About RVA

As a Development Trust, RVA works to both support voluntary and community groups based and working in Rother and where appropriate directly deliver community services.

Rother Community Hub

RVA’s own existence was the result of the effort of local volunteers.
These volunteers from 3 organisations in Rye, Battle and Bexhill recognised the need to share resources and pool ideas and agreed to merge their organisations to provide a better service through the whole of Rother. This process was a result of a wide ranging consultation with voluntary groups, funders and other stakeholders. In April 2006 RVA became operational with a full Board of Directors, a chief officer and 5 staff members. RVA's Board of Directors is elected by the member organisations at our Annual General Meeting. In 2008 RVA became a Development Trust.

RVA interacts with large numbers of people and organisations across Rother. These range from the smallest community group, and village action group to large public sector bodies. At the last count there were over 500 community groups in Rother.RVA works in a number of different ways ranging from representation ofcommunity sector viewpoints, researching needs and helping shape policy and strategy, to the facilitation of partnerships, leadership of community projects and advocacy for better services. We also help support local groups directly through advice and information, in areas such as their funding, constitution ,  appropriate legal structures, business planning and various “hands on” skills such as first aid training or committee skills training.

RVA has a fully equipped office and meeting room in Bexhill and an administrative office in Rye. Download our information leaflet below.

Where do we work?

RVA interacts with large numbers of people and organisations across Hastings and Rother (at the last count over 450 community organisations in Rother alone) ranging from the smallest community group, and village action group to public sector bodies like the Primary Care Trust, and local government. RVA works in a number of different ways from representation of community sector viewpoints, to the facilitation of partnerships, leadership of community projects and advocacy for better services.We also help support local groups directly.

What do we offer to members?

RVA offers community and voluntary groups direct help and support:

• PRACTICAL SERVICES - We have a small office to assist voluntary groups with photocopying, printing, producing newsletters and other computer work.
• INFORMATION - With our bi monthly newsletter, press releases and mailshots, we aim to keep the community informed about the local voluntary sector as well as breaking news such as funding opportunities.
• ADVICE & SUPPORT - we can assist in setting up and running a voluntary or community group. This can include advice about funding, staff, volunteers, charity and company registration.

• NETWORKING - with voluntary groups locally and across the region, the local authority, and other agencies

We receive a proportion of our core funding from:

• Rother District Council

• East Sussex County Council

• Hastings and Rother Primary Care Trust

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