This International Charity Day we are looking at the extraordinary contribution of the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector, often called the Third Sector.

Every three years Third Sector Trends, commissioned by Community Foundation North East and led by Durham University, provides a vital snapshot of the scale, dynamics and needs of the sector in the North of England. The study consistently shows the huge value charities, community groups and social enterprises deliver, often with limited resources, supported by volunteers and using every penny wisely.

The last study revealed:

• Around 200,000 Third Sector Organisations (TSOs) operate in England and Wales, most working at a local or neighbourhood level.
• The sector’s income is roughly £48 billion, but resources are unevenly shared. Large organisations hold over 70% of funds, while small and micro groups, which make up over 70% of the sector, receive only 3%.
• The sector’s energy comes from its people, with 1.1 million employees and 4.3 million regular volunteers. Volunteers contribute 42 million days of work each year, without which 85% of organisations could not survive.
•  Value for money is clear. On average, the Third Sector spends £163m per local authority area, compared with £1.2bn in public sector funding.
• In the North West there are 2.7 TSOs per 1,000 people, contributing more than £16.6 billion to social and economic wellbeing.

This shows the Third Sector is a powerful force, delivering services, tackling inequalities, and building stronger communities.