For many years, PPNs have heard and witnessed the growing pressures on the community and voluntary sector. The network has consistently advocated on behalf of the sector, but success has been limited – in part due to a lack of solid evidence with regard to the direct impact of these challenges on the operation of community organisations. Under the Power to Change initiative, Sligo PPN have partnered with Atlantic Technological University to undertake a piece of research to form a solid evidence base on the key challenges facing the sector and what this means to grass roots community activity and volunteering.
This survey aims to collect the evidence needed to highlight and stress to Government the challenges faced by community groups. It also aims to demonstrate that additional and better coordinated supports are needed for groups to operate successfully and thrive. More and more is being asked of the community sector, including taking a leading role on climate action. What support does the community sector need to make this workable?