Through supporting Link UP's work you are actually supporting a whole eco-system of different, interconnected charitable organisations as individuals don’t rely on these organisations in isolation but instead make use of various complimentary services provided in their community.

Each donation for Link UP leads to organisations receiving expert advice from our Skilled Volunteers, which means they will be better equipped to provide their much-needed service to their beneficiaries. 

There are currently 169,779 registered charities in the UK. More than 80% of these organisations are classed as ‘small’, meaning they have an annual turnover of less than £100k. These organisations are working with reduced budgets and limited resources which requires tremendous innovation, creativity and flexibility.

Skilled Volunteering plays an important part in ensuring these organisations have the capacity and expertise needed to cope with the ever-increasing demand on their services. 

Why now?  

Poverty and income disparity continue to grow in London faster than in any other region of the UK and the effects of Covid-19 have made this inequality more prevalent. Most local charities and other community organisations have faced a huge spike in demand for their services as need has grown; communities are up against increasing unemployment and homelessness, rising mental health issues, a surge in domestic abuse and a growing digital divide affecting educational opportunities, to name just a few of the challenges. 

At the same time these organisations have been struggling to access limited funding leading to many having to cut services and staff while also transitioning most of their in-person, on the ground work, on-line where possible; an almost impossible task when many of those you serve don’t have access to technology! Equally, the isolation we have all had to endure, compounded with situations of furlough or redundancy, has left many people feeling disconnected and unable to make use of their skills. 

This is where Link UP comes in: our skilled volunteering projects offer connection for people wanting to make use of their skills in a meaningful way. Most of the organisations we work with are tackling inequality in some way, whether it be through alleviating poverty, providing employment opportunities for marginalised groups, or offering support for people being discriminated against, so together they and we are working towards a more equal capital city.  

We would love you to become part of our community of changemakers - we are so grateful for your support