When the coronavirus pandemic took hold in the United Kingdom early in 2020, charities were among the first to draw attention to the resulting social distress and to take action. Foodbanks reported growing demand and did their best to meet it. Domestic abuse charities responded to a 50% increase in calls as successive lockdowns wore on. Calls to the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) went up from an average of 600 a month to more than 900. The mental health charity Mind stepped up its advice and advocacy services, and 750,000 people joined a Royal Voluntary Service network of volunteers to support those who were self-isolating.

This was nothing new. It was, rather, a fresh illustration of the role charities play at times of national and international crisis. Many of them are experts in their field, close enough to people and communities to see where the need is, and flexible enough to respond swiftly. They were active in the two world wars; they joined the relief effort in the disastrous floods in eastern England in 1953; they played a leading role in tackling AIDS. During the war in Afghanistan, Help for Heroes was established and expanded rapidly to care for injured veterans. Charities respond continually to natural disasters abroad and at home.

They are also an integral part of society in normal times, best known for their work from day to day with those who are poor, sick, homeless or living with disability. But their role is not confined to the relief of individual need. They also play an essential part in education, medical research, the democratic process, the advancement of rights, the guardianship of culture and heritage, the stability and development of local communities, leisure, the protection of the environment and the delivery of public services. This complex proliferation of organisations and their role in promoting social and economic progress is not always well understood or recognised.

The purpose of this book is to make the breadth and depth of the work of charities more visible and better appreciated by categorising what they do and bringing it to life through case studies and interviews, including examples of their response to the coronavirus emergency.