Member Article

North East charities feel the crunch

Charities and voluntary groups across the North East are struggling to survive, according to a new report.

The survey, conducted by the Voluntary Organisations’ Network North East (VONNE), shows that organisations squeezed by the recession are looking for more and more help.

Almost half of voluntary sector groups are reporting a rise in requests, and 56% are already seeing a negative impact in their funding as public sector agencies and funders tighten their belts.

Jo Curry, Chief executive of VONNE, said: “The results of this survey are just the tip of the iceberg. Over the next year we are anticipating widespread job losses and closures of charities and groups as the effects of the recession deepen.

“Now more than ever we need the public to dig deep and give generously, go out and volunteer, and for the region’s policymakers to increase funding to charities experiencing high levels of demand as a result of the recession.”

Hardest hit are charities advising on debt, family breakdown and mental health issues.

Funding issues are by far the biggest challenge faced by the 130 organisations who took part in the survey. Almost all respondents said securing funding will be their biggest challenge over the next 12 months. Over half of respondents are already seeing a negative impact on their funding and 55% are predicting further decreases in the coming year.

Mike Worthington, Chair of VONNE, said: “We must maintain the pressure for adequate funding, particularly for the role and legitimacy of grants, recognise that “voluntary” does not mean “cheap”, and that inadequate funding devalues our staff, our volunteers, and most of all our beneficiaries.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .