‘There is nowhere else I’d rather be’ says new Mid Sussex Voluntary Action CEO

Its new chief executive is Lauren Lloyd, who lives in Cuckfield and grew up in Ansty and Cuckfield.

She said: “It really is the most idyllic place to live – an independent state with our own fabulous mayor, close to Brighton and with London in easy reach.

“We’re a few hours from France and the world is at our feet being so near Gatwick.

“There is nowhere else I’d rather be.”

This passion for the area, and the people who live here, is serving her well in her new role.

MSVA is based in Burgess Hill and covers all of Mid Sussex, and aims to help other local charities and voluntary groups grow and thrive.

With more than 400 charity and voluntary group members in Mid Sussex, Lauren is kept busy with ensuring they are up to date with vital information like the latest charity legislation and volunteering best practice.

She also makes sure, along with her small team, that members are supported to know how to fundraise effectively and recruit volunteers as needed.

She said: “I started my new role in February, and within weeks the outbreak of Covid-19 came along.

“It was a baptism of fire and all of a sudden, the organisation had to pivot and adapt to being able to support the voluntary sector in Mid Sussex in a completely different way.

“This involved working closely with Mid Sussex District Council and West Sussex County Council on the Covid-19 emergency response, and has led to closer working relationships with the Town Councils and Sussex Police, who have been very helpful in advising volunteers what is allowed during lockdown.

“Many MSVA member charities have had to step up to meet an increase in need, like foodbanks, charities supporting older people and those with mental health needs, and Citizens Advice Bureaux.

“However, a great many have not been able to continue to operate as they provided a face-to-face service and/or their volunteers were all shielding.

“We’ve tried to support all our members, no matter how Covid-19 has affected them, and we’re keen to ensure no charity or voluntary group folds due to the pandemic.”

Early on in the pandemic, MSVA became aware of the many community-led groups self-organising in communities across Mid Sussex.

Lauren said: “The appearance of so many Mutual Aid and neighbourly groups (including in Cuckfield and Bolnore) across the District was humbling.

“Communities realised that people would need support in this new situation, and quickly set up volunteer rotas to ensure those who were self-isolating could access food, shopping and prescriptions.

“MSVA was able to give guidance on how groups could do this in a safe way, protecting the volunteers and those they were helping.”

MSVA also acts as a volunteer centre, so anyone looking for a volunteer role in Mid Sussex can find available roles on the organisation’s website (www.msva.org.uk).

During the pandemic, MSVA experienced a significant increase in people looking to volunteer.

Lauren said: “It’s been a challenge finding roles for everyone during the past 14 weeks. Mid Sussex residents have been keen to help others, but many of our member groups have had to temporarily cease operating and so aren’t currently in need of additional volunteers.”

“Once they reopen, there’ll be a significant need for new volunteers as many existing ones are still shielding and unable to go out. I’d definitely encourage residents to think about getting involved with a local charity.”