VCSE Engagement
Ways to Connect
There are many ways to connect with the Aspire Team and, through us, with the wider North Northamptonshire VCSE sector. We are here to support collaboration, strengthen partnerships, and build meaningful connections.
Below are some of the key groups you can join to learn more and get involved. For further details or to express your interest, please contact us.
VCSE Engagement Group
Join our monthly Teams meetings for regular updates and support about anything and everything of interest to the VCSE sector. We meet on the second Thursday of every month.
The purpose of these meetings is accountability and transparency for the sector. We come together to share impact, update on opportunities and share challenges and common goals.
Upcoming Forum Dates:
11th February, 10am
WELLINGBOROUGH, RUSHDEN & SURROUNDS
Wellingborough Museum
12th February, 1pm
EAST NORTHANTS
Aldwincle Village Hall
23rd February, 10am
KETTERING & SURROUNDS
Kettering Business Exchange
26th February, 10am
CORBY & SURROUNDS
Priors Hall Park Community Centre
Steering Group
At Aspire we have ensured that we are steered by a group of independent VCSE and statutory body representatives to keep us doing the best we can for the groups we serve. The group meets 4 times per year.
Those involved:
Phil Arkle
North Northants Citizen’s Advice (CANN)
Cathy Armstrong
NNSE Network / The Business Exchange
Sarah Hayle
Community Law Service
Gemma Johnston-Smith
Children & Young People Northamptonshire (CYPN)
Amarjit Pawar
Right Resolution CIC
John Perry
Accommodation Concern
Annabel Pickering
C2C Social Action
Sheila White
East Northants PPG Association (ENPA)
Kerry Purnell
North Northants Council (NNC)
Hazel Webb
North Northants Council (NNC)
Adam Smith
Northamptonshire Healthcare Foundation Trust (NHFT)
Shirley Plenderleith
North Northants Council Public Health
Anjona Roy
Northamptonshire Black Communities Together (NBCT)
Sue Pepper
Mental Health Northants Collaboration (MHNC)
Buy Local, Buy Social
Aspire NN champions the Buy Local, Buy Social initiative, a movement that encourages individuals, businesses, and public sector organisations to purchase goods, services, and hire facilities from local social enterprises, community groups, and charities across North Northamptonshire. Aspire NN supports local VCSE organisations to feature in the directory, helping them reach new customers and connect with large buyers who want to source locally and responsibly.
Through the Buy Social Buy Local Directory operated by North Northants Social Enterprise Network (NNSE), it is easy to find and support organisations that reinvest their profits back into the community, creating real social value. Every pound spent with these enterprises helps strengthen our local economy, generate employment, tackle environmental challenges, and improve wellbeing across our towns and villages.
Buy Social Buy Local Directory
Find the perfect partner for your needs
Extra Support
If you need extra support you could book some time with one of our local Co-Managers.
To find out when they are next available and to book an appointment use thier contact details here.
Louise Armitt
Co-Manager Wellingborough & East Northants
Including: Rushden, Finedon, Irthlingborough, Irchester, Earls Barton, Bozeat, Wollaston, Thrapston & villages, Oundle & villages
Working Hours:
Mon-Fri 9am – 3pm
lou.armitt@aspirenn.org.uk
07802 433771
Amy McAfee
Co-Manager Kettering & Corby
Including: Desborough, Rothwell, Barton Seagrave, Burton Latimer, Warkton, Rockingham & Cottingham
Working Hours:
Mon-Fri 9.30am – 4pm
amy.mcafee@aspirenn.org.uk
07703 720652