Research reveals SW's love of local charities and community spirit

New research released to celebrate Small Charity Week (13-18 June) reveals that the South West is a community-minded region, embracing small local charities and community groups and the charitable services they provide.  Findings show that almost half of residents in the South West have received the support of local charities in their community, with 78% of those having benefitted directly from charitable support or services over the past 12 months.

The UK-wide poll of 2000 people, carried out by specialist charity insurance broker, PolicyBee, also highlights the importance of charity shops in the South West’s communities, finding that a whopping 79% of those that have supported a local charity in the last year, did so by purchasing an item from a charity shop. Other popular forms of getting involved and supporting local charities included volunteering (35%), attending a charity event (32%) and donating online (26%).

Overall, many Brits feel there is a strong connection between charity and local community, with almost 50% of those that volunteer locally, choosing to do so simply to ‘give back to their communities’.  Findings show it is the younger generation of 25-34 year-olds who lead the way when it comes to community spirit, with 48% of those that have ever volunteered stating they volunteer to give back to their community, 11% do so to feel a part of their community.

The research also illustrates the different perceptions that the public has of the concept of charity. When asked what the word ‘charitable’ meant to them, results were wide-ranging. 73% believe it means giving up your time or money to someone in need, 60% believe charitable means giving food or other aid, 55% stated it is using your skills for a good cause and 39% said it is spreading knowledge of worthy causes and people in need.

This news comes from research undertaken by OnePoll on behalf of PolicyBee to gain a better understanding of the environment in which small local charities and community groups operate. Kerri-Ann Hockley, Head of Customer Service at PolicyBee, said: “Local charities and small community groups are often the unsung heroes of our cities, towns and villages.  From summer fete fundraising and community events to local youth groups and elderly care support, these services are vital to local communities. We are happy to help support and safeguard them, as they safeguard and support others.”

PolicyBee’s new sensible, low-cost insurance package, MyCharityGuard, is designed to help smaller local charities and support groups, continue to provide vital services to their local community, whilst protecting the good work of their staff and volunteers, and the beneficiaries of their services.

PolicyBee is also hoping to raise awareness of the many challenges that are facing small charities and community organisations: “Smaller charities really get to the heart of the communities they serve and often face very different challenges to the larger national charities and associations,” comments Hockley, “often with just a handful of staff, smaller charities rely heavily on volunteers and public goodwill, and often struggle with resources or funding.  It’s important that these smaller setups, their staff and their public supporters are protected to safeguard the services they provide and the value they bring to our local communities.”

For more information, visit www.policybee.co.uk/mcg