Charity bosses across Scotland step up fight for multi-year funding

Charity bosses across Scotland are stepping up calls for Humza Yousaf to deliver on proposals to introduce multi-year funding.

It's after we told you last week about staff at the Moira Anderson Foundation in Airdrie who're scrambling around to find more cash as the organisation looks to cut back services.

"I am fearful it is going to lead to drastic cuts"

Kirsten Hogg from the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations told Clyde 1: "Small organisations generally do not have as much money which means that one cut to funding could be incredibly significant.

"Many organisations are getting the same amount of money every year from the government meaning and it is not rising in line with inflation.

"I am fearful it is going to lead to drastic cuts in the vital services they offer."

It's as a Lanarkshire woman is telling us third sector staff helped her turn her life around when her daughter told he she was sexually abused by her own father.

"I felt like I couldn't protect her"

Sarah McGovern from Airdrie exclusively told our reporter Callum McQuade: "I remember falling on to my knees thinking it couldn't be true.

"I give birth to this child and I felt like I couldn't protect her.

"You just never think anything terrible like that will happen in your own family until it does."

Future uncertain for Airdrie charity helping victims of child sexual abuse

Sarah was abused during her own childhood and struggled to leave her own house for two years and was under constant supervision.

She added: "My daughter also felt ashamed, guilty and felt like the world was looking at her.

"She was terrified if people found out that they would point the finger and say 'there is that little girl who was abused by her dad' and for me to hear that felt awful."

Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said:

“I am keenly aware of the pressures on the Third Sector at this time and the Scottish Government recognises that the financial environment is extremely difficult for some charities.

"Like many sectors of society they are affected by sustained high inflation, as well as facing increased demand due to the cost of living crisis.

“Through our approach to Fairer Funding, we have already committed to improve the clarity and consistency of our grant-making practices for third sector organisations in receipt of Scottish Government funding.

“This includes increasing, where possible, the number of multi-year agreements to provide stability, and ensuring prompt notification of funding to enable organisations to plan for delivery.”

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