A Paisley charity has expressed concern about how the third sector could be tipped over the edge with the state of the economy.
The Star Project bosses believe a possible recession, on top of the current cost of living crisis, it could put many not-for-profit companies, community organisations and social groups in major trouble.
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Sharon McAulay, chief executive at the Star Project, said that the third sector is getting “left behind” while also expected to pick up the pieces within the community.
She said: “Charities and the third sector are expected to pick up the pieces of the mess that is left due to the Government's decisions. Number 10 knows that whatever decision that they make, these people will always be there to help their communities, they need to do more to help people who are in dire need.
“People have been hit hard with the rise in fuel and electricity prices, we have been giving fuel vouchers to people to make it easier on their finances. This shouldn't be happening.
“We, along with the other charities and businesses, are getting hit double as hard with the prices skyrocketing with us getting hammered with looking after the business and individually”
Star Project is a charity that aims to provide support to the community by having what they describe as a “unique wraparound way of working” as they seek to always be there for the community during tough times. In the past, the Paisley charity has provided food to people who could not afford it from their community food fridge, with many people relying on it to feed themselves and their families.
Yet, Sharon says that this shouldn’t be the case and that if people aren’t concerned about the state the country is in right now, they aren’t paying attention. The chief executive also reiterated that due to the cost of living and a possible recession, businesses will close down which will put a lot of people out of jobs.
She added: “We are doing everything we can to support people as that is what we are here for, but the emergency support we have has risen by 20 per cent in the last few months.
“I am saying to people that if you are not angry, you are not paying attention. We are preparing to see levels of help similar to the first lockdown and during the pandemic, lots of people lost their jobs due to business closing and it is going to happen again.
“People can’t and aren’t going to be able to take many more hits emotionally, physically and mentally.”
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