Big Squeeze Campaign
Jan 2010: Welcome to Phase 2 of The Big Squeeze survey – an opportunity for all Voluntary and Community groups working in London to register the impact of the recession on their work and the people they serve.
Last year’s survey found a strong increase in demand for charitable services and a great deal of fear and uncertainty as to how the capital’s voluntary and community groups would cope.
LVSC and its partners used this information to raise the profile of your work with government and other funders in the region, including London Councils, the Mayor, Government Office and London Funders.
Since publication of our July report many of its findings and predications, including psychological affects and other examples of social fallout, have been borne out by facts on the ground.
This year we revisit the original survey themes - but we will also begin to map how widely-anticipated reductions in public expenditure will affect London’s charities and their ability to support Londoners.
The Phase 2 survey is now closed
Thanks to everyone who took the time complete it. By contributing you have added your voice to London’s biggest and broadest VCS campaign around the recession and its affects in London. Your response gives weight and credibility to the campaign, which helps LVSC and our partners make the strongest possible case for our sector’s role in tackling the recession.
Watch this space for the results of the Phase 2 survey. We aim to produce our final report in the Spring.
For an idea of how the information will be used take a look at our July 09 Phase 1 report, available below. For further information please contact bigsqueeze@lvsc.org.uk
Big Squeeze Phase 1 Final Report
Big Squeeze Phase 1 Final Report - Executive Summary
LVSC launches Big Squeeze report
Today London's Mayor Boris Johnson highlighted the valuable work charities undertake in a recession - coinciding with the launch of London Voluntary Service Council's Big Squeeze report, which examines the effects of the downturn on Londoners and the Voluntary and Community groups that serve them.
Boris Johnson said "Now, more than ever, is when community and voluntary groups come into their own by helping Londoners through the downturn. Whether guiding them towards work opportunities, or offering financial advice, they have a crucial role to play and I will continue to work closely with the sector to help with their valuable work, wherever I can."
The Big Squeeze survey, which ran from January to April 2009, took detailed responses from over 100 organisations within London's Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS). It found that:
- 95% of groups responding indicated the recession was already affecting them and the communities they support;
- 71% reported an increased workload (increased demand for services) as a result of the recession;
- 80% were not confident they could continue to meet this demand indefinitely; but more positively
- 78% of organisations were already taking action to help them survive the recession.
Download:
Big Squeeze presentation for Advice UK October 2009
