Charity hit by drop in helpers
AGE UK AIMS TO REPLACE QUARTER OF
AGE UK says it has lost more than 200 volunteers during the pandemic.
The charity said 225 people – about a quarter of its helpers in Leicestershire and Rutland – have decided not to return.
Age and underlying health conditions were the main reasons for the decisions to stand down.
The trend matches that reported by the National Council for Volunteers, which found 40 per cent of voluntary sector organisations have experienced a decrease in the amount of unpaid time contributed by volunteers.
Age UK Leicester Shire and Rutland said key services are under threat at a time when demands have “massively increased”.
Executive director Anthony Donovan said: “One cannot speak highly enough of the contribution made by our team of volunteers.
“They work in all areas of the charity, providing much-needed support.
“Those who have so generously given of their time over the years and now wish to retire from their volunteer role need to be replaced, so important is the work they have been doing.
“The level of dependency now is so great because all the people going to day care have to be referred by the local authority or health. So it’s the last port of call before going in to a care home.
“The needs of the elderly have definitely increased during pandemic.
“Twelve months ago, we set up an emergency response unit to Covid so we’ve been going out doing shopping, giving food and essentials and have set up a seven-day-a-week helpline.
“Over the past year, the nature of these calls have changed from wanting food or shopping to people ringing up saying they’re not coping.
“The loneliness is getting to them and they are really struggling with not seeing their families or their grandchildren.
“Some have told us they are having mental health problems for the first time and we have even had elderly people threatening to selfharm.”
The charity relies heavily on volunteers in every capacity, Tony said.
As charity shops reopened this week, there is an immediate need for people to work on the tills and organise stock.
Tony said: “The local authorities have been very helpful but they are struggling themselves.
“We are desperate for people to help us run our operations so every penny we make can be re-entered back into the community.”
The charity Demos produced a report that concluded: “The Covid19 crisis will decimate the charity sector in the UK unless the government takes urgent action.”
Chief executive Polly Mackenzie said: “Charities are at the heart of tackling society’s most pressing challenges. Their role in society is hugely significant in helping those in desperate need. But the impacts of this pandemic have been as varied as the sector itself.
“If charities have to cut services or even close because of the funding and delivery challenges of the pandemic, it will be the most vulnerable who suffer.
“Those cuts would come just as the economic impacts of Covid-19 become hardest to navigate.
“That is why we need a comprehensive plan for a recovery in the voluntary sector, as well as the private sector.”
Volunteers can take on as much or as little responsibility as they like and working hours are flexible.
For details, contact Nimisha Patel on 0116 299 2256 or email:
VOLUNTEERS LOST IN YEAR