THE Museum of Dartmoor Life, Okehampton, is the venue for the first annual meeting of West Devon Community and Voluntary Services (CVS) this month.

Since its inauguration in April 2007, West Devon CVS has supported the local voluntary and community sector in many ways.

Its 'one stop shop' approach offers, for example, funding advice, help with writing a governing document or business plan and information to break through the red tape and comply with rules and regulations.

The volunteer centres, which operate from both CVS offices in Okehampton and Tavistock, help people to find their ideal volunteering opportunity.

By working with organisations in need of volunteers, the volunteer centres aim to improve good practice and match volunteers to vacancies within local groups.

A spokesperson for West Devon CVS said: 'The CVS co-hosted the "Meet the Funders" event in Mary Tavy earlier this year, which was attended by representatives from 45 local organisations.

'Over 60 groups benefited from trustee training thanks to a grant from Awards for All and a charity commission workshop in Lydford clarified the requirements for annual reports and gave the latest update on the Charities Act 2006, which continues to be implemented in stages.

'Voluntary Sector Forums and Volunteer Co-ordinator Forums held across West Devon also ensured that our local organisations are well informed and well equipped to work in an ever changing sector.'

The CVS welcomes representatives from voluntary and community organisations in West Devon to the annual meeting at 11am on Thursday, September 25 in the John Young Gallery at the Museum of Dartmoor Life in Okehampton.

Following the business of the meeting the Community Museums officer, Mary Godwin, will give an overview of current events across the county with special emphasis on West Devon.

For more details contact 01837 53392 or 01822 618230 or visit http://www.westdevoncvs.org.uk">www.westdevoncvs.org.uk