The #NeverMoreNeeded voluntary sector coalition has stepped up its campaigning this week to call on the government for urgent funding to avert charities closing amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
The campaign is taking place across social media and involves hundreds of charities. This includes sharing messages around the vital economic contribution the sector makes to the UK economy.
It also sees the promotion of an open letter to Prime Minister Boris Johnson from the coalition, warning that without further funding for charities many people “face a bleak future”.
The letter states: “Right now, millions of people and thousands of charities are doing everything they can to tackle the urgent problems we face. At the same time, those same organisations are looking to the future and trying to ensure they can continue to be there in the tough years of recovery ahead.
“They are stepping up because the need has never been greater, but they are doing so while staring at an estimated £10bn hole in their income. Right now, many charities are eating into their reserves, selling whatever assets they have and making staff redundant.
“That means tomorrow they won’t be able to fund life-saving research, feed struggling families, bring hope to people most at risk isolating at home, tackle existing inequalities made worse by this pandemic. People and communities will go without vital support.
“Charities make our communities stronger. In the toughest times, they provide support no-one else can.
“The public are giving their time and money and companies, trusts and foundations have stepped up their support. We are hugely grateful that your government has helped to keep emergency charity services running – but resources are running dangerously low and services are getting stretched to breaking point.”
Among charity leaders to sign the letter include: Robin Osterley, chief executive of the Charity Retail Association; ACEVO chief executive Vicky Browning; and Sarah Vibert, the NCVO’s interim chief executive.
Others include: Kathy Evans, chief executive of Children England; Carol Mack, chief executive of the Association of Charitable Foundations; and the Chartered Institute of Fundraising’s chief executive Peter Lewis.
Among those promoting the campaign this week on social media, using the hashtags #NeverMoreNeeded and #RightNow, is the NCVO.
It said that “charities and volunteers are doing everything they can to support their communities. But demand is rising as reserves are dwindling”.
#RightNow charities and volunteers are doing everything they can to support their communities. But demand is rising as reserves are dwindling. Government must create an Emergency Support Fund so charities can continue these crucial services. #NeverMoreNeeded pic.twitter.com/pkFXfcFphp
— NCVO (@NCVO) February 17, 2021
The Association of Charitable Foundations is another sector body to take part in campaigning this week via social media.
#RightNow charities are providing vital services but resources are low and people and causes are suffering.#NeverMoreNeeded is calling on the government to create an Emergency Support Fund. Show your support tomorrow by joining the #RightNow campaign day https://t.co/q1QShCbf0F pic.twitter.com/jyvxHdLcah
— ACF (@ACFoundations) February 16, 2021
Among charities taking part is Bradford based mental health charity The Cellar Trust.
#RightNow our Pathways to Employment Team are helping people to rebuild their confidence, develop their skills, address the barriers they face and move back into employment. Just one service we deliver that is #NeverMoreNeeded pic.twitter.com/nfC1uqnJy0
— The Cellar Trust #StillHereToHelp (@TheCellarTrust) February 18, 2021
Meanwhile, Age UK used social media this week to highlight’s the campaign’s message about how 900,000 volunteers are currently supporting people across the UK.
#RightNow 1000s of good causes are doing everything they can to support those who need it.
— Age UK (@age_uk) February 17, 2021
So that we can continue being there when we're #NeverMoreNeeded, we've signed an open letter to the PM calling for emergency support for the voluntary sector: https://t.co/3tTBZQAnZn pic.twitter.com/ExqZdASXs5
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