There are 3,145 charities in Cork including local voluntary supports, such as disability services, sports clubs, and family resource centres.
Results of research undertaken by 'We Act' show that people greatly value the work of smaller, local charities and community groups.
71% of those surveyed agreed that locally based organisations have a strong understanding of their needs, while 60% of people agreed that charities being local to where they live is important to them.
Speaking about the findings, 'We Act' spokesperson Sarah Monaghan said:
"We know that most charity and community groups are set up in response to a need or a personal crisis - this need is often local or one that an individual, family or group has direct experience of. For example, in Cork, the Irish Community Air Ambulance, based at Rathcoole Aerodrome, provides a vital lifesaving service, bringing highly trained medics directly to casualties across the South-West, and putting a 25,000km² area within 20 minutes of emergency medical care."
- 71 per cent agree that small charity and community organisations understand their needs.
- 60 per cent agree that being local to where they live is important.
- 62 per cent think charities are more likely to be responsive in their services than statutory services.
- 66 per cent think charities are more likely to be flexible in their services than statutory services.
- 69 per cent think charities are more likely to be personal in their services than statutory services.
- 75 per cent say that, if charities disappeared overnight, the lives of vulnerable people would be impacted.
- 77 per cent think that the charity and community sector need to play a role in advocating for those who are vulnerable.
