Charities are struggling after Covid as costs rise

In the UK more than 90% of charities suffered due to Covid, according to Charity Commission research, and local good causes have been telling the Guernsey Press they have been facing similar challenges and that the situation is looking bleak.

Charities are struggling significantly with fundraising.

‘Every day is a challenge. We have higher running costs for things like food and fuel, it’s a concern for every charity,’ said GSPCA manager Steve Byrne.

Mr Byrne said costs have risen significantly for the GSPCA and inflation has created bigger challenges for the charity.

However, despite any hardships that the charity may be facing, Mr Byrne is hopeful for the future.

‘We will have existed as a charity for 150 years next year – we were here during the Second World War – we have faced all sorts of challenges and we are always hopeful for the future.’

Due to Covid, charities struggled to raise money because they had to postpone their own events and many others were cancelled.

Wellbeing Animals Guernsey is a network of individuals which, with its dogs, provides animal-assisted therapeutic benefit to people of all ages in a variety of situations.

Chairwoman Marguerite Talmage said the charity has also struggled due to Covid.

‘We couldn’t make visits, which was hard on those we visit as they develop a relationship with us and the dogs.’

Covid also forced charities to close down their stores, which, for Les Bourgs Hospice, is its primary form of fundraising.

Fundraising volunteer Sandra Clough said the hospice has struggled to raise money because many fundraising events were cancelled.

‘We have been adapting to challenges, but it has been a struggle. We are also struggling to get volunteers,’ she said.

Wigwam Support Group offers friendship, support and advice to the families of children and young people with additional needs.

Chairman Sarah Bamford said that people need to be more aware by the work done by volunteers, especially at the moment, where many are struggling.

‘Costs are going up and companies don’t have as much money to give,’ she said.

‘We have a problem getting volunteers – we need more young people.’

Plant Heritage Guernsey conserves local plants and organises events and plant sales. But it suffered due to Covid, with the lockdowns impacting significantly on its popular plant sales.

However chairman Charles Tracey said the biggest problem the charity faces is a lack of volunteers.

‘Maintenance of our plants takes up so much work, and we struggle getting volunteers to help.’

The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea, providing a 24-hour lifeboat search and rescue service.

Volunteers Naomi Corbet and Jenny Ridley said that fundraising is vital to the operation of its two boats based locally, and, due to rising fuel prices and Covid, raising money has been more difficult.

They also struggle to gain volunteers for flag days.

‘A lot of charities are struggling at the moment, especially in getting volunteers,’ said Mrs Ridley.

‘We are doing as much as we can.’