Videos

Site was last updated: Thursday 17th May 2012

Jonathan Dimbleby backs the Christmas Unwrapped Appeal

# #

"Your donations will make all the difference to thousands of people in Devon"

Date added: Monday 15th November 2010
Latest updated: Wednesday 11th April 2012

"I do hope that you will join me to support the Christmas Unwrapped Appeal this year."

Jonathan Dimbleby's signature Jonathan Dimbleby

 

It's difficult to imagine that poverty and disadvantage exist in Devon. It doesn't fit with the perception of an idyllic county with thriving farming and tourist industries. And it doesn't come in the more obvious form of overseas poverty. The stigma of failure and inadequacy attached to poverty, mental illness, addiction, long-term unemployment or crippling loneliness make many people hide away.

This Christmas will be harder than usual for many people. Public sector cuts, unemployment and debt are hitting those already on the edge and squeezing household incomes even more. Torbay already has one of the highest proportions of people living on the breadline and lowest life expectancies in the South West, yet the council says budget cuts of 25% will result in job lossess.

Your support has never been more urgent. As the recession continues to bite, charitable donations fall nationally and government support to the voluntary sector is reduced as well, many of the frontline community groups we support are struggling for survival. Without them, there is no safety net. Without your donations many people in Devon will not get the help they need this Christmas. Please make sure they do.

Quality Accredited by Community Foundation Network to standards endorsed by the Charity Commission