MORE than 25 voluntary sector and statutory organisation set up stalls in Uttlesford District Council s council chamber to showcase the community services they offer. The Uttlesford Voluntary Sector Marketplace event gave members of the public the opportu

MORE than 25 voluntary sector and statutory organisation set up stalls in Uttlesford District Council's council chamber to showcase the community services they offer.

The Uttlesford Voluntary Sector Marketplace event gave members of the public the opportunity to browse stands and displays from a wide range of community groups.

These ranged from organisations such as the Stroke Association and the Alzheimer's Society through to more general interest groups including the Volunteer Centre and environmental group Walden in Transition.

The successful exhibition was organised by the Council for Voluntary Services Uttlesford (CVSU) and Uttlesford Futures, the district's Local Strategic Partnership.

The CVSU is an umbrella organisation providing support and advice for voluntary groups. Uttlesford Futures brings together organisations including Essex County and Uttlesford District councils, the emergency services and the local primary care trust.

As well as being the largest district in Essex, Uttlesford is also very rural. Uttlesford Futures and the CVSU recognise that this can make accessing services difficult for some, so were keen to put on this event to highlight to people support services available where they live.

The district council's Community Partnerships Manager, Gaynor Bradley, said: "We were very pleased with the success of the event: we had a great response from all of the groups and from everyone who dropped in to see what was on offer.

"Many of these organisations are in need of additional volunteers to enable them to continue and expand their work - hopefully today will have helped generate some interest in that respect as well"

Chief officer for the CVSU, Sue Sumner, said: "We were very pleased with the attendance at this event. The voluntary sector is facing a very difficult time over the next few years with many groups facing serious financial problems.

"It is important that the community recognises the valuable work the sector does throughout Uttlesford.

"We'd like to thank all of the groups who attended for making the day such a success, and we look forward to welcoming them all back for the next voluntary services event.