No organisation is an island. Waltham Forest has a rich ecosystem of networks and communities of practice where people come together to share knowledge, tackle common challenges and strengthen their collective voice.
At WFCVS, we take a "Network of Networks" approach. This means we don't just run our own networks – we connect, support and amplify the many networks that already exist across the borough. We see our role as helping to weave together the different spaces where social purpose organisations come together, making it easier for you to find your community and for networks to learn from each other.
Whether you're looking to connect with peers doing similar work, stay informed on policy developments, or find partners for collaboration, there's a network for you.
Our Network of Networks
Testimonial“Our journey has been anything but ordinary. Through every step, we've focused on staying true to our values and making space for thoughtful, lasting work.”
Why Join a Network?
Share and learn – Benefit from the experience of others facing similar challenges. Networks are spaces to ask questions, share what's working and learn from peers.
Stay informed – Get timely updates on policy changes, funding opportunities and sector developments relevant to your area of work.
Collaborate – Find partners for joint projects, funding bids or campaigns. Networks help you identify organisations with complementary skills and shared goals.
Influence change – Come together with others to amplify your voice on issues that matter. Networks can be powerful vehicles for advocacy and representation.
Reduce isolation – Connect with others who understand your work. Running an organisation can be lonely – networks provide peer support and solidarity.
Testimonial“Our journey has been anything but ordinary. Through every step, we've focused on staying true to our values and making space for thoughtful, lasting work.”
The Network of Networks Approach
Our Network of Networks approach means we:
Convene – We run networks where there's a clear need and we're best placed to bring people together
Connect – We help you find the right networks for your organisation, whether run by us or others
Support – We offer practical help to network convenors across the borough, from promotion to facilitation advice
Amplify – We share information across networks, ensuring insights and opportunities reach as many people as possible
Coordinate – We help networks work together, reducing duplication and strengthening collective impact
WFCVS Networks
We convene and facilitate several networks to bring together social purpose organisations across Waltham Forest.
[Placeholder for individual WFCVS network listings with descriptions, target audience, meeting frequency and contact details]
Communities of Practice
Communities of practice bring together people doing similar roles or working on specific themes to share expertise and develop practice together. These tend to be more focused than general networks, with an emphasis on peer learning and skill development.
[Placeholder for communities of practice listings]
Partner Networks in Waltham Forest
Alongside the networks we run, there are many other opportunities to connect with peers across the borough. These networks are run by partner organisations and cover a wide range of themes and communities.
[Placeholder for partner network listings]
Thematic Networks
Looking for networks focused on specific areas of work? Here are some of the thematic networks active in Waltham Forest and beyond.
• Health, Social Care and Wellbeing
• Young People
• Migration and Refugees
• Environment and Sustainability
Regional and National Networks
Sometimes it helps to connect beyond the borough. These regional and national networks offer opportunities to learn from and collaborate with organisations across London and the UK.
Start or Strengthen a Network
Is there a gap?
If you've identified a need for a network that doesn't currently exist in Waltham Forest, we'd love to hear from you. As part of our Network of Networks approach, we can help you think through whether a network is the right approach, support you to get it off the ground, or explore whether WFCVS could host or facilitate it.
Already running a network?
If you convene a network in Waltham Forest, we want to support you. We can help promote your network, share resources on effective facilitation, and connect you with other network convenors. Let us know about your network so we can add it to our directory and include it in the Network of Networks.
Get in touch to start a conversation.
Network Noticeboard
Upcoming Network Meetings
[Calendar or list of upcoming network meetings across WFCVS and partner networks]
Looking for Members
Are you starting a new network or community of practice and looking for members? Let us know and we'll help spread the word.
