About Inspire

Working together to improve communities.

Our Role
Inspire South Tyneside (IST) is the infrastructure organisation for the voluntary and community sector in South Tyneside providing information, advice and support towards improving the capacity and sustainability of the sector. It can be referred to as an ‘umbrella’ organisation for the sector, or a Local Infrastructure Organisation (LIO).

Our History
In 2017 South Tyneside Council for Voluntary Services (CVS) and HealthNet merged, as wide consultation with the sector and our partners identified a single infrastructure organisation was needed to better support the Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) in South Tyneside. Inspire has been created with a clear remit to represent and advocate on behalf of the sector and develop and promote opportunities to generate increased local voluntary action to achieve a more sustainable future for local community organisations.

Our Vision
The vision for Inspire is to offer support, advice, acting as a strategic reference point for the sector and the borough, as well as representing the views of the sector at strategic bodies and groups. Inspire South Tyneside will facilitate the development of a vibrant, strong and sustainable local third sector that will work in collaboration with partners to ensure the best outcomes for residents of the borough.