More than 38 charity and voluntary organisations from across the Island were represented at a Charity Training Fair held last weekend (Nov 25 & 26) at the St John’s Mill Centre. The event was organised by the Isle of Man Council of Voluntary Organisations (CVO), which is the umbrella organisation for charities and voluntary organisations across the Island. The Charity Training Fair featured 16 workshops covering a wide range of topics affecting third sector organisations, including fundraising, governance, finance, event organisation, publicity, writing reports and recruiting trustees and volunteers. The Charity Training Fair was supported by the Isle of Man Government’s Department of Economic Development and the training organisation CPD (Corporate Personal Development) and attracted 79 representatives from charities and voluntary organisations. David Gawne, Communications Director at the Isle of Man Council of Voluntary Organisations, said: “The whole weekend was most successful and it is doubtful if we could have accommodated many more attendees. Not only was it successful in this regard, but the networking over the two days was in itself of considerable value. It was also pleasing to see new faces and to welcome a wide variety of diverse interests across the full range of the voluntary sector. The Charity Training Fair also demonstrated a considerable appetite for information and training in many organisations in order to ensure that they are working appropriately in the current climate, and the recognition that we all need to work together. Circulating around the Mill over the two days it was very obvious that the programme hit the right note and many people were making suggestions as to what they would like including next time. Inter-organisational contacts were established which in some cases will grow into mutually advantageous relationships. Considering that the programme was spread over late Friday and Saturday there was a clear demonstration of the willingness of volunteers and paid staff to give up their time to benefit the community.” Mr Gawne thanked the staff of St John Mill’s Centre for providing excellent service at an excellent venue and added: “The CVO would also like to express its appreciation to the Employment Division of the Department of Economic Development whose Training Grant enabled the CVO to put on the weekend at an affordable cost which was undoubtedly an influencing factor with some of the smaller organisations. The CVO is a fledgling organisation, but the success of this weekend illustrates that it plays an essential role within the sector and is much needed in the current climate giving the third sector a united voice.” The workshops were led by Ian Cooil, Manx Blind Welfare Society; Mary Doyle and Sarah Turner, Hospice Isle of Man; Mark Payne, CPD; Dr Peter Slinger, Safety Net and Bob Dowty, Tower Insurance; Karen Davies, Crossroads Caring for Carers; John Knight, Michelle O’Malley, Chris Gregory, and Janet Bailey, The Children’s Centre. For more information about the Isle of Man Council of Voluntary Organisations (CVO) email cvo@manx.net or phone 678212. - ENDS -