Small Charity week: Small charities. Big impact
- Shrewsbury Ark
- Jun 29
- 3 min read
As Small Charity Week (22–29 June), the national celebration of the vital role small charities play in communities across the UK, comes to an end, we’ve been thinking about this year’s campaign theme: Small charities. Big impact.
How do you measure impact?
On a national level, the Charity Commission says small charities, (such as us), are the lifeblood of civil society: deeply embedded in their communities, trusted by those they serve, and often the first to respond when needs arise.
‘While big charities grab the headlines nationally, it might surprise people to know that most registered charities are small and are the fabric of the sector.’
Meanwhile, the latest research from NCVO, (the membership community for charities, voluntary organisations and community groups in England) say four in five people agree that small charities are vital to society and make a real difference in their communities, while nearly half have seen the impact of a small charity in their local area.
‘They are valued for personal and immediate support in times of crisis. People are benefitting not only from practical support but emotional support too, with over half stating that if a small charity in their area closed tomorrow there would be a negative impact of the welfare of their local community.’
How we measure our impact
Some of our impact can be measured through facts and figures; we are currently supporting around 30 people, and delivering a wide range of support services, such as health, mental health, and substance misuse, and each programme we run is tailored to individual needs.
We gather lots of data to measure our impact, however behind each number is a real person.
A person who is struggling to overcome childhood trauma and abuse, transition from care or into civilian life, or a myriad of other challenges life has thrown at them.
Or in some cases, it’s a person in crisis and there simply was nowhere else for them to go for help in that moment in time.
At an individual level, our impact is immense.
Here are some comments made by the people who use our services:
“[Without the Ark] I would have been dirty, hungry, and probably gone in a very different direction.”
“The best thing was talking about mental health and meditation. The staff shared their own stories, and it made me realise I wasn’t alone. That helped me more than I can say.”
“The Ark makes me feel human again. You don’t get support like this anywhere else.”
“The Ark is amazing – the team are understanding and empathetic. We need more people like that.”
“The Ark has been a lifeline. I’ve only been coming here for four days, but already they’re helping me look into PIP and find a place of my own.”
“The Ark saved my life”
People often call in to give us an update on how they are doing after using our services. In this video, Graham tells us about what he's doing now.
A spokesperson for Small Charity Week says small charities may be small in size, but they are BIG in impact. They are creating change in communities every day, often quietly and without recognition. Small Charity Week is a moment to celebrate that impact and to stand behind the organisations making it happen.
“Because when small charities thrive, communities thrive. And when communities thrive, society is stronger.”
We are able to help others thrive because of you!
Huge thank you to all the individuals, businesses and other organisations who support us, and a huge thank you to our amazing team of volunteers.
We never charge for our services, and your contributions, whether through donations, fundraising, or volunteering, help us continue our mission of providing support for those in need across Shropshire.
What to do if you see a person sleeping rough
If you are concerned someone is sleeping rough on the street, contact Streetlink online at www.thestreetlink.org.uk. Call 999 if the person is in immediate danger, needs medical assistance, is under 18 or is with someone who is under 18.
