A cancer charity in the north east of England has closed and made its 15 staff redundant due to “insurmountable financial pressures”.

Coping with Cancer North East, which has been supporting individuals and families affected by cancer for more than 42 years, announced its immediate closure and ceased all operations and services yesterday (29 August).

The charity has made its 15 staff members redundant as a result of the closure, Third Sector has learned. 

Coping with Cancer North East carried out a restructure in February that resulted in five staff members leaving the charity and allowed it to reduce its costs by 30 per cent. However, the charity’s chief executive, Maggie Bailey, told Third Sector that “more income was needed and this simply has not been forthcoming since”.

In a statement, the charity said the closure was due to “insurmountable financial pressures”, adding: “Despite their best efforts to navigate the challenging financial landscape, investigating possible mergers and exploring all potential income sources, they have been unable to overcome the financial difficulties that have led to this unfortunate decision.”

According to its latest accounts filed with the Charity Commission, Coping With Cancer North East recorded a total income of £239,845 and expenditure of £349,881 in the financial year to the end of March 2023 – resulting in a £110,036 deficit.

Bailey said Coping with Cancer North East had held numerous contracts with different NHS organisations in the region, but none of these were paid at total cost recovery rates, so did not cover the full cost of supplying services.

As a result, the charity had to seek further income from grants, trusts, donors and fundraising events every year to ensure services were delivered, she said.

“Demand for services are at the highest they have ever been and it is extremely sad that the NHS simply does not pay charities the total costs involved with supplying services, despite them referring their patients.

“We hope that the sad closure of our charity will raise the importance for other charities similarly struggling to meet demand without full funding.”

The charity had supported more than 1,500 people over the past year and was supporting more than 300 people at the time of its closure, Bailey said, adding: “This will have a great impact on the region’s healthcare services.”

The charity’s statement said: “Coping with Cancer North East will ensure that all are contacted personally with transparency and integrity.”

“The decision to close was not made lightly, and the organisation understands the impact this will have on the community. 

“The organisation extends its deepest gratitude to the dedicated staff, volunteers, donors and partners who have worked tirelessly to support its mission. Their unwavering commitment has made a significant difference, and Coping with Cancer North East is profoundly thankful for their contributions.”