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Prime Minister's Christmas message to the sector

19 December 2008

"As we end the year, I know that many of us have anxieties about what the new year will bring. And I know that many third sector organisations are worrying about how the downturn will affect them and what challenges lie ahead. But it is during difficult times, times when some of us will find ourselves in need of extra help, that we see most clearly the vital role that the sector has to play. This is when we see charities, community groups, local networks and projects - which are the glue that binds communities together - at their very best.  This is why I am determined that in the coming months we will help to support the sector to play its role in helping the country through the downturn fairly, to the benefit of us all. 

"I am immensely proud of Britain. The scale of the challenges we face is matched by the strength of my optimism that Britain can rise to meet them.  Ours is a country where almost three quarters of the population volunteered last year, where the number of  charities is growing, and where many thousands of people care enough about their local environment to do something about it by pulling together to create change.

"Never is this fighting spirit and can-do attitude more clearly demonstrated than by the commitment, dedication, care, compassion and genuine heroism of the people from all walks of life who volunteer their time and their energy, to help those who find themselves in need at Christmas.

"So to the staff and volunteers at all those charities, voluntary organisations, community groups and social enterprises who have made a huge effort to welcome, care, support and befriend someone in need this Christmas, to everyone who has made a difference to their community during this year, and all those people that have given their time and energy for a cause that they care about, I’d like to say this: thank you."