1:07pm Thursday 11th March 2010
Community groups and voluntary organisations in Sussex could make thousands of people redundant as funding dries up.
The warning came as Brighton and Hove City Council announced a rescue plan for the third sector to help groups through the impact of the recession.
It said the organisations, which contribute more than £96 million to the city’s economy every year, were vital to supporting its most vulnerable residents and communities.
The news of additional backing was welcomed by groups across the city.
Jayne Ross, of the Bridge Centre in Moulsecoomb, said: "The recession has hit all community groups very hard. There is more demand for our services but funding pools are drying up.
"We just have to work that little bit harder to secure funding to keep us going."
According to research by the National Council for Voluntary organisations, about 20% of third sector groups anticipate redundancies in the medium term.
The city council said in Brighton and Hove alone this would equate to around 1,600 jobs. More could go in East and West Sussex.
The council’s report added that while 75% of groups in the city had seen a reduction in funding during the past year, the biggest impact would come from April 2010.
It proposed a number of options including offering increased support on fundraising and introducing a city-wide volunteering strategy.
Campaigns to encourage people take-up benefits and sign up to credit unions will also begin.
Dee Simson, the council’s cabinet member for community affairs, said: “These organisations bring a huge amount to the city so we really want to support them through this difficult time.
“A lot of money brought in to the city is from external sources. By us offering simple support we can ensure these organisations are eligible for increased funding from outside organisations.”
The plan is expected to be agreed by the council’s cabinet today.
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