In September 2023, the CSJ Foundation opened its Scotland office. The inaugural report - Drowning not Waving: Discussions with Scotland Small Charities - highlights the widespread gloom amongst both the Scottish public and its charities. Our polling shows citizens are acutely aware of the pressures on public services and the voluntary sector while rising poverty, mental health issues and addictions go unaddressed.

• 81% feel that poverty has worsened in the last five years

• Two-thirds (68%) agree their community is struggling because of crumbling public services

• Drivers of poverty, such as drug addiction, mental health problems, and the availability of jobs, had all worsened in public perceptions:

1)      Mental health problems (71%)

2)      Loneliness and social isolation (66%)

3)      Drug and alcohol addiction (63%)

4)      Availability of good jobs (61%)

5)      Homelessness (56%)

• A plurality of respondents (44%) don’t believe Scottish charities receive the recognition they deserve from the government