Charity Link

Charity Link

Charity Link is a long-standing UK-based charity and social welfare organisation that has been operating since 1876. Headquartered in Leicester, it specialises in providing financial hardship relief and essential items to individuals and families in need across Leicestershire, Rutland, and Northamptonshire.

Who We Are

Originally established as the Leicester Charity Organisation Society, the charity provides a vital lifeline for people of all ages and backgrounds experiencing poverty or crisis. Their mission is to ensure that vulnerable people are dry, warm, clean, safe, and fed. They operate through an innovative trust administration model, where they use their expert knowledge of UK charitable trusts to unlock funding, effectively multiplying the value of donations to provide direct support to those in need.

What We Do

• Essential Item Provision: Supplying critical household goods such as beds and bedding, clothing (including school uniforms), and white goods (cookers, washing machines, fridges).
• Emergency Crisis Support: Providing immediate, short-term assistance for food and utility costs for individuals in crisis situations, such as those fleeing domestic abuse or facing homelessness.
• Referral-Based Support: Partnering with over 250 local charities, community organisations, and professional agencies (e.g., social workers, GPs, teachers) who refer individuals for support.
• Trust Administration: Offering a specialised service for other non-profit organisations, providing consultancy, governance, and grant administration support.
• The Goods Depot: Operating a social enterprise that supplies high-quality goods to the wider community, generating sustainable income to support the charity’s core welfare mission.

Approach & Values

Charity Link focuses on improving the health, wellbeing, and dignity of the local population. Their approach is rooted in compassion and efficiency, ensuring that help reaches those in need as quickly as possible. By working in partnership with local agencies, they ensure that the support provided is part of a broader, holistic care package for the individual.

Industry Role & Regulatory Registrations

Charity Link operates as a registered charitable organisation (Charity Number 1078271) under the oversight of the Charity Commission. They adhere to rigorous governance and financial transparency standards required for grant-making and welfare organisations in the UK.