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Community 360 > Who We Are > History

Community360 is an independent charity formed in 1968, situated as the heart of the local voluntary and community sector. In 1972 on the recommendation of Essex County Council, the Colchester Borough Council requested the CCVS to become the liaising body between the voluntary and statutory services in the town. This undertaking was accepted and has been faithfully carried out to this day.

We are proud of our journey
and how this all began

The idea of bringing together a group of people to form a Council of Social Service (CSS) began in 1966 with the concern regarding the apparent inequality in some areas of parish care, with voluntary help in some areas but little in others.

The formation of Colchester Council of Social Service, the CCSS was launched in May 1968. Then renamed as Colchester Council for Voluntary Service (CCVS) in 1972 and on recommendation by Essex County Council, Colchester Borough Council requested that CCVS become the liaising body between the voluntary and statutory services in the town.

Since 1993, CCVS continued to provide a wide range of different services to the voluntary and community sector in Colchester. Merging with CVS Braintree in 2017 to form Community360. Community360 celebrated its 50th Birthday in 2018 and tackles the variety of challenges that have come its way ever since.

Whether the focus of work has been financial support, fundraising advice, the distribution of news and information, the provision of transport or equipment, or the organisation of events, the voices of our membership provide a telling testimony to the work of Community360 today.

Our history is quite a story to tell

1966
The idea of bringing a group of people to form a Council of Social Services began.
1968
The formation of Colchester Council of Social Service, CCSS was launched.
1972
Renamed to Colchester Council for Voluntary Service, CCVS.
1987
CCVS moved to Winsely’s House where we are still today.
2017
Merger of CCVS’ Colchester and Braintree to form Community360.
2019
Community360 Celebrated its 50th Birthday.

People over the years have said
lovely things about us

Rachel Walton - AFiUK Co-Founding Director
African Families in the UK
Tracy Rudling CEO at C360 has been my mentor and has influenced my personal and professional growth, she has added value in my life by inspiring, nurturing and coaching the leader that resides within me, additionally, providing the right opportunities & resources which have increased my capability to shape our communities.
Elizabeth Long, Partnerships Coordinator
Refugee, Asylum Seeker and Migrant Action (RAMA)
The C360 team there are always responsive, ready to consider any initiative, and unfailingly supportive when we work together. We see them regularly at the local community-building meetings we both attend, and we use their excellent hub space regularly, always finding a friendly welcome. It’s so gratifying to have partners with the same non-judgemental ethos that focuses exclusively on making people’s lives better.
Mark Shorter
Head of Transformation North East Essex Alliance
Suffolk and North East Essex Integrated Care Board work in partnership with Community360 through the North East Essex Alliance. Together, we’re committed to working collaboratively to improve the health and wellbeing of our local residents, by combining our various skills, perspectives and resources, we’re able to tackle some of the most pressing problems our communities face.
Adrian Pritchard:
I have worked with C360, both in the capacity of when I was Chief Executive of Colchester City Council and on a consultancy basis with their Board and Executive Leadership Team. They are a voluntary and third sector infrastructure organisation galvanising and supporting voluntary organisations to deliver on the ground. They also provide direct support to residents when there is an unmet need or a wider benefit in C360 delivering services across communities they serve. C360 are a delight to work with as partners, always seeing the wider picture and always solutions focussed. One of the best organisations you could ever hope to work with.

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