NDVA works to build up mutual understanding between the health and social care focused voluntary sector and the statutory sector. It also aims to give the voluntary sector a stronger voice in its dealings with health and social care services. It does this by:

• Holding a regular Health and Social Care Forum where relevant topics are explored;
• Providing briefings on relevant new policy issues from national and local agencies;
• Distributing a quarterly newsletter;
• Supporting voluntary sector involvement in formal consultations;
• Representing the voluntary sector in a range of partnership meetings with health and social care agencies;
• Distributing a number of different grants on behalf of the PCT and County Council to support health and social care focussed voluntary organisations

NDVA also supports a specific mental health project whose role is:

• to develop a platform for voluntary agencies delivering mental health services to come together to discuss matters of common interest and influence strategic planning in mental health;
• to represent voluntary sector mental health providers on the Derbyshire Mental Health Strategic Commissioning Group and other key planning groups;
• to ensure voluntary sector representation on other joint agency planning groups and review bodies;
• to train and support other voluntary sector representatives.

Types of Services:

• Voluntary Sector Health and Social Care Forum and Mental Health Forum
• Network Newsletter
• Grant allocation for small organisations
• Distribution of a small fund to cover service user involvement in planning and commissioning
• Grant distribution to BME organisations
• Advice and guidance on setting up new organisations
• Links to other sources of advice and assistance

2.5 FTE paid staff.  61 members.  449 organisations as contacts.