The Never More Needed Campaign

That the Parliament welcomes the launch of the SCVO campaign, #NeverMoreNeeded, which aims to underscore the critical role that voluntary sector plays as society navigates, and rebuilds from, the COVID-19 pandemic; believes that charities and voluntary organisations make communities stronger and provide unique support, services and guidance; commends the voluntary sector, including the many organisations in Paisley, for the ways it has mobilised to respond to the immediate challenges exposed by the virus and the ensuing lockdown; recognises that it played a critical role in helping people to survive this period through a panoply of ways, including by delivering food security, tackling rough sleeping, helping to alleviate loneliness, improving digital connectivity and finding safe places for people experiencing domestic abuse; appreciates that, even in the best of times, everyone needs strong community and voluntary sector services to thrive; believes that, when the country begins to emerge from the pandemic, voluntary organisations will continue to play a vital role as society adjusts to a "new normal" and seeks to rebuild and recover; understands with concern that the pandemic has had a significant impact on the sector itself, with 75% of organisations reporting an adverse impact on their finances, two-fifths seeing an increase in demand for their services and half of charities believing that they will run out cash reserves within six months and be forced to cease operation; congratulates SCVO on taking forward this important campaign, which celebrates the impact of the voluntary sector, and notes that the campaign encourages MSPs, businesses and people to consider how they can all recognise and support the sector at a time when it is never more needed.