Sefton Community Empowerment Network (usually known as Sefton CEN) is a 'network of networks), bringing together voluntary and community organisations that provide services to Sefton's communities.

During the late 1990s, Sefton CVS facilitated the development of two specific networks, the Family Support Forum and the Health and Social Care Forum. In 2001, the government set up a fund to more formally support the development of networks for voluntary and community sector (VCS) organisations, through whihc the sector could become more involved in local decision-making processes.This led to the creation of community empowerment networks (CENs) across the country. The funding came with a particular focus on ensuring VCS representation on Local Strategic Partnerships (locally the Sefton Borough Partnership).

Sefton CVS Became the accountable body for the original CEN funding (the Community Empowerment Fund), which let to the creation of a number of new networks, including networks for traditionally under-represented or marginalised communities (including networks for black and racial minority communities, lesbain, gay, bisexual and transgender communities and faith communities).

From April 2005, the government introduced the new Safer and Stronger Communities Fund (SSCF), and from April 2006, the CEN has been funded through the SSCF. Sefton MBC are the accountable body for SSCF and commission Sefton CVS to continue to support the work of the CEN.

What does the CEN do?

The primary purposes of the CEN are to:

- Enable the VCS, alongside traditionally under-represented communities, to have a voice in local decision-making
- Enable VCS representation on the Sefton Borough Partnership
- Enable the VCS to help shape and improve local public services
- Support capacity-building within the VCS (through enabling networking and information sharing around funding, employment support, planning services and quality assurance, etc.)

How does the CEN do this?

- By sharing information, advice and network opportunities
- Through regular network meetings
- Through events, newsletters and publicity
- By facilitating public and private sector engagement with the VCS
- By promoting best practice
- Representation on the Sefton Borough Partnership
- Representation on strategic and operational partnerships

Which networks and forums exist within the CEN?

The CEN as a whole is made up of individual networks, bringing together voluntary and community organisations and community members on both a geographic and thematic basis.