GO AD-FREE. Get 2 Months Digital Subscription for ONLY £1! Use code 2FOR1
GET STARTEDMore on KentOnline
GO AD-FREE. Get 2 Months Digital Subscription for ONLY £1! Use code 2FOR1
GET STARTEDMore on KentOnline
Staff from a charity which supports disabled young people have been talking about the financial strain caused by the coronavirus outbreak.
Like many charities, We Are Beams, based in Hextable, is looking at ways to ensure money continues to come in after fundraising events were called off or postponed.
The charity provides support services for families of children and young people who have physical, learning or sensory impairments in Dartford, Gravesham and Sevenoaks.
It has had to suspend all face-to-face work and has closed its short breaks unit which provides play schemes, day trips and activities.
Katrina Adams, the head of the charity, said: “My personal feeling is that the Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted how much the statutory sector is reliant on the services offered by the charity and voluntary sector.
"Much has been made by government and the media about charities coming forward and supporting the country and I am very pleased that the government has now announced support.
"However, I am still concerned that the criteria needs to support those charities with less than six months reserves as a priority.
"Many charities will simply not survive the financial strain this pandemic is causing and with no end in sight many will not be here in the future.
"Charitable fundraising will be difficult for many years while the world recovers."
The charity has qualified for an emergency loan from the Kent Community Foundation.
The organisation has established emergency loans of up to £60,000 to help support charities during this time and launched the KCF Coronavirus Emergency Fund which has so far raised £600,000.
Katrina added: “The Kent Community Foundation team has provided great support to We Are Beams and their advice during this time has been invaluable.
"The biggest issue for me is that we only have three months operating reserves and without the income from services we will be in trouble.
"We are continuing to receive our established grants and our contracted income; however these are project based and provide minimal contribution to the core charity operating costs.
"We Are Beams has never held a great deal in reserves and are minimal in comparison to some charities.
"My current focus is Kent Community Foundation to ensure We Are Beams survives while continuing to offer what support we can."
To find out more about We Are Beams, visit their website.
