THESE are difficult times for charities. Today the RNIB outlines its worries over a drop in support being offered to blind and partially sighted people in Poole.

Though the local authority claims it has not cut services to people with visual impairments, all councils are under pressure and so are most charities.

Funding from central government is being squeezed and donations from the public to good causes has also been reduced significantly because of the downturn.

Charities are facing pressure from all sides and there’s increasing concern about the consequences of this growing shortfall.