I am delighted to present the second edition of Here to Help, the directory of voluntary and community organisations that work in ways that support the health and wellbeing of local people.

The catalogue was originally designed with commissioners for their use when buying services for local people and communities. Since its production, we know that it was instrumental in enabling Halton & St Helens VCA to present a voluntary and community sector offer.

Now, with continued support from NHS Halton and St Helens and additional funding from the Targeted Support Fund, through St Helens Council we have produced this second edition. Designed to promote the work, commitment and professionalism of the local voluntary and community sector, this catalogue can be used by commissioners and those with a personal budget alike.

My thanks go to the voluntary and community organisations that took the time to return their information. Many of these organisations are primarily concerned with addressing the issues and experiences around illness and disability or helping people through the aftermath of an injury or unwelcome diagnosis. For others, while health is not their reason for existing, they have seen how the work they do promotes wellbeing and enables individuals, families and communities to get so much more out of life. I very much hope you will read on and be as inspired by what they do as I am.

This has really strengthened from its early idea, ethos discussions and implementation, I believe the innovation is still clear to see and I hope the new look catalogue is utilised even further through commissioning organisations.

As you have heard at the basis of the reforms the clinical aspect of commissioning will be much stronger.

We aim to use this catalogue to informand ensure that the voluntary sector continues to demonstrate its key role in prevention and wider application of health and well being.

As the health framework changes, both nationally and locally, there will be a much greater focus on providing health and wellbeing services within the Community. Meaningful engagement with the community is therefore vital if we are to improve the health and wellbeing of people in St Helens and Halton, which is why St Helens Council, in partnership with NHS Halton and St Helens, have commissioned this second edition of Here to Help.

The voluntary sector in Halton and St Helens is a vibrant, diverse collectionof groups and organisations, both large and small, designed to offer guidance, tackle health inequalities and to offer support and services around some of the major issues faced by society today. We therefore recognise that representatives from the local voluntary and community sector are uniquely placed to respond to some of the needs of local people. Through this resource we aim to foster an environment in which partnership working with the voluntary and community sector helps deliver the best possible package of health and wellbeing services for people in St Helens and Halton.

This catalogue can be used by key partners and commissioners as an aid to understanding the voluntary and community sector and the benefits, both financial and practical of commissioning local groups to provide services. The catalogue is also an ideal point of reference for individuals who have a personal budget and who are looking for practical or emotional support.

Professional, organised and flexible in its approach to service provision, the voluntary sector can, and does, provide a cost effective and practical option for helping improve the health and wellbeing of people in St Helens and Halton.