Charities picking up the pieces

Marc Jobson (Image: Archant)

As with all charities, our goal is not to exist. That might sound counter intuitive and leave me without a job but in all seriousness it is true.

East Devon has many wonderful charities doing amazing work in difficult circumstances.

Open Door supports a range of people and communities through their many projects such as Men’s Shed, ICE, Haven, Parent Hub and community café.

The Exmouth Food Bank likewise are there for anyone struggling by providing food and household products. Exmouth Friends in Need helps to alleviate poverty as does Budleigh Relief in Need.

The League of Friends of Budleigh and Exmouth Hospitals provide support where the NHS and others cannot. Action East Devon create services for better wellbeing for the young.

Not forgetting Rotary and Lions Clubs and many other unincorporated organisation and groups who step in when they identify a need.

East Devon is a wealthy area, compared to others, in the UK so why do we need all these charities? Because the state has stepped away and they have filled the void. I am not campaigning for a bigger state to baby sit us all.

In fact, my view is that charities fill the void ‘better,’ more efficiently and with greater dynamism than the state.

However, that does not take away the fact the reason we are here is because we are needed because the state no longer performs in certain areas in the way they used to or performs badly in those areas.

Shouldn't universal credit be sufficient for someone to be able to pay their bills and feed their family? It is not which is why the Food Bank exist. Shouldn’t there be sufficient affordable housing?

There is not, which is one of the reasons why Open Door lives. Shouldn’t new families be able to afford to buy a new pram for their child? That is why Claire from Exmouth in Need gets up every day.

Shouldn't young people's wellbeing be a priority for the government? If it were Action East Devon would not be here. Shouldn’t our older generations live well in later life with access to excellent quality care? That is one of the reasons staff at Seachange get out of bed in the mornings. I could go on, but you get my point.

Sadly, I fear charities will always be needed. However, we may not always be here. Times are hard for us too. Funding comes in drips and drabs. Sometimes it never comes at all. If you wish to help us, please donate to your local charity of choice now.