Brand new data has been revealed that shows the scale of the "crucial" voluntary sector in Rutherglen and Cambuslang.
Figures highlight the crucial role of charities, social enterprises, and community groups in the area - and across Scotland.
The data reveals that in the Rutherglen constituency alone, there are currently 153 registered charities generating a combined annual income of £28,365,811, and 175 social enterprises operating.
The statistics were collated by the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) using data from OSCR, Volunteer Scotland, the TSI Network Scotland, and the Social Enterprise in Scotland Census.
Anna Fowlie, chief executive for the SCVO, told Lanarkshire Live : “We know that the voluntary sector is a major player in Scotland in terms of economic impact and employment.
"Our recent #NeverMoreNeeded campaign highlighted how crucial the sector has been during the pandemic across the country, and continues to be essential in recovery.
“These findings highlight not only how vital charities, social enterprises and community groups are in Rutherglen, but also the level of local support provided to these organisations through volunteering, which is really encouraging.”
Rutherglen MSP Clare Haughey recently met with the SCVO in the Scottish Parliament.
She told us : “I welcome the figures produced by the SCVO – highlighting the invaluable contribution that charities and voluntary organisations make in Rutherglen and Cambuslang.
“The voluntary sector has been crucial throughout this pandemic, both in the local area and nationwide, and it’s important that we recognise that incredible contribution”.
The Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) and TSI Scotland Network believe that sharing this data will further highlight the contribution of the voluntary sector, particularly over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic.
A spokeswoman for Voluntary Action South Lanarkshire added: “Scotland’s vibrant voluntary sector is a key asset in our communities, even more so over the last two years, but it is one which is often underestimated and overlooked.
"We hope that this data, which shows the size and scale of the sector, can emphasise just how vital the sector is and how much it supports us all, both locally and nationally.”
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