The UK government created in February a ‘recession fund’ for the voluntary sector worth £42.5 million. The plan comprises a £16.5 million ‘modernization fund’ to help charities looking at mergers and collaborations; a £15.5 million ‘community resilience fund’ to support smaller charities in the poorest regions that provide services such as debt and employment advice, mental health services and family breakdown counselling, and skills training; and a £10 million volunteer brokerage scheme.