Questions, answered.

9 answers

• 01DonatingHow much of my donation goes to your work?

  89p of every £1 we spend goes directly on our programmes. The rest covers the essential costs of raising funds and running a safe, well-governed charity. Our full accounts are published every year.

• 02DonatingWhat is Gift Aid?

  If you're a UK taxpayer, Gift Aid lets us claim an extra 25p from the government for every £1 you give, at no cost to you. Just tick the box when you donate; you need to have paid at least as much tax as we'll claim in that year.

• 03DonatingCan I choose what my donation pays for?

  Yes. You can give to a specific programme, such as the food bank or youth mentoring. Unrestricted gifts are especially valuable, though, because they let us respond wherever the need is greatest.

• 04DonatingCan I leave a gift in my will?

  Gifts in wills fund around one in ten of everything we do. Any gift, of any size, makes a difference. We recommend speaking to a solicitor, and our team is happy to have a confidential chat.

• 05Getting helpDo I need a referral to use the food bank?

  Not for your first visit. Just come along on a Tuesday or Friday. After that we'll usually ask an advisor, GP or support worker to refer you, so we can make sure you're getting all the help you're entitled to.

• 06Getting helpIs your help confidential?

  Always. We only share information with your permission, unless we're worried someone is at risk of serious harm, in which case we follow our safeguarding policy.

• 07VolunteeringHow much time do I need to give as a volunteer?

  As little as two hours a month. Many of our volunteers give a regular weekly shift, others help at events a few times a year. We'll find something that fits around your life.

• 08VolunteeringDo I need any experience or checks?

  No experience is needed for most roles; we provide full training. Roles working with children or vulnerable adults need a DBS check, which we arrange and pay for.

• 09About usWho runs Wattle Lane Community?

  We're an independent registered charity governed by a board of volunteer trustees from the local community. Day to day, a team of 18 staff works alongside more than 400 volunteers.