New campaign aims to improve understanding of third sector impact
Demand for charities is growing, while good causes are struggling to get the volunteers they need.
A new campaign titled #WithoutUs has been launched to remind islanders just how much of an impact local charities have on day-to-day life. And it has highlighted the struggle local charities are facing to keep offering help.
The campaign is being managed by the Association of Guernsey Charities.
‘It is well understood that charities fill the gap between what the government can provide and what the population needs,’ said AGC chairman Wayne Bulpitt.
‘We have seen the demand on services is increasing. We need to ensure that everybody is aware of the impact that charities have on our lives and what might happen in the potentially worst case scenario of our charities ceasing to exist.’
In a recent survey, 41% of Bailiwick charities reported difficulty in recruiting or retaining volunteers and 29% of charities reported a shortfall in the last 12 months.
Half of those who responded anticipated a change in terms of their services and activities and 23% were expecting to increase their services to meet a rise in demand.
It is estimated that the local sector needs to raise £100m. annually for running costs and 26% of charities anticipate having to redesign their services to remain financially viable.
‘Of course we want islanders to have the “feel- good” factor of donating and volunteering, but we also need to communicate that without money and volunteers, charities are not sustainable,’ said Mr Bulpitt.
‘The aim of the campaign is therefore to improve the understanding of the impact that the Bailiwick’s third sector brings to the islands and to educate key stakeholders, whether that be government, business, community leaders and the public on how they can help the sector to survive and thrive and meet the needs of our community.’
AGC has worked in collaboration with Black Vanilla and Two Degrees North to shine a light on the gaps, showcase the depth and breadth of charitable work in the Bailiwick.
Headway helps support people with brain injuries and locally runs cognitive and physical sessions.
‘Headway is very excited by the launch of the #WithoutUs campaign and supporting the AGC in shining a light on the vital work charities do in our islands,’ said Headway executive director Philippa Stahelin.
‘So many islanders rely on their services, with many funded entirely by the generosity of the local community, it is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our incredible charitable sector.’
Carers Guernsey service manager Tanya Dorrity said that the campaign would give a voice to charities.
‘It’s simple and effective like any great campaign should be,’ she said.
‘We hope that by joining together, we will achieve better island-wide publicity for the third sector and showcase its impact and outcomes.’
The Association of Guernsey Charities has about 300 members.
The campaign has a dedicated website, www.withoutus.gg.
