Are charities feeling the pinch?

It's not only businesses that are suffering in this economic downturn, voluntary organisations and charities are also feeling the pinch with consumers and businesses alike reigning in their spending.

Some charities - the so called third sector - are noticing a reduction in donations - both financial and clothing to shops.

But its not all bad news - some shops report more people are coming through their doors and the cost of leasing a shop on many high streets is falling.

There are more than 30,000 voluntary and community organisations in Wales - employing around 30,000 people and more than 250 new charities are registered each year.

So with budgets ranging from millions to just a few thousand, what can charities and voluntary organisations do to keep their heads above water?

Are we likely to see some go the wall as Welsh consumers and business make fewer contributions?

Wales@Work takes a look at the Welsh third sector and asks what it can do to keep the donations flowing in a time of financial fluctuation.

We'd also like to hear from you if you have a recession story. Are you suffering because of the downturn or are you bucking the trend? We are looking for businesses to follow over the next few months on the programme. Would you like to tell us how you are getting on?