Posted on: 15 December 2020
The impact of the pandemic continues to be felt by voluntary and community organisations as they express concerns about their future.
A survey of voluntary and community organisations in West Yorkshire and Harrogate during October found more than a third (35%) of organisations may not stay open beyond March 2021.
Charities and voluntary groups across West Yorkshire and Harrogate were invited to take part in the ‘Voluntary and Community Enterprise Sector (VCSE) Resilience Survey’ to help measure the impact that the coronavirus continues to have. Voluntary Action Leeds (VAL) co-ordinated this survey, along with other Third Sector organisations and the Universities of Hull, Leeds and Sheffield.
Over a third (36%) of organisations have needed to use their financial reserves since March 2020 in order to survive.
More than 90% of organisations who responded rely on support from volunteers to deliver their services. 62% of organisations say they have reported a decrease in volunteer numbers, with many facing an uncertain future
Other findings include:
- 80% of organisations have had to close or modify a service they provide.
- 36% of respondents feel that they may be at financial risk beyond March 2021.
- 70% of organisations thought digital exclusion was with a barried for people they supported.
Jo Baker from West Yorkshire and Harrogate Health and Care Partnership, Harnessing the Power of Communities Programme said: ‘Our VCSE partners and charities are playing a crucial role in supporting those who are most in need, building on the strength and relationships they already have with local communities and neighbourhoods. We need to do all we can to support them and to address the future of the sector – an area our Partnership Board take very seriously. Targeted funds, commissioning service with the VCSE, a new series of support via webinars to share learning and good practice and working together have helped so far. There is more to do’,
ENDS
Media enquiries: contact Gary Blake, Social Action Manager Voluntary Action Leeds (VAL) 0113 297 7920 gary.