Local MP Alyn Smith has taken part in a roundtable discussion with a range of Stirling’s third-sector leaders, to discuss their experience of the pandemic and their thoughts on recovery.

Facilitated by Stirlingshire Voluntary Enterprise, Mr Smith heard from a variety of key stakeholders from across Stirling, from fields which included education, victims support, healthcare and environmental charities.

Leaders spoke of their coming to terms with changing working patterns from the pandemic, and how the radical change in use of technology may alter their organisational structures and service delivery moving forward. Mr Smith also heard about new levels of unprecedented service demand, and the need for closer cooperation from local and national government, as well as increased funding certainty.

Alyn Smith MP said:

‘Stirling’s third-sector is vibrant and diverse, and the value such organisations bring to Stirling’s communities couldn’t be clearer, based on the crucial services they’ve continued to deliver throughout the pandemic.

‘I’m really keen that charities and third-sector organisations continue to receive the support they deserve, both financially and in terms of the policy landscape and service delivery. Paperwork should be reduced wherever possible, and coordination fostered between the third-sector, local and national government to ensure services get to where they’d needed most. 

‘I thank SVE for their facilitation of the roundtable, and to the dedication these leaders, and countless more in Stirling’s third-sector, have shown through a very difficult 14 months.’