Member News: Barnardo's - While welcome, Govt's £750m coronavirus fund for charities is mere sticking plaster

In today's (Wednesday 8 April) daily Covid-19 briefing the Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak announced a £750m funding package to help charities during the coronavirus crisis. Here Barnardo's Chief Executive Javed Khan gives his reaction.

Barnardo’s Chief Executive Javed Khan said:

“We welcome the Chancellor’s recognition that charities are needed now more than ever. But with the sector set to lose £4bn in 12 weeks, the £750m package announced today is little more than a sticking plaster for a critical wound and does not go far enough to ensure Barnardo’s and other charities can continue to support vulnerable children and adults during this extraordinary period and beyond.

“Demand for our services is already skyrocketing with more children experiencing domestic abuse, and at greater risk of sexual abuse at home and online. Mental health is moving from crisis to catastrophe and more families are falling into poverty

“Financially, the worst is yet to come as the economic downturn continues and I urge ministers to keep the package under review.

“Now more than ever we need the great British public to support charities across the sector – responding to emergency appeals like Barnardo’s Coronavirus Crisis appeal to ensure we can continue to support the most vulnerable in their hour of need.”

Source:
www.barnardos.org.uk

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