The impact of Covid-19 on the health and care voluntary sector

The health and care voluntary sector continues to provide invaluable information and support to millions of people with long term conditions as statutory health and care services refocus their efforts on COVID-19. By providing a listening ear when people need it most, signposting and advocating for the right support, delivering accurate and trusted information and advice about the virus itself or connecting to people who are experiencing similar challenges, our members are on the frontline of combatting COVID-19. The Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Alliance (ARMA), Neurological Alliance and National Voices asked it’s members about the impact of the coronavirus emergency on their services and their income. 40 charities responded between responded between 17th April and 13th May 2020.

Key findings:

- 77% of respondents reported a slight or significant increase in demand for their services

- 28% of respondents to the Health and Care Charity COVID-19 impact survey predicted at least a 40% drop in their fundraising income over the next 12 months. A further 33% predicted between at least a 25% drop.
- Respondents estimated an approx. 30% reduction in activities during COVID-19. Key workstreams that have reduced include research programmes, core support services, cancellation or postponement of fundraising events, postponement of NHS service improvement programmes, halting of support worker training and the cessation of peer support groups.

- 45% of respondents had furloughed staff or were about to. Of those who intended to furlough staff or had already done so, approximately 50% of staff were on furlough.