UK Charity Week is here – and people, businesses, charities and organisations from all over the UK are being encouraged to get involved in this year’s campaign.

UK Charity Week was set up to give people the opportunity to not only raise money for different charities but to also highlight and raise awareness of the work they do.

After a hugely challenging 18 months for the sector, this is the perfect opportunity to say thank you and celebrate the hard work charities have been doing during the most difficult of times.

You can help raise much-needed funds by donning a Christmas jumper, baking a cake or participating in one of the other fun activities taking place between the 6th and 10th December. 

The week will start with a Celebration of Charity Day, where people will share success stories and celebrate those who have gone above and beyond for others.

Other activities include a ‘Give 5 Day’ – where people are encouraged to donate five of something to their favourite cause – be it £5, five items of clothing or five hours of volunteering.

With the majority of fundraising events cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic, 2020 and 2021 has been a particularly difficult year for many charities and now they need your help.

Anyone can get involved in UK Charity Week – whether it’s organising or taking part in an event, donating money or simply raising awareness for a charity during the campaign via social media.

UK Charity Week Founder and Executive Editor of Charity Today, Lee Rayment, said: 

“It has been a difficult 18 months for everyone.

“That’s why, more than ever, it’s vital for all of us to get together, even if it is digitally, to look back and celebrate the incredible work that charities have been doing during the most difficult of times.  

“With Covid cases up and down, a lot of events will be virtual again this year to help protect people and limit the spread of the virus.

“However, this campaign thrives on social media, so charities must understand the opportunities that this presents to raise much-needed awareness.” 

He added: “Charities are urged to share their success stories using the hashtag #UKCharityWeek, however big or small, and give your volunteers the public gratitude they deserve. 

“UK Charity Week has always been, and will always be about the people.”

UK Charity Week has a number of celebrity supporters including Coronation Street star William Roache, former England manager Sven Goran Eriksson and ex-footballer Neil ‘Razor’ Ruddock.

The Sinclair Method UK has been confirmed as the Main Sponsor for this year’s campaign.

The Sinclair Method is a treatment for alcohol misuse.

Joanna Duyvenvoorde, Director of Sinclair Method UK, said:

“Sinclair Method UK is thrilled to be sponsoring UK Charity Week this year. 2020 and 2021 have been difficult for many charities, and it is only fitting that we do everything we can to help them as they shift from survival mode to a renewed focus on growing their services for those in need.  

“But it hasn’t only been difficult for charities: we have all struggled with a range of issues, resulting in increased stress, increased loneliness, and for some, increased alcohol consumption to help them cope. 

“Sponsoring UK Charity Week not only helps us help charities; it also raises awareness of The Sinclair Method – a medication-based treatment to help reduce alcohol consumption in those who wish to regain control over their drinking or even stop drinking altogether.”

For more information about UK Charity Week, please visit https://www.ukcharityweek.co.uk/ 

To keep up to date with what’s happening throughout the week, follow UK Charity Week on Twitter @UKCharityWeek, Facebook @UKCharityWeek and Instagram @UKCharityWeek