CHARITY leaders from across the South have met in Southampton as the sector faces "huge challenges". 

Reps from charities across the region gathered for a Charity Think Tank to discuss current challenges. 

The round table discussion at Harbour Hotel also saw inspiring success stories shared including fundraising, new income streams, attracting and retaining staff, demand on services, the role of trustees and the need for training.

Hosted by HWB Chartered Accountants and Charisma Charity Recruitment, the event was attended by organisations including Rowans Hospice, Autism Hampshire, Trinity Winchester, Merchant Navy Welfare Board, Youth Options, Hawk Conservancy Trust, YMCA Fairthorne Manor and Winchester Housing Trust.

Michaela Johns, Director at HWB, chaired the discussion.

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She said: “The south’s charities are facing huge challenges such as fundraising, identifying new revenue streams, lingering pandemic issues, an increased demand for services and difficulties in attracting and retaining staff.

“As an accountancy and business advisory firm specialising in advising charitable organisations, we sadly witness these difficulties on a daily basis.

“We wanted to give something back to the sector and felt a round table discussion would enable leaders from different areas to meet, share best practices and learn new ideas and tips.”

Charisma Charity Recruitment, a nationwide jobs search firm based in Winchester, works with charity, education, care and not-for-profit organisations.

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Managing Director Adam Stacey said: “This event gives participants a chance to step away from the daily routine and spend a few hours in the company of like-minded people from across a wide range of charitable causes.

“It has proved to be not only the perfect opportunity to make new contacts and exchange ideas, but to realise that a great many organisations and individuals are experiencing the same anxieties, troubles and struggles as each other.”

Chandler's Ford firm HWB provides business and tax advice and holds regular seminars on various topics.