Almost 1 in 5 people in Somerset turned to charities for help last year – with some areas seeing nearly a quarter of residents depending on them for essentials like mental health care, debt advice and medical support.

The figures, revealed in new data analysis by Ansvar Insurance, highlight just how much local people are leaning on voluntary organisations to plug gaps left by stretched public services. In some parts of Somerset, 17% of people relied on charity support, while in other areas the figure jumped to 23%.

The findings come as the Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) reports a dramatic fall in giving. Its National Giving Report 2025 shows the number of people donating has dropped to just 50% – the lowest level since records began in 2016. And of those who do give, most choose national causes, leaving smaller, local charities competing harder than ever for donations.

Adam Tier, from Ansvar, said: "The data illustrates how vital charity organisations are in Somerset communities, often addressing gaps left by statutory services, and doing so under financial and operational pressure."

He warned that the mismatch between demand and funding risks leaving some communities behind. "Our experience of working closely with charities has shown just how essential their services are for many individuals and families. The challenge, and opportunity, is to help balance the disparity by directing more resources from affluent communities to those facing the highest levels of need."

Charities in Somerset are already facing the strain, with rising costs, increasing demand and fewer donations. Many provide frontline services such as helplines, food support, counselling and debt advice – help that residents say they simply could not do without.

Tier said both donors and policymakers need to step up: "Policymakers should be urged to ease the flow of funding from wealthier areas to those with greater needs. Charities must also be supported to build more sustainable and risk-resilient models that can withstand rising demand and operational challenges."

He added a message for those in stronger financial positions: "For donors, particularly those in wealthier regions, consider a shift in giving towards local and community charities in under-resourced areas, where support can make a big difference."

With demand showing no signs of slowing, local charities across Somerset are expected to remain a lifeline for thousands of households in 2025 and beyond.