# Over 1000 small charities sign letter to PM

- Link: https://fundraising.co.uk/2023/06/22/over-1000-small-charities-sign-letter-to-pm/
- Published: 2023-06-22T08:30:00+01:00
- Author: Melanie May

**Over 1000 small charities and voluntary sector supporters have now signed a letter
to the Prime Minister urging him to recognise the vital role they play in communities
across the country.**

The [letter](http://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=oH68AASgyEUs5vcoEreleDv-2B2wBr9rAPv0SKpPMpSPmUvehGghm-2BEzMhx0lZSAq4Pf-2F2g6Z3mSJclYHwawaHsHNhUL49MiqQuINaWyjiIp2Zjp7XwKotUb0IuGz1rGnnchaF_5zYq-2FsnUQMba-2F4ifNh00JeW6OQtplBlcwPBldesfVM-2BholLGEWiqNr2mAAVHbrOQk9-2F53Ix-2Fnx-2BYzJStdymzcr-2BETRTwuNG2QrwlhfS-2FTrrdh6nOLN7QuoUpcUAPq5-2Fjsclsp9zzcJmtlYdLTCH8Y9Jyq3rOQhWxlEpiLCqnNfXl79hv5fQkszdjTWWJCp52HxnBnXOahgwULFj-2FbKmOQPUctBUMwHYEZgN3VkXu0KUJ2V1DLf-2BhKhSKRQ4aXFkrkcgpSq3Py5-2B5qb6YgVFyoQRkGz6HMicYAUcEGk69zl2tpDund8ljk2k-2FMEc1k42ZJAYdBhYmkN3O8lxT8XS6lJzS2C8YoMU1O31bmqKAgI6y0R2hu8GJGjL1loR7qMuVA9UkfJFWsYf0HkikyAD8uQ-3D-3D)
will be delivered to Number 10 today (Thursday 22 June) as part of [Small Charity Week](https://www.smallcharityweek.com/).
It warns that small charities are facing cost of living pressures, layered on top
of the challenges of the pandemic, following ten years of austerity, while the tide
of demand continues to grow.  

The letter calls on Sunak to meet the Small Charities Advisory Board. Co-chair of
that board, Ray Coyle, said:

## Advertisement

> “We have called on the Prime Minister to meet with us, better understand our challenges,
> and work with us to find sustainable solutions. Small charities need to be seen
> as integral for building strong communities. We offer vital services and also 
> fill gaps in public services so communities are kept safe, healthy and can thrive.
>  
> “We cannot be taken for granted and the current situation is not sustainable. 
> For every charity that closes, that’s a lifeline for a community taken away. So
> we call on the Prime Minister during Small Charity Week this year, to properly
> recognise and understand the importance of small charities.”

Sarah Vibert, CEO of NCVO commented:

> “The recent crises faced by this country have shown just how important small charities
> are, and the amazing services they provide in local areas.
>  
> “Millions of people’s lives are positively impacted by small charities every year,
> and many would be at a loss if that stopped. But we are seeing more and more small
> voluntary organisations close, and our members are contacting us saying they are
> facing devastating decisions as the tide of demand threatens to overwhelm communities.
>  
> “Small charities have said they need decision makers and funders to tackle funding
> contracts –  ensuring they’re proper and fair. And for the public to help with
> donations and volunteers. We need to rally behind small charities and give them
> the support they have so willingly shown us.”

#### First Days Children’s Charity

CEO and Founder of First Days Children’s Charity, Emma Cantrell MBE, has signed 
the letter. She said:

> “We help families who are struggling financially. The last three years has seen
> the charity grow rapidly in response to ever growing demand. We have encountered
> crisis after crisis from Covid to the Ukrainian refugee crisis and now cost of
> living.
>  
> “We have an exceptional team and the work we’re doing is meaningful and changing
> lives. But we’re running out of time waiting for support or funding from oversubscribed
> grants. I’m terrified that our work is going to have to stop at a time when it’s
> needed most.
>  
> “I feel I’m constantly and relentlessly pushing boulders up a mountain and it 
> takes its toll on even the strongest of people. There are so many people like 
> me, who are passionate, dedicated and committed but also exhausted and so disheartened
> that our work, the things we do to keep society functioning, are not being fully
> recognised by central government.”

UK Fundraising previously reported on the letter [here](https://fundraising.co.uk/2023/06/21/small-charities-warn-of-urgent-need-for-more-support-in-letter-to-pm/).