More thoughts about about charities.

[Coldicote]

Apologies for returning to a previous subject. According to the Charities Commission website, there are 161,835 registered charities in England and Wales. I'm not anti-charity but where would this country be without them and why do those in need have to be so dependent on this kind of help? Doesn't government have some responsibility towards those in need - the sick, blind, etc? I quite often have books, bric-a-brac and other saleable items to dispose of, but usually wait for a collection bag that is not limited to clothing. What do you think about so much dependence on charity and how do you decide which to support?

[Maydup]

Now there's a whole bunch of big questions.....

With the recent government cuts I think charities will be relied on more and more. Where in the past they might have supported specialist needs or be ther to add a little comfort or support in life, they will be keeping some people going now.

No I don't think its right, but inevitable. I take my used clothes and bric-a-brac to the Salvation Army because they do good work locally, but I don't have a religious connection to them, so sometimes I pop a few bits into the independent store who raise money for diabled children.

Otherwise I occasionally support Arts charities as I enjoy their work, wildlife charities because I live in the countryside and a hospice because they looked after a loved one.

If I had loads of money I'd set up my own and support young people to get a start in life, whatever that means for them.

[Coldicote]

Thank you Maidup, you are no doubt right. As you say charities might in the past have supported specialist needs and added comfort to people's lives. Future needs will be even greater to provide necessities. It would be interesting to know what support, if any, comes from government or local government sources.

[karenmac60]

Of those 161,835 registered charities - how many are the traditional type of charity though? I used to be a member of an amateur dramatics society that had charity status and I'm sure I've heard that many private schools are also registered as charities - I'm sure there are many other organisations which have charity status but it only extends as far as being non profit.

[sandyRoe]

I wonder if The Society for the Relief of Distressed Gentle ladies still operates?

[Coldicote]

karenmac60 has made a valid point. It seems to me that there should be a distinction between charities that do good for the needy and those that merely have a non-profit status - presumably meaning some kind of monetary benefit.