One in five North Yorkshire charities have closed since March
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Last updated Dec 17, 2020
18% of charities in North Yorkshire have closed since March with many blaming the pandemic.

Almost one in five charities have closed in North Yorkshire since March, according to a new report that highlights the impact of the pandemic on the voluntary sector.

Community First Yorkshire, which supports voluntary organisations, surveyed not-for-profit groups in North Yorkshire in October to find out how they’re coping with one of the toughest years for charities in memory.

The message was stark: 18% of charities in the county have closed and 28% say they will struggle to survive after March next year.

Charities have also been hit by a 43% decrease in volunteers, due to many older volunteers shielding.

Leah Swain, chief executive of Community First Yorkshire, said:

“Many voluntary sector organisations depend on volunteers to deliver critical services. Without them, many North Yorkshire organisations, and the people they support, are going to struggle.

“Many volunteers need to stay at home because of the coronavirus, but we want to encourage those that can to consider giving their support in any way they are able.”


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The survey is based on 175 responses from North Yorkshire voluntary organisations.

Community First Yorkshire is running a #DonateLocal campaign encouraging people to support local charities by giving them their time, money or skills.

Meanwhile, charities in Harrogate are gearing up for Christmas.

About 85 meals will be delivered to the doors of older and vulnerable people in the Harrogate district on Christmas Day.

Harrogate and Ripon Food Angels staff and volunteers dressed festively will cook, pack and deliver a traditional Christmas dinner, Christmas pudding, mince pie and a cracker for those in need of a meal and some cheer.