VASA is a small charity making a big impact in our local communities. A lifeline for people when we are needed.
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The Purpose
Areas we serve
VASA is a charity in south Warwickshire changing lives by connecting people through community activities, Memory Clubs, wheelchair loans and community transport covering south Warwickshire and Rugby District. Enabling people to live their lives fully.
Stratford-upon-avon
Warwick
Leamington Spa
Kenilworth
Southam
Alcester
Studley
Wellesbourne
Shipston-on-Stour
Rugby
and the surrounding villages
History
In 1978, recognising there was a need for support in the community, Clarissa Roberts set up VASA (originally called The Council For Voluntary Service And Volunteer Bureaux Stratford on Avon District) as a charity dedicated to helping the local community in Stratford-upon-Avon. Along with Alan Bartlett, the charity grew steadily through the 1980s and 1990s to include a community transport service with volunteer drivers, as well as developing more of the community activities, with a focus on groups for those living with dementia and respite for their carers.
In the year 2000, Clarissa handed over the day-to-day running of the charity. She was awarded an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) for her services to the community.
In the new millennium, the charity has been through periods of upheaval and change, not least being during the Covid pandemic period. There was a dramatic increase in the need for community transport to take people to their vaccine appointments and volunteers stepped forward as people were looking for ways to help.
VASA has emerged from the pandemic with renewed energy and focus. Again connecting people through community activities, including carer support, memory clubs, community allotments and volunteer transport across south Warwickshire and Rugby District.
VASA relies on the help and support of our volunteers who are fundamental to the charity, which means local people stepping forwards and offering their time to help others live their lives fully.
Our sponsors & funders
Stratford-on-Avon District Council
Warwickshire Country Council
Heart Of England
Stratford Town Trust
Lottery Community Fund
The trustees
David Roache - Treasurer
David is a Fellow of Chartered Institute of Management Accountants and an experienced Trustee.
He is currently the Vice Chairman of Tysoe Parish Council as well as a Trustee and Treasurer of Age Concern Shipston on Stour & District and Treasurer of Burton Dassett Restoration Fund.
Charles Goody - Health
After a distinguished career, including with IBM, Charles has been the Chair of the South Warwickshire Clinical Commissioning Group and the Local Strategic Partnership. Charles joined the Board in November 2018 bringing his expertise of public health with him.
Kass Aukstolis - Volunteers & Communities
Kass was a Director of a large PLC before he launched his own publishing company, now retired.
He has been a volunteer driver since August 2017, completing over 12,000 miles and volunteering 700 hours to what he refers to as ‘this valuable service’.
Kass was one of our first members, following the change to become a volunteer led charity.
Ian Prosser - Company Secretary - Legal & HR
Well known in the district, Ian retired as Chief Executive of Stratford District Council in 2001 after 13 years.
Ian is a qualified solicitor spending almost 40 years in local government.
An experienced trustee including with The Stratford upon Avon Society.
Ian is the President of Warwickshire Association of Parish Councils and the coordinator of the Speed Watch Team
Mike Wells - Deputy-Chair - IT & Health
After 34 years working on Automotive, Healthcare and UK Government accounts as a Project and Programme Manager, he retired which provided more time to give back.
In February 2018, Mike was elected as a Public Governor for South Warwickshire NHS Foundation Trust where he is the Governor representative on the project to redevelop the Ellen Badger Hospital site. Since October 2020 he is also Chairman of the Shipston on Stour branch of the Royal British Legion, having been the branch Treasurer for the previous ten years.
JOIN OUR MISSION
Volunteer Or Donate Today
If you would like to volunteer, helping with bookings using our telephone system, with one of our community activities, or as a volunteer driver, we look forward to hearing from you.
CHANGING LIVES by CONNECTING PEOPLE
3 Arden Court
Arden Street
Stratford upon Avon
CV37 6NT
Charity Number: 1067584
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