Newham VCFSE Infrastructure Support Programme

New support programme launched for Newham’s Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise (VCFSE) sector aims to bring in £400,000 in external investment for Newham’s VCFSE organisations.

Newham’s VCFSE sector will be able to access important resources, training and assistance as part of a new infrastructure support programme funded by Newham Council and delivered by One Newham and Aston-Mansfield. The programme will contribute to bringing in at least £400,000 in external investment for Newham’s VCFSE organisations.

Launched at a VCFSE networking event on the 3rd June, the Newham VCFSE Infrastructure Support Programme looks to strengthen the borough’s VCFSE ecosystem – building the sector’s capacity, boosting productivity, and supporting long-term sustainability.

Newham’s VCFSE sector, which includes over 1200 organisations, is one of the most vibrant and diverse in London, encompassing a wide range of organisations, from well-established charities and social enterprises to small grassroots and volunteer-led initiatives. These organisations are trusted by communities and critical to delivering inclusive, culturally competent and place-based support.

The two-year programme will cultivate a stable, confident and resourceful VCFSE sector through a diverse support offer, including organisation health checks, training and advice, funder engagement events, local network support and through NewHub.uk – a single gateway for support, funding and resources, co-designed to help organisations start, grow and connect.

www.newhub.uk - helping community organisations start, grow, and connect

The support is completely free and open to:

  • voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise organisations
  • organisations based in Newham or delivering services for Newham residents
  • small, emerging or established organisations

The programme will be delivered by:

One Newham

One Newham are a network of voluntary, community and faith groups that are rooted in local communities and work to improve the lives of people in Newham.

Aston-Mansfield

Aston-Mansfield are a Newham charity whose community development & capacity building work supports small charities, community groups & non-profit organisations with training, resources, small grants & more.

The launch was announced at a VCFSE networking event which saw organisations from across the borough come together at Community Links in Canning Town, for an afternoon of networking, to hear from the new Mayor, Forhad Hussain, and to learn more about how the new support programme can benefit them.

“The hard work and dedication of local, grassroots organisations really is the lifeblood of Newham, and I delighted that the council is funding this new support that will help these organisations do what they do best.  

Our VCFSE sector is one of the most diverse in London and giving them the support to grow and thrive will benefit every single person in our borough. I look forward to seeing how this support delivered from our partners will have a real impact on our communities.”

Forhad Hussain (Mayor of Newham)

“Newham’s strength lies in its communities and the voluntary sector plays a vital role in supporting residents, tackling inequalities and building local pride. One Newham, along with Aston-Mansfield & partners, is committed to continue supporting organisations of all sizes to access the tools, guidance and networks they need. The NewHub is an exciting step forward, bringing everything together in one place to make it easier for groups to connect, share, and grow their impact.”

Joy-Caron Canter (Network Coordinator – One Newham)

“At Aston-Mansfield, we are proud to be part of a programme that strengthens the voice, resilience, and impact of the VCFSE sector. This initiative reflects the vital role that community-led organisations play in supporting local people, tackling inequalities, and creating opportunities for long-term change. We look forward to working in partnership to ensure the programme delivers meaningful and lasting benefit for the communities we serve.”

Diane Betts (Chief Executive – Aston-Mansfield)

To access this support or to find out more, organisations can get in touch with: