Looking Ahead Navinder Kaur joined VAI as chief executive in 2020. Here she looks ahead at what the future holds for Voluntary Action Islington’ Islington is made up of diverse and vibrant communities, with so much to be proud of. Our communities are served by a passionate neighbours and other vulnerable people and committed Voluntary, Community around them and doing so with heart- and Faith Sector (VCFS) that plays a warming commitment and passion. unique and vital role in reaching all our Our communities are facing harsher communities and providing services from challenges than ever before, with early intervention to more intensive, long- deepening inequality and the worst cost term support. of living crisis since the 1970s. But we The strength and impact of our local eco- are already seeing how the VCFS, and system of VCFS organisations was clearly residents are again stepping up and seen through its rapid fire and solution focusing their support on those who need driven response to meet the desperate it the most. need emerging from the COVID-19 The strength of our communities and the pandemic. VCFS has been and continues to be key The strength within our communities but so is our public sector, who we are was also more visible – with an army extremely grateful to for also stepping up of residents stepping up to help their and working so collaboratively with the VCFS and residents. Celebrating 50 Years of Service 41