Supporting Communities in Times of Crisis: Practical Advice for Local Charities
Richard Sherry, Heart of Bucks Policy & Insight Manager
In times of crisis (such as natural disasters, security emergencies, or public health crises), local charities are often the first to respond, offering vital support to communities in need. Their local knowledge, trusted relationships, and on-the-ground presence can make a life-changing difference.
At an early-2025 Vital Voices forum, Heart of Bucks brought together representatives from local Bucks charities, Buckinghamshire Council, and the National Emergencies Trust to explore how charities can best support marginalised communities during emergencies. Here are four key takeaways to help strengthen your own charity’s crisis response.
- Build Trust Before a Crisis Happens
Trust takes time to build, but it’s the foundation for effective crisis response. As Simon Lewis MBE from the National Emergencies Trust reminded us, grassroots organisations were the go-to source of help after the Grenfell Tower fire – not because they were the biggest or most well-resourced, but because they were trusted by the community.
Top tip: Invest in relationships. Be a consistent, reliable presence in your community. It’s this groundwork that ensures people will turn to you when it really matters.
- Rethink Communication
During a crisis, how you communicate is just as important as what you say. Not everyone will check their emails – especially in an emergency. In our forum, charities shared the value of alternatives like WhatsApp groups, door-knocking, and using community languages to get urgent messages across. Being culturally sensitive, bridging language barriers, and understanding your community ahead of time can improve your crisis response.
Top tip: Don’t assume digital is always best. Ask your community how they prefer to receive information and be ready to adapt your methods.
- Manage Resources Wisely
Well-meaning donations can sometimes do more harm than good. After Grenfell, mountains of donated goods went to waste because they weren’t needed or couldn’t be distributed effectively. Being clear about what your organisation needs – and what it doesn’t – can help prevent this. Understanding the community’s actual needs and being culturally sensitive in resource distribution (e.g. religious dietary requirements) can prevent waste and ensure that support is appropriate and effective.
Top tip: Be specific and assertive. Clear communication with donors helps avoid waste and ensures support is genuinely useful. Don’t be afraid to set boundaries.
- Collaborate for Greater Impact
Working together with other organisations makes everyone stronger. Partnerships with other charities, businesses and local authorities can help you spot unmet needs, avoid duplicating efforts, and build a more resilient support system. Regular events, resource-sharing platforms, and shared learning can make the whole community more resilient.
Top tip: Get connected! Join local networks, attend events, and share what you know – collaboration pays off, especially in times of crisis.
Final Thoughts
Crises can’t always be predicted – but preparation makes all the difference. By building trust, tailoring your communications, managing resources wisely and working together, charities can be ready to support their communities when they are needed most.
This blog draws on insights from our early-2025 Vital Voices forum. For a deeper look at the discussion, read our full insight report.
