Tuesday 20 June 2023

Small charities that provide huge support of local communities in Hertfordshire are being celebrated as part of Small Charity Week 19 – 23 June.

During the Covid-19 pandemic and the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, small charities have been working hard to ensure communities are supported. Small Charity Week is a chance to say thank you, and also raise awareness of the importance of supporting local charities through donations, fundraising and volunteering.

The Living Room provides free group therapy for adults with the illness of addiction, in Hertfordshire, and to support their family members.

We deliver our free services from hubs in Stevenage, Watford and St Albans using the model of time unlimited group therapy and peer support, facilitated by trained counsellors with lived experience in recovery.

Rita Cooper, Operations Director of The Living Room said: ‘There has never been a more important time to support small charities and the work they do in their local communities. At The Living Room, we provide people with the opportunity to explore the root cause of their own, or their loved one’s addiction and their responsibility in that.

“We help people to explore and understand the underlying trauma or reason why they picked up their drug of choice.  Our group counselling therapy enables people to make connections with others and learn tools and strategies to lead a healthy and happy life; one that benefits future generations, the economy and communities and doesn’t rely on dependency to drugs, alcohol, or behaviours for comfort. We believe that everyone has potential, and a life worth living.”

Sarah Vibert, CEO of the National Council of Voluntary Organisations said: “The recent crises faced by this country have shown just how important small charities are, and the amazing services they provide in local areas. Staff and volunteers have stepped up and stepped in using their specialist local knowledge, to ensure that communities are safe, supported and reassured.

“Millions of people lives are positively impacted by small charities every year. If we can do one important thing during Small Charity Week this year, it would be to realise how vital small charities are and offer them the support they have so willingly shown us.”

The Minister for Civil Society, Stuart Andrew MP, said: “Small charities really are the lifeblood of communities across the country. They understand the needs of local people and are a trusted source of help to those who need it most.

“Small Charity Week is a chance to say thank you. It’s also an important time to remind people to support their local charity by offering donations, volunteering time, or assist with fundraising.”