At First Minister’s Questions in Holyrood, local MSP Brian Whittle asked Nicola Sturgeon to deliver greater support to charities and other third sector organisations being hit by the impact of the coronavirus outbreak.
While charities and community organisations of all sizes have been pitching in where they can to help support people during the crisis, many are worried about how long they can continue to operate. Many charities have seen their income from donation fall drastically since the start of the crisis and social distancing and other measures to prevent the spread of the virus make it impossible to hold fundraising events.
In the chamber, Brian emphasised the valuable role third sector groups are playing, both in fighting the virus and by continuing to deliver their normal services to many of Scotland’s most vulnerable people. He stressed the importance of giving these groups the confidence they would get support throughout the current crisis and ensuring they were still around to help in Scotland’s recovery.
Brian Whittle MSP said:
“The charities and other third sector groups have always been an important part of Scotland, but many of their services have never been more vital as we deal with this coronavirus.
Speaking to many of these groups, from Centrestage in Kilmarnock to Yipworld in Cumnock to national groups like the Scouts, they all want to help however they can but they need to be confident they can protect their own survival too.
I know we all appreciate the contribution these groups make but the Scottish Government need to commit to supporting them fully and I’m pleased the First Minister acknowledged that in her answer in the chamber.”
