Voluntary commitment of citizens is an indispensable, supporting pillar of critical infrastructures (CRITIS), such as disaster management, rescue services, healthcare and social services or food supply. However, the long-term sustainability of the voluntary sector, is massively endangered due to the profound changes in demographics, social structures and volunteer motives driven by the individualization and pluralization of society. This paper addresses these pressing challenges by proposing a digital platform designed for goal-driven and competence-based networking and bundling of volunteer engagement across non-profit organizations (NPOs). This platform is intended to be a first step towards synergistically aligning the partly collaborative goals and competencies of volunteers with activity requirements essential for strengthening CRITIS.

This article investigates the historical roots of green prescriptions, which are a form of social prescribing. It seeks to establish when and why they began to be used in Britain to inform practice in the present. Social prescriptions are a broad range of interventions for patients for whom standard medical treatments may not be effective. Many social prescription programmes are delivered by charities in partnership with the National Health Service. 'Green prescriptions' are a subset of these interventions, and the term now refers specifically to environmental and nature-based interventions such as forest bathing and gardening. The article uses the historical method and brings together a range of primary sources (including digitised newspaper articles, medical journals and medical handbooks) to examine the use of horticulture as part of medical regimes in Britain in the 19th and 20th centuries. Academic research on green prescriptions tends to locate the history of nature-based health interventions in either the ancient world or in non-Western medical traditions. However, the use of horticulture as therapy is better situated in its use in medical institutions from the late-18th century onward. Though recast as medical therapy, horticultural activities for patients often began as a cost-saving measure. Focusing on tuberculosis sanatoria, the article draws analogies between the institutional use of horticulture as therapy and green prescriptions to provide a critical framework for understanding modern social prescription programmes.

Purpose This study aims to examine the transformative potential of strategic corporate sustainability responsibility (SCSR) as a profit-enhancing strategy for businesses, in contrast to traditional corporate social responsibility, which predominantly emphasises reputation management. Design/methodology/approach To achieve the aim of this study, a qualitative case study analysis method was adopted, grounded in stakeholder and shared value theory. The research examines partnership dynamics between leading corporations, such as Unilever, Microsoft and Coca-Cola, and organisations like Oxfam and the World Wildlife Fund. It uses case studies and annual reports to assess the impact of socially responsible corporate sustainability initiatives. Findings Key findings reveal that SCSR initiatives align closely with corporate objectives, fostering stronger stakeholder relationships, uncovering new revenue streams and enhancing profitability while integrating social responsibility. Moreover, partnerships between the private sector and the voluntary sector are identified as a critical strategy essential for achieving these outcomes. Research limitations/implications The limitations of the study include its focus on specific case studies, indicating that further research could improve the generalisability of the findings across diverse industries. Originality/value This research not only reinforces the profitability of SCSR but also highlights its transformative potential in addressing pressing global challenges. It establishes a clear roadmap for businesses seeking to lead in social impact, sustainability and profitability, and emphasises the importance of partnerships with the voluntary sector as integral to the success of SCSR initiatives.

Despite young British Bangladeshis experiencing a higher prevalence of mental health problems than the White British population, they are comparatively underrepresented in mental health research and fewer access services. This study aimed to identify priorities and preferences for mental health support among young British Bangladeshis, as well as strategies to enhance the cultural appropriateness and accessibility of services. A qualitative study was conducted in London and Leicester, with participants recruited through voluntary and community organisations. In-depth interviews were held with young people with lived experience of mental health problems (n = 12), their family members (n = 7) and Bangladeshi community workers from voluntary sector organisations (n = 7). Data were analysed using thematic framework analysis. Participants' priorities for mental health support included reducing stigma, raising awareness, and addressing intergenerational and identity-related stressors. Preferences centred on culturally and linguistically appropriate care delivered by therapists familiar with Bangladeshi values in trusted community settings. Suggested strategies for improving existing services included enhancing access by providing support in trusted community spaces, building trust through the involvement of culturally aware professionals, and involving families and community leaders to reduce stigma and promote open discussion around youth mental health. This study identifies a need for culturally tailored, linguistically accessible and community-rooted mental health support for British Bangladeshi youth. Representatives from these communities should be actively involved in the development of future programmes and policies, ensuring that support is both relevant and sustainable.

Finding employment in the stigma machine: Reflections from Canada’s penal voluntary sector

Governance in small voluntary sector organisations: a call for more informal approaches based on the relationship quality with stakeholders

ABSTRACT Children living with HIV are not routinely informed of their HIV diagnosis: open communication is not yet standard global practice (Warburton et al., 2022). This article presents data from a qualitative study aimed at establishing an evidence-based approach to telling children they are HIV positive. An arts-based narrative inquiry methodology was used. Sixteen young people and ten parents were recruited via voluntary sector organizations in the United Kingdom and shared their experiences through focus group participation. Participants used arts resources to create something of their choice as a vehicle to share their untold stories. Creative pieces made by participants included masks and boxes illustrating the experiences of stigma and self-stigma and highlighting the need felt by participants to hide HIV. Stigma prevents HIV-related conversations and creates self-stigmatization. Secrecy in family homes exacerbates self-stigma and a cycle of intergenerational stigma, as a new concept, was identified in the narratives. The burden of hiding a health diagnosis is an overwhelmingly negative experience for children and their families. Early naming of HIV and open communication will reduce the weight of self-stigma and intergenerational stigma experienced by children and families. It is time to break the cycle of stigma.

Nonprofit and voluntary sector organizations increasingly provide essential services to the criminal justice system, particularly in the realms of prisoner reentry and community corrections. The nonprofit sector also often takes on an important role in the provision of programming within prisons, offering tools for education, self-improvement or simply human connection. This study explores the work of Auxilia, a French volunteer-based organization providing distance learning via letter-writing to incarcerated students. Through interviews with volunteer teachers and incarcerated students, it examines the qualities of the volunteer–student relationship, outlining the ways in which volunteers and incarcerated students engage with learning and each other. Leveraging Bourdieu and Passeron’s analysis of the mechanisms of power and control found in the ‘pedagogic action’, the study highlights the ways in which Auxilia's loosely structured, flexible approach to education can circumvent some of the ‘symbolic violence’ of traditional education by creating a pedagogic relationship centered around facilitating learners’ individual interests and curiosity. By analyzing volunteer–student relationships through the lens of Tomczak and Thompsons’ concept of inclusionary control, the study also demonstrates the important role of loosely structured, volunteer-based organizations in filling in the gaps left in carceral institutions in crisis. Centered around a fundamentally outdated mode of instruction – physical correspondence – this paper demonstrates the potential value and contradictions of volunteer-based distance learning in forming prosocial, empathetic, broadly equitable relationships which provide moral and psychological support, intellectual aspirations and contact with the outside world.

Domestic violence and abuse (DVA) is a global public health challenge. Project Cautioning And Relationship Abuse (CARA) is an out-of-court resolution used across police forces in England and Wales for lower risk, alleged first-time DVA offenders. This article reports on qualitative interviews and focus groups with professionals (police, commissioners, and CARA facilitators and managers, N = 31) about their experiences of delivering CARA following its national rollout. Reflexive thematic analysis indicated strong multiprofessional support for CARA across geographical areas. Professionals recommended changes to enhance current delivery, relating to differential assessment of risk; adaptations to training/implementation; and exploring perceptions of CARA by voluntary sector organizations.

Introduction Healthy, sustainably sourced school meals are considered a means to advance health, environmental, and economic goals within food systems. Achieving these benefits in practice, however, often requires navigating a complex, multi-level policy and governance landscape. In England, two interrelated policy areas that govern school meals are the School Food Standards and public procurement rules. Policy change is needed to improve outcomes, particularly given the lack of implementation provision. To highlight this, the paper introduces the concept of implementation settings to examine how school food policy and procurement are enacted in practice. Methods The study draws on a qualitative case study that introduced British-grown beans into primary school meals in two English local authorities. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with policy actors across national and local government, schools, academies, caterers, and the voluntary sector, as well as from academic literature and policy documents. The analysis focused on diverse governance arrangements within implementation settings. Results Findings reveal a fragmented school food governance landscape in England, characterised by diverse arrangements and variable implementation outcomes, as diverse policy actors have been delegated or have assumed differing responsibilities. These dynamics highlight significant governance variability in how national school food policy is enacted, with local innovation and entrepreneurship driving positive outcomes. Discussion By foregrounding implementation settings as a critical site of governance, the paper advances understanding of the social, institutional, and contextual conditions that enable or constrain effective school food policy implementation. It further argues that local collaborative innovation offers important but partial pathways forward. Consistently positive food system outcomes also require strong national leadership and structural reforms. The study provides both practical and theoretical insights for those seeking to understand, navigate, and transform institutional food systems governance.

BackgroundAt least one in four women in the UK has experienced trauma, such as sexual abuse or violence, with profound implications for mental and physical health, particularly during the perinatal period. Despite the potential benefits of addressing trauma in maternity care, many women are reluctant to disclose their experiences due to stigma, fear of judgment, or lack of trust in healthcare systems. This paper presents the development and evaluation of the EMPATHY framework, a novel, evidence-based approach to routine trauma discussions in maternity care, designed to address these challenges and promote emotionally-centred care.MethodsThe EMPATHY framework was developed through a critical participatory action research approach, integrating findings from a systematic review, qualitative interviews, and stakeholder input, including experts by experience, healthcare professionals, and voluntary sector practitioners. The framework was refined through iterative workshops and a public consultation (n = 52), ensuring its relevance and applicability. The development and evaluation of the EMPATHY framework were guided by the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II (AGREE II) tool, ensuring methodological rigor, transparency, and adherence to established standards in guideline development.ResultsThe framework is structured around six core principles: system-wide change, promote trauma awareness, trust and relationships, training and support, local tailoring, and continuous improvement. A key innovation is the recommendation that all women, regardless of disclosure, should have access to information and support. Feedback from the public consultation highlighted the framework's value and its potential to transform perinatal experiences. Challenges such as resource constraints and implementation barriers were acknowledged, but respondents emphasised the importance of the framework in improving care for women who have experienced trauma.Discussion/conclusionThe EMPATHY framework addresses a critical gap in existing guidance by offering a structured yet flexible approach to routine trauma discussions. Its implementation has the potential to empower women, strengthen therapeutic relationships, and reduce re-traumatisation. The framework represents a significant step forward in trauma-informed perinatal care.

BackgroundMany pregnant women have a history of trauma, such as abuse or violence, which can significantly impact their mental and physical health. Discussing these experiences in maternity care presents an opportunity to support women, reduce stigma and connect them with resources. However, concerns persist about stigmatisation, re-traumatisation and unwarranted safeguarding referrals.The objective of this study was to explore how trauma discussions should be approached in maternity care, drawing on the perspectives of women with lived experience, voluntary sector representatives and healthcare providers in the UK. Findings aim to inform the development of a future intervention.MethodsSemistructured interviews were conducted with women with trauma histories (experts by experience; n=4), representatives of voluntary sector organisations (n=7) and healthcare providers (n=12). Reflexive thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. A qualitative content analysis approach was employed, supported by a Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement group (named as the ‘Research Collective’ for this study) comprising experts by experience, maternity care professionals and voluntary sector practitioners. The group contributed to both study design and data analysis.FindingsFive descriptive categories emerged: (1) Rationale for discussions—whether and why trauma should be addressed; (2) Professionals and settings—who should lead discussions and in what environment; (3) Timing considerations—when discussions should occur; (4) Communicating about trauma—strategies to sensitively explore prior trauma; and (5) Supporting care providers—training and emotional support needs. Participants highlighted both the benefits of trauma discussions and the practical, emotional and systemic challenges involved.ConclusionTrauma discussions in maternity care are complex but essential. Findings provide practical, UK-specific insights into timing, communication and staff support considerations, highlighting the need for culturally sensitive, co-designed approaches to facilitate safe and effective trauma-informed care.

BackgroundToday, nearly one million people live with dementia (PLWD) in the UK, a number projected to rise to 1.7 million with estimated costs of £90 billion by 2040. 1–4 These projections highlight the necessity to develop cost‐effective solutions to providing care.Multicomponent supportive care approaches (MSCA) integrate tailored support and psychosocial interventions to enable a personalised support package, 5 showing promise in enhancing wellbeing for PLWD and care partners, while offering cost‐effective care solutions. 5, 6 However, these approaches are underutilised due to the additional implementation complexities inherent with multifaceted intervention strategies.The Sage House Model is a MSCA that has overcome these challenges by utilising a collaborative approach between the voluntary and healthcare sectors, integrating a range of specialised dementia services into an accessible community‐based centre. The present study aimed to investigate the wellbeing and economic impact of the Sage House Model of dementia support.MethodA natural experiment was run comparing wellbeing (QoL, Wellbeing, Life Satisfaction) and economic outcomes (Health and Social Care Engagement) between a group of participants with access to the Sage House Model and a group receiving standard care. The sample included 132 PLWD (Mage 74.64, SD 8.30) and 129 care partners (Mage 67.23, SD 9.84).ResultIt was observed that PLWD with access to the Sage House Model reported higher QoL (p = .004, ω2 = .06), wellbeing (p = .044, ω2 = .03) and life satisfaction (p = .004, ω2 = .07) as compared to the group receiving standard care. Care partners with access also reported greater needs‐based QoL (p = .005, ω2 = .07) relating to improved access to support and information. It was also observed that participants with access to the Sage House Model cost health and social care less over a three‐month period (p = .038, ω2 = .02) and had greater Health Related QoL (p = .004, ω2 = .03). After incorporating costs associated with funding access, the model continued to demonstrate cost‐effectiveness.ConclusionOverall, this study provides initial evidence that suggests that the Sage House Model offers a scalable, community‐driven approach to improving dementia care outcomes and supporting PLWD and care partners, while reducing economic strain on health systems.

OP 30: Refugees and Asylum Seekers 5, B308 (FCSH), September 4, 2025, 16:00 - 17:12BackgroundIn the UK, much attention has been paid to the maternal mortality rate of black and Asian women who have almost a four-fold and two-fold difference (respectively) compared to white women. The release of MBRRACE-UK drew national attention to the clear racial variations in maternal deaths. Working alongside nurses and midwives, birth companions or doulas have increased across the UK in attempt to improve perinatal experiences of pregnant patients and clients partially in response to these rates. Typically located in and provided by charities in the voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) sector, these birth companion organisations face tremendous strain supporting families who face micro and macro aggressive racism and discrimination. Birth companions who support asylum seekers and refugees are increasingly supporting the birth journeys and often navigate and advocate in these often hostile environments.MethodUndertaking qualitative, semi-structured interviews, this project explores the ways that UK birth companions who work primarily with asylum seeker and refugee families to support a positive birth experience despite the experiences of racism. Interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis generating themes using Nowell et al’s (2017) five phases.ResultsThis project identified several key themes including (a) how birth companions selected to support clients, (b) how the birth companions work with nurses and midwives to support clients during racist and discriminatory encounters and process these experiences, (c) the ways in which birth companions and nurses and midwives navigate these encounters and interactions with one another.ConclusionsSupporting asylum seeker and refugee families during pregnancy, birth and post-partum requires cultural competency and cultural safety. Doulas are often well equipped to support racialized families and navigate tense situations when they have specialized training around anti-racism.

EP1.4, e-Poster Terminal 1, September 4, 2025, 11:35 - 13:00AimTo co-produce research collaboration and allyship with marginalised communities and voluntary sector organisations and pave the way for novel approaches to advancing public involvement, knowledge dissemination, and research capacity building.MethodsA comprehensive initiative was launched to explore the health and social care research priorities within ethnic minority populations across the United Kingdom (REPRESENT Study). Qualitative data collection took place in the East Midlands region among ethnic minority and marginalised communities, with participants representing diverse backgrounds, including African Caribbean, Eastern European, Gypsy and Traveller, LGBTQIA+, Refugees and Asylum Seekers, Somali, and South Asian communities. Individual interviews were conducted with unpaid carers, nurses/midwives, general practitioners, and researchers. Also, a national survey was deployed to identify priority health and social care research areas for various populations and the best approaches for enhancing involvement in research, such as recruitment and communication strategies.FindingsData was collected from participants through focus group discussions (n = 45), individual interviews (n = 7) and a survey (n = 982). Partnerships with voluntary organisations (n = 10) empowered and amplified the voices of marginalised communities, led to increased engagement and participation and, most importantly, cultivated a space for nurturing sustainable partnerships tailored to diverse, intersectional community needs. Core research concerns and interests were under three overarching categories: health information, health and social care service experiences, and health research. The top challenges to engagement with health and social care services and research were discrimination, delayed services, poor cultural relevance, and language and cultural barriers.ConclusionsPartnership with marginalised groups and voluntary sector organisations underpins equity and diversity awareness, acting as a driving force for a transformative approach in meaningfully engaged, truly inclusive research. The data collected from these partnerships reflected that the perspectives and experiences of marginalised groups and their members varied, but involvement can ultimately contribute to more relevant and impactful research outcomes.

Abstract As part of the UK IncludeAge Study, we explore how policy, service structures, and organisational practices shape opportunities for the inclusion of older adults with learning disabilities. Despite policy frameworks promoting integration, significant barriers persist that paradoxically reinforce exclusion. The aim was to examine these tensions and identify pathways for systemic change. Our approach involved conducting ten semi-structured interviews with representatives from local Older Adult Social Care departments (n = 5) and voluntary or charitable organisations (n = 5) across England and Scotland. Data were analysed using Reflexive Thematic Analysis to identify recurring themes and contradictions in organisational approaches to inclusion. Substantial and intersecting barriers were identified. The accessibility of information remains a major challenge, with complex language, bureaucratic procedures, and poor dissemination limiting access to services. Tools intended to foster inclusion often perpetuated exclusion. Staff reluctance to address sensitive issues created silences around important areas of life, while paternalistic attitudes framed older adults with learning disabilities as “child-like.” Though intended as protection, such practices restricted autonomy and increased dependency. Policy programmes were frequently designed without the involvement of older adults with learning disabilities, resulting in fragmented provision and the need for retrospective “inclusive” fixes. Limited facilitators, such as staff training, voluntary sector initiatives, and community collaborations, were inconsistent and resource-dependent. Findings reveal a paradox of inclusion: older adults with learning disabilities are selectively recognised, experiencing conditional rather than full citizenship. Meaningful change requires embedding accessibility, dignity, and identity at the policy-making stage to ensure genuine participation in community life.

ABSTRACT Introduction There is a high prevalence of poor mental health among people with HIV, intersecting with structural inequalities, stigma and co-morbidities. A new person-centred approach to care that utilises health coaching to prioritise health and well-being and connects people to existing sources of support or voluntary sector organisations (social prescribing) could benefit people with HIV. Methods Theory of Change (ToC) methodology was used to develop a health coaching and social prescribing intervention for people with HIV. Two successive ToC workshops were held in September 2023 with a multi-disciplinary group of 39 stakeholders from across the HIV sector. Results The two workshops resulted in a TOC map which specified the components and intended outcomes of the intervention, identified the target population of people with HIV for the intervention, identified training requirements for healthcare staff and developed process indicators for monitoring and evaluation of the intervention. Conclusion The ToC method enabled stakeholders with broad-ranging experience, skills and perspectives concerning the mental health and well-being among people with HIV, to co-develop an appropriate which is being evaluated in the “Psychosocial intervention for people Living with HIV: Evidence from a Randomised Evaluation (SPHERE)” trial across eight HIV clinics in England in 2025.

Provision of remote (online/telephone) bereavement support accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the extent and impact of this change and lessons learnt are unknown. To determine the extent to which UK voluntary and community sector bereavement services moved to remote support provision during the pandemic, explore providers' perspectives on this shift, and consider implications. Mixed methods explanatory sequential study, conducted spring 2021: (1) Online survey of UK bereavement services; (2) Qualitative interviews with staff and volunteers. 147 services participated in the survey; 44.5% hospice/palliative care services; 15.1% national charities/organisations; 11.6% local charities/ organisations. 24 interviews were conducted across 14 services. Pre-pandemic, remote support was offered by <10% of bereavement organisations. By spring 2021, there had been increases in online: peer group meetings (3.4% pre-pandemic to 33% during, OR 13.8), facilitated group meetings (4.1%-56%, OR 30.48), 1:1 support (8.8%-83%, OR 50.3), and specialist intervention (3.4%-36%, OR 16.01). Telephone bereavement support was also more widely available. The appropriateness and acceptability of these changes differed by client group. Adaptations presented organisational/logistical challenges, and difficulties for support providers working from home. Smaller organisations with fewer resources found these harder to accommodate. Hybrid working and new technologies were reported to increase service efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Remote delivery of bereavement support increased support capacity and can potentially reduce inequities in access. However, it needs to be carefully tailored, and is not appropriate for everyone. Staff and volunteers providing remote services require training and support.

In this article, we shed light on the growth and flexibility of the voluntary sector as it responds to the housing crisis in American cities. To do so, we adopt a perspective from the margins of the post-welfare city (using governmentality studies), focusing on obscure grassroots actors at the interface of the state, the voluntary sector and civil society. Based on fieldwork carried out in Portland, Oregon (USA), this article analyzes city code changes and incentives as government technologies, to shed light on how civil society and voluntary organizations operating at the margins are made responsible for providing resources and participating in the response to homelessness, while simultaneously having their practices subjected to control. We argue that, far from being excluded, some organizations at the margins are selected by the state for inclusion in the voluntary sector, while others remain at the margins as a way to delegitimize their own interventions and the way they provide services.

This study aims to provide compelling evidence demonstrating the effectiveness of local economic development (LED) in advancing economic and social development. The research undertook a systematic review of existing literature to assess whether LED strategies have effectively addressed the racially and gender-based socio-economic disparities between affluent and impoverished communities. The analysis revealed that municipal LED efforts have predominantly concentrated on community economic development projects, many of which have turned out to be economically unfeasible with minimal enduring impact on poverty alleviation. Moreover, the collaboration among government entities, local businesses, and the voluntary sector was frequently found to be weak or altogether absent. For significant socio-economic transformation in South Africa, LED policies must emphasize not only an increase in the number of job opportunities but also a diversification of economic activities. Local governments are called upon to play a proactive role in this transformative process. Furthermore, the LED strategy should be comprehensive and not reliant on a limited number of projects. This study This research is characterised by originality and great scientific value, as it underscores the necessity for the national government to take on a leadership position and devise LED guidelines that empower local authorities with the capacity to effectively foster LED activities.