Fostering Resilient Charities for Stronger Communities.

During Small Charities Week, we proudly join the annual celebration that recognises the vital contributions small charities make to communities across the UK.

Across Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire, small charities like ours play a significant role. At Pauls’ Place we make sure physically disabled adults are not left alone or behind and have opportunities to live life to the full. Statistically, over 80% of disabled people acquired disability later in life. Fewer than 20% were born with disability. We’re here to catch and rebuild them with life enhancing opportunities.

In the UK, a gigantic 96% of charities are small. This means, small charities are making a massive difference for millions of people every day.

From left to right, Paul's Place members, Hannah and Ben. Corporate volunteer, Charlie, from Vaultex cash handling company, based in the Barton Hill branch, Bristol.

Paul’s Place member, Hannah, was born with spastic cerebral palsy. It causes stiff and tight muscles, which makes it difficult to move. Hannah says, “without Paul’s Place I would stay at home, which would close doors and limit my life. I would often cry, as my anxiety would increase drastically. At Paul’s Place I’m with people who understand me. There’s various ages and physical, sensory and cognitive disabilities at Paul’s Place, but we learn from each other and find common ground. I love doing arts and crafts and taking part in Boccia tournaments, that takes us to leagues around the country. Closer to home, Paul’s Place supports us to go out into the community, such as theatre trips and restaurants. I was also supported to learn and apply my skills in sign language, which secured my employment at Claremont School, where I support physically disabled pupils”.

 

Corporate volunteer, Charlie, from Vaultex cash handling company says, “every month my work allows a day to volunteer for a charity we love. I chose Paul’s Place, and now I volunteer for the small charity in my spare time, as my contribution feels very rewarding. My wife noticed how happy I am after I spend a day at Paul’s Place, and she’s inspired to get involved as well. The staff and volunteers are great at talking, listening and entertaining the members (service users). I offer my help by making drinks, supporting the activities in its day facility, chatting with the members and getting to know them. I feel very belonged and welcomed by everyone at Paul’s Place, a small charity that provides vital services for physically disabled adults.”

Small Charity Week is our chance to say ‘thank you’ while raising awareness of the importance of supporting local charities through donations, fundraising, and volunteering.

​Sarah Vibert, CEO of National Council of Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) said, “small charities are the beating heart of our sector and many communities across the country. But they are facing incredibly challenging times – just as the support they offer is needed more than ever. We need a strong and resilient small charity sector.

“Small Charity Week is a fantastic moment to help celebrate, recognise and enable small charities to make an even bigger impact in their communities. I encourage everyone to get involved in Small Charity Week 2024.”

About Small Charity Week:

Small Charity Week is a campaign which was first established by the Foundation for Social Improvement (the FSI) in 2010 to celebrate and raise the profile of the small charity sector.  From 2020 the campaign was jointly delivered by The FSI and other partners, all passionate about the work of the Small Charity Sector.

Find out more about Small Charity Week: https://www.smallcharityweek.com/