Community First urges more support for the local voluntary sector

Community First is helping to find solutions to meet the needs of local organisations and communities in the uncertain period ahead, alongside our partners at other Councils for Voluntary Services, Hampshire County Council and the NHS.

We welcome news of £750 million of funding for charities and voluntary organisations, announced by the Chancellor in the government’s daily Coronavirus briefing last week on Wednesday 8th April. The announcement followed the #EveryDayCounts campaign championed at the national level by voluntary sector bodies including NAVCA, NCVO, ACEVO, the Institute of Fundraising, Directory for Social Change, and Charity Finance Group.

However, this funding provision should only be a starting point. As our CEO Tim Houghton said, “The Chancellor’s announcement is received with gratitude and relief by the sector, but it is important that this is just a start. The £750 million figure doesn’t begin to meet the medium and longer-term need to support the wider charity sector, which is playing an equally critical role in maintaining vital services now and in the future for people in need.”

Charity and voluntary services are essential during this very challenging time. Community First will continue doing all we can to champion the voluntary sector in Hampshire. We will use our voice and influence to help ensure central government funding meets local needs.

We are here to help you

We are currently inviting organisations in Hampshire to complete a survey on the impact of Coronavirus for their organisation. The survey is online here, and we also have useful resources for organisations who are supporting people during the Coronavirus period. We also encourage organisations that need support or advice to contact us on support@cfirst.org.uk or 0300 500 8085.