delighted to launch the new Voluntary Sector Strategy at the same time as the Hub, which I hope will show our communities that we are here to support them to thrive.” 

Find out more about the Voluntary Sector Strategy and how we are working together to strengthen community impact

If you would like to know more about the new VCS Hub, come along to one of the open days:    

•  Thursday 20 March 2025, 11am – 1pm    
• Tuesday 1 April 2025, 2pm – 4pm   

Get tickets to an open day.

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