'Challenging time' for Teesside charities

Many say they're struggling on top of high demands of their services

Author: Karen LiuPublished 7th Dec 2025

Charities in Teesside say it's been a really challenging time for the sector with a rise in demand but a drop in funding.

Many are struggling because of high costs and a lack of donations.

Beth Major, chief executive of The Junction which is based in Middlesbrough, said: "We're reliant of the general public, local businesses, grants and trusts. Nationally, the picture has become a lot more challenging in terms of those charitable trusts and grants, there's more demand so there's more people applying and there's less of a success rate.

"Demand around support is increasing, the resources that are available are growing less and less, so I would encourage anyone to get in touch with their local charities because without that funding these essential projects can't continue.

"It's a worry to me, it's a worry to the sector and it should be a worry to anyone who is concerned around access to local support and supporting local people who are experiencing challenges within their lives."

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