GMVSS was formed in 2005 in response to a national government programme called ‘ChangeUp’ 

ChangeUp was a ten year vision for the voluntary and community sector. The idea was to embed high quality, accessible and sustainable support services, literally from the bottom up.  The vision was of a fully transformed and thriving third sector across the country by 2014. Support was set up all around the country, with the aim that this support is:

• Available nationwide
• Structured for maximum efficiency 
• Offering excellent provision 
• Accessible to all
• Truly reflecting and promoting diversity
• Sustainably funded

The Changeup programme was split into three stages:

Stage 1 (2005-2008): Building the foundations for collaborative working across Greater Manchester and bringing money into the sector.
Stage 2 (2008-2011): Implementing a range of projects and initiatives to support frontline groups (See what we do)
Stage 3 (2011-2014): Impact and Outcomes