New CEO of Darlington charity aims to turn the tide as it's 'losing money each month'
Tandem, formerly known as The Morrison Trust, has helped thousands of locals into employment for over 30 years
A Darlington charity that helps thousands of people into employment is warning the charity sector's in its hour of need as they're losing money each month.
Tandem, formally known as The Morrison Trust, has a conference and meeting centre which re-invests all profit into strengthening its workforce and support it offers.
But its new Chief Executive Mike Renton says its usage post-pandemic has shrunk resulting in significant income shortfalls and adds a 'modern, diversified income stream' is crucial to turning the tide.
Mike says there are plans to open up a charity shop which will bring money in and he's urging people to use their local charities or else the brutal reality is that they'll vanish.
It is a sector-wide issue; According to the latest Commission data, over 40 per cent of UK charities currently have an income shortfall, and Mike said: “Every charity is finding it harder because unlike businesses, we don’t make our own money, so we are having to find new, creative ways to generate income.
“Ultimately, businesses help themselves, while charities help those who can't and there are many amazing causes across Darlington, like Tandem, that do life-changing work. Yet so many shut because they simply can’t afford to continue.
“Additionally, since covid, venues like Tandem Hub simply aren't as busy. Our bookings are at roughly half of what they were, and the reality is that on some days it is empty.
"We must plug our income gap, so we can't rest on our laurels - we need a more modern, diversified income stream and that's hopefully where I can make a big difference.
"Thankfully, Tandem has rock-solid foundations, and we already have some exciting plans in place.
"But the message with Tandem Hub is that for businesses seeking a local, great value venue, using it is a win-win, as they'll also be supporting a charity that's helping people who - one day - may end up working in their team."
Rebranded in 2023, Tandem has helped people across the Tees Valley into employment through mentoring, training, skills development and practical employment support.
Having previously been interim Chief Executive, dad-of-four Mike took the role on permanently last month – albeit just four days a week due to the financial realities the charity faces.
Mike has a background in public relations and hopes to better communicate the 'transformative' work the charity does every day.
"Too many people don't see Tandem as a charity - for many it is the place you do a speed awareness course - but our team is tirelessly working to give people hope and opportunities.
"Locally, around one in six adults are economically inactive, and our charity is fighting to improve that by giving them the skills but also the confidence to get back into work.
"But we are a charity, and like many in the third sector, we are fighting just to keep going, and without funding, our amazing work can't happen, so I'm trying to change perceptions and the fortunes of Tandem at the same time.
“We have a real opportunity to help people move into better opportunities – but we must ensure the charity is here to do it and we need local businesses to step up and take corporate social responsibility seriously.
“The charity sector is in its hour of need, and if that support isn’t there, the brutal reality is that charities like Tandem will simply vanish.”
For more information, visit the Tandem website.