NCVO has reported that one in five charities may need to pause operations this winter and called for urgent help.
Some 19% of charities said they could be forced to pause operations this winter if current conditions do not improve, in response to a survey by the umbrella body.
It reported that 27% of charities said they will be unable to meet the level of demand this winter.
Some 24% of charities said they were planning to reduce the volume or variety of services they offer to cope.
The research also showed that 85% of charities predicted this winter will be as tough, or even tougher (54%), than last winter.
NCVO said charities are facing a “triple threat” of lower incomes (61%), higher costs (77%), and increased demand (67%).
Some 45% of charities said they were planning to recruit more volunteers.
Sarah Vibert: ‘Urgent help is needed’
NCVO said help for charities is needed this winter including the government uplifting public contracts in line with inflation.
Sarah Vibert, chief executive of NCVO, said: “Charities across the country are working towards another challenging winter.
“The voluntary sector has provided support through some of our most difficult times, but this winter there is a real and imminent possibility that many charities will no longer be able to cope with spiralling costs, falling funding and record demand.
“For charities, who give so much, this is a cost of giving crisis. Urgent help is needed to make sure charities can continue to support the communities and people they serve, when they need them most this winter.”
NCVO surveyed over 580 charities and voluntary organisations across the country between September and October 2023, and has launched its Cost of Giving Crisis portal of help and support for charities this winter.
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