For many years people have come together in voluntary organisations to provide self help and mutual support to overcome problems.   There are now over 350,000 voluntary organisations in the UK and over half the population take part in some form of voluntary action each year.

The Voluntary Sector is striving to meet higher levels of professionalism and effectiveness.  To reach these higher standards, local groups and organisations need the support and backup of Councils for Voluntary Service - CVS.   They need advice, information, training, access to decision-makers, support in developing new ideas and projects, and a means to discuss issues with other groups and public bodies.

CVS support and promote efficient and effective community service and voluntary action in their local area.  They do this by bringing voluntary groups together and working in partnership with local and central government, health authorities and other bodies concerned with providing local services that meet local needs.

The first CVS was set up at the end of the last century to co-ordinate voluntary effort and promote new organisations to fill gaps in local services.   In 1945 the CVS linked up to form a national network.  The National body, the National Association of Councils for Voluntary Service, now has a membership of over 300 local CVSs throughout England.

South Hams CVS began in 1995, and has provided a wide range of services to assist and support voluntary organisations and volunteers organisations in the South West.The South Hams Council for Voluntary Service is an independent voluntary organisation and a member of NACVS.