Pandemic boosts public recognition of charities’ community support, says survey

The Covid-19 pandemic has boosted public support for the work of charities and voluntary groups, a survey has revealed.

The majority (65%) of those surveyed said local groups, charities and volunteers “deserve more recognition” for the work they are carrying out supporting communities amid the health crisis.

In addition, more than a third of people (34%) want to see further support for charities and community projects this year.

The survey has been carried out by the National Lottery Community Fund (NLCF) into people’s attitudes to community support.

This found that more than a third of people (35%) said Covid had made them feel part of their local community more than before.

Three in ten (30%) said that as a result of the pandemic they plan to be more involved in their community.

Reducing loneliness and isolation has emerged as the priority for community work in 2021, with supporting mental health also seen as important.

The survey involved 7,000 UK adults and revealed the changes people want to see for their community post pandemic. This includes people being more caring, neighbourly and spending “quality time” with their children.

NLCF director of engagement and insight Faiza Khan said: “Last year so many communities up and down the country demonstrated the amazing things people can do to support each other during challenging times.

“This research shows the power of that collective endeavour and the profound impact on how we feel about the areas we live in and the people around us - making more of us appreciate our community and want to get involved.
“At the National Lottery Community Fund, we believe that local communities know what they need and the research highlights some of the thousands of projects that people value as part of everyday life – these are exactly the kind of projects that regularly benefit from funding made possible thanks to National Lottery players.”