In the East of England, the Voluntary and Community Sector  (VCS) Equalities Group (VEG) is a regional network focussed to creating a greater understanding of equalities across the region. It gives opportunities to VCS organisations to share good practice and aims to break down barriers and improve choices for clients.

When the network was formed in 2005 as the Equalities Cluster of Eastern Region Infrastructure Network (ERIN), it was identified that there was no Gender, Sexual Orientation nor Transgender representation at regional level in the East of England. This lead to the formation in 2006 of EMBRACE, the regional sexual orientation and transgender network.

As part of the process of setting up a Women’s Network for the region [which ultimately could be part of a GENDER (Gender Equality Network Delivering in the Eastern Region) Network for the East]; the Women’s Resource Centres (WRC) Network was set up in May 2009.

WRC offer in a women only setting support, training & information, advice and guidance and some centres also offer counselling services.

WRC Network members

• Cambridge Women’s Resource Centre
• Peterborough Women’s Centre
• Luton All Women’s Centre
• Watford Women’s Centre
• Herts Women’s Centre (Stevenage)

As a direct result of the network, very shortly after commencement, the members formed partnerships and were extremely successful in obtaining funding from the Ministry of Justice on projects for supporting women at risk of offending. There is a strong sense of belonging and support between the members, who seemed to have also forged lasting friendships as a result of the partnership. The group has agreed their Terms of Reference and already decided on future joint ventures, besides the women at risk of offending projects.

Since Mach 2011, VCS Equalities Group's fund ended and we are unable to actively support the WRC Network meetings or training needs. However the relationships built between the network members are very strong and will ensure the continuation of the network despite lack of material support from VEG. 

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