Service launched to help Bucks charities and community groups thrive post pandemic

Charities, Community, Homepage

The vast majority (79%) of the county’s 4,750 voluntary organisations are classed as small/ micro organisations (with an income of under £100K), and many have been affected by the pandemic. Their experience has varied considerably – some have adapted brilliantly, while others have struggled with reduced incomes and losing volunteers – and we have seen new grassroots groups set up to respond to new needs stemming from the crisis.

The VCSE Support Service, funded by Buckinghamshire Council, offers support in all aspects of their work, including securing essential funding, being well-managed, and recruiting volunteers. The fact that it is tailored support ensures each organisation can get the help that they need: voluntary organisations just need to complete a request in a request form and then a member of our team will get in touch. Organisations can request support for themselves or they can be referred by a third party.

Supporting data: when the county’s not-for-profits were asked what their biggest challenges were for the future, it was found that:

  • Nearly a third (31%) stated their biggest challenge was funding and finance
  • One in five (21%) identified their biggest challenge was adapting to new opportunities and ways of working
  • Almost one in five (19%) said their biggest challenge was recruiting enough volunteers