Financial pressures and volunteer shortages ‘stretching Scarborough and Ryedale charities’

The impact of the covid pandemic continues to be felt by voluntary and community organisations across Scarborough and Ryedale as they express concerns about their future.
Leah Swain, chief executive of voluntary sector infrastructure organisation Community First Yorkshire.Leah Swain, chief executive of voluntary sector infrastructure organisation Community First Yorkshire.
Leah Swain, chief executive of voluntary sector infrastructure organisation Community First Yorkshire.

Almost a third of voluntary and community organisations across the district may not stay open beyond March 2021 without greater support, reports Community First Yorkshire.

Charities and voluntary groups were invited to take part in the ‘Voluntary & Community Sector (VCS) Resilience Survey’ in October to help measure the impact that the coronavirus continues to have.

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Organisations have reported that they are finding it increasingly difficult to re-engage with volunteers – especially the over 65s – to open services again. Without support from volunteers to deliver their services, these organisations face an uncertain future.

Leah Swain, chief executive of voluntary sector infrastructure organisation, Community First Yorkshire, said: “Many voluntary sector organisations in Scarborough rely on their volunteers to deliver their services to communities. Without their support, many district residents are going to struggle.

“This winter and beyond, we are asking people to ‘Donate Local’, be it through money, time or skills, to support their local charities and community groups.

“Our local charities and community groups have stepped up, adapted their service delivery, and been there for our residents when they have needed help during the Covid-19 crisis.”

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