Croydon's voluntary, community and faith sector - analysis and insight

The Croydon Voluntary and Community Sector Leadership Board commissioned Healthwatch Croydon to undertake a review of the effectiveness of the local Voluntary, Community and Faith Sector (VCFS). They undertook mapping, a survey and interviews with 45 organisations.

The gaps analysis suggested there were potential gaps in services, when comparing population with providers. These include services for older people, those with mental health conditions, those with disabilities who need assisted living, refugee and asylum seekers and those who are homeless. There is a high number of Christian organisations that seem to do similar work, although it should be noted that they may well serve specific geographic and spiritual communities.

Christian religious organisations are by far the largest type representing 17% (141) of organisations. Community organisations represent 9% (77), followed by performing arts organisations at 6% (50) and disability organisations and parent-teacher organisations at 5% (45 and 43). Health charities and sports and fitness organisations representing 4% (31 and 30), with mental health and older people’s organisations representing 3% (34 and 21).

Of the 834 organisations, 234 (28%) are allied to a faith. Of these 234, 90% represent Christian denominations. The largest number of non-Christian religious organisations are Muslim organisations (15 – 6%), followed by Hindu (6 - 3%), Sikh (2 -1%) and Buddhist (1 -0.5%).

Of the organisations analysed, 84% (695) stated all groups. Of the 16% that worked with specific ethnic communities, African, Caribbean and Asian groups had significant numbers, and were based primarily in the north of the borough.

43% of income received came from bids, grants and contracts from local authorities, NHS or other grant making and charitable organisations such as National Lottery (from 79% of those respondents - 66 responses); 30% of income came from donations (from 86% - 71 responses) and 18% from income generation in fundraising (64% - 53 responses). Other sources included membership and subscriptions (from 61% -50 responses), 15% from income generation such as space hiring (from 50% - 41 responses).

Most 74% (82) did not have accreditation but of those who did British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) was most mentioned – seven times. Only 12% (13) required these, again BACP was the most mentioned.

93% (103) said the positive contribution the organisation makes to the community; 59% (66) said the demand for services within their organisation; and 52% (58) said being able to reach the targets or goals within the specific service that their organisation runs.

40% (44) said lack of awareness of local and national funding and/or difficulty in obtaining funding for the services they run; 40% (44) said expenditure is higher than income, meaning organisations cannot deliver services to meet the demand of their community; 34% (38) said lack of retaining or attracting specialised employees and/or volunteers for their organisation; 32% (36) said the cost of renting premises or finding suitable premises within a specific price range; 32% (35) said the cost of maintaining premises and paying bills; 30% (33) said the wider economic and social impact was also an issue, and a similar number found a lack of awareness of organisations to collaborate with.

Many wanted better collaborations, funding, working together, sharing of information and integration. More support from Croydon Council and knowing more about funding were also commented on by many.

54 organisations wanted to offer more services reflecting a wide range of services for all ages and communities; 19 organisations were interested in opening a centre or getting appropriate new premises which would help them further develop their services. For some organisations, they would like more interaction with other organisations, or continue to provide more training, workshops and advice.

Themes in the conversations with organisations:

• The impact of Croydon Council’s reduction in funding of VCFS organisations on their ability to deliver services effectively.
• General challenges in funding opportunities such as ways and opportunities to be able to apply for funding.
• Selling of community assets and property on the long-term future and the potential impact on the VCFS.
• Continued impact of COVID-19 outbreak on the sector.
• Benefits of the LCPs but a lack of awareness about them by other organisations as well.
• Need for better information sharing and networking