WHAT: The Wheel, Ireland’s national association of charities will be available on Tuesday, 13 October to provide commentary and analysis after the announcement of Budget 2021.
WHO: Ivan Cooper Director of Public Policy at The Wheel is available for interview.
WHY: Budget 2021 will have far reaching social implications at a time of international crisis. Ireland’s community and voluntary sector provide one quarter of acute hospital services and approximately two thirds of services to people with disabilities. Charities also deliver key services in areas such as housing and homelessness, mental health supports, youth services, education etc. The sector employs 189,000 people and mobilises an estimated 1 million volunteers each year.
A recent survey of 118 charities conducted by The Wheel found that charities are facing serious uncertainty about continued service provision next year and are still dealing with the effects of the collapse in earned and fundraised income this year.
Half (50%) reported that demand for their services has increased, while 82% of respondents were very concerned about whether they will have sufficient funds to provide their services in 2021. Coupled with a 64% reduction in volunteers, reduced staff availability (40% have cut staff hours), 65% of charities now say their ability to deliver services has been compromised.
HOW: Call Gert Ackermann on 086 176 9287 or email gert@wheel.ie to arrange interview with Ivan Cooper, Director of Public Policy at The Wheel.
