Islington Council Leader James Kempton will today (10 February) welcome a new 'credit crunch' busting poverty initiative that will directly help Islington's voluntary sector.
At a speech tonight to some of the biggest charity groups in the borough, Cllr Kempton will tell over 40 assembled guests that the recession has brought a 'double whammy' to Islington's third sector as donations dry up while demands for charities' services increase.
But help is at hand in the form of a new partnership between philanthropic organisation Cripplegate, banking group Macquarie and the Charities Aid Foundation. Together, they are establishing a programme which will train and support local organisations working to help people get out of poverty.
Cllr James Kempton, Leader of Islington Council said: "The third sector has always been important in Islington; charities and their volunteers provide an indispensable range of advice and support services to the borough's poorest residents.
"In these tough times, and with unemployment rising, we need their help more than ever. Which is why I welcome this Cripplegate initiative that will create a successful partnership across the corporate/voluntary divide.
"Getting a major bank like Macquarie on board brings a huge skills base to the voluntary sector who will use their expertise in Human Resources, IT and financial planning to complement the invaluable and energetic contribution of thousands of volunteers."
The Charities Aid Foundation are expected to play a key role in developing employee involvement and capacity building in the third sector.
Islington Council recently announced proposals to make use of the skills of residents who might have lost their jobs in the economic downturn.
The community initiative will be promoted through the Islington Strategic Partnership, the NHS Primary Care Trust and the council's own media channels.
Cllr Kempton continued:
"I don’t want residents who've lost their jobs sitting at home feeling anxious and isolated when there are so many different ways of getting involved.
"People with professional skills could become trustees of local voluntary groups, or think about using their experience to train and develop young people or take part in environmental projects.
"Not only does this give something back to the community, but it also provides a chance for people to gain new skills and experiences to improve their future employment prospects."
For more information visit: www.islington.gov.uk/community/voluntarywork/
Launch of new Cripplegate Programme with Macquarie Foundation and Charities Aid Foundation
Tuesday 10 February, 5.30-7pm
Macquarie Group Foundation
Level 36
CityPoint
One Ropemaker Street
London
EC2Y 9HD
Guests invitees: Islington Council/ISP, Charities Aid Foundation, Macquarie Bank, Cripplegate Foundation, Islington Voluntary Action Council, Argent, Groundwork, Islington Law Centre, Women's Therapy Centre, Islington Childcare Trust, Refugee Therapy Centre, The Parent House, Single Homeless Project.
ENDS
Page Last Updated: 12 June 2009