ALMOST three-quarters of all voluntary and community groups in Bournemouth exist on an income of less than £10,000.

The Bournemouth Council for Voluntary Services (BCVS) has released the figures during national Small Charities Week, which takes place until Saturday.

The council has estimated that there are at least 1,000 voluntary and community groups in the borough, but may be as many as 2,000.

Of that number, five per cent – at least 50 – have no income at all.

Many charities and community groups are forced to compete with each other for funding.

Bournemouth West MP Conor Burns, pictured right, said: “One of the big problems that charities face in finding funding is day-to-day running costs.

“There is money out there for charities which need help starting out, or buying equipment, but less for things like wages and insurance.”

He said he was “proud” of the hard work put in by volunteers across the town.

“There are so many wonderful things happening in Bournemouth,” he said.

Vivienne Aird, chief executive of BCVS, said: “As well as getting the economy working well, we need to make sure that local people are supported to set up and run charities and voluntary groups, and that the difference they make to the lives of many in the borough is recognised and celebrated.”

For more information or queries you have, call 01202 466130 or visit bournemouthcvs.org.uk

MONEY A REAL ISSUE

West Howe’s Fernheath Play Association is the only fully-inclusive play and short breaks centre in Bournemouth and caters for disabled, special needs and able-bodied children up to the age of 15.

Chair Paddy Williamson, who set up the charity in 1976 and continues to work with a committee to run it said every charity, no matter how big or small, faces a huge battle for better funding.

“We have particularly noticed that when it comes to paying wages,” she said.

“It’s easier when you’re asking a funder to help out with something they can visibly see, like new equipment. The problem is also that wages need to be paid every single year, and we will keep having to go back and back and back for the money.”