COMMUNITY groups and charities are being invited to take part in a virtual forum to look at how the voluntary sector recovers from the pandemic.

The online event is being organised by Wessex Community Action on December 15 and will bring together charities and voluntary groups from all over the county to look at the challenges facing the sector and discussing how it might meet them.

Wessex Community Action chief executive Amber Skyring said: “A series of workshops will focus on the three Rs – recover, retain and reinvent.

“We will also consider what a voluntary sector recovery plan might look like for Wiltshire, understanding firstly the current landscape and challenges, and how we can work together and support each other, and take some time to consider what the future could look like for organisations and the sector in Wiltshire.”

Mrs Skyring said the event could be one of a series.

She said: “Whether groups are large or at working at a very local level, we hope they will join us for this exploratory workshop."

Independent charity Pro Bono Economics estimates UK charities will have lost £4.6 billion over the last six months of the year because of cancelled fundraising events and lost sponsorship and donations. It fears one in ten groups could be forced to close.

The free event runs from 10am to 1pm. Tickets are available from Eventbrite by searching event no: 130570753639 or via wiltshiretogether.org.uk