WORDSLEY Housing Society is in with a chance of getting its donations doubled on Local Charities Day.

Friday (December 16) marks the first government-backed Local Charities Day, which will celebrate the vital work charities do and shine a spotlight on the unsung heroes who make a difference in their communities.

To support the day, Localgiving, an online fundraising and support organisation for charities, is running a 24-hour #GiveMe5 match fund campaign, which will see 1,000 £5 donations that have been made via Localgiving.org doubled.

Successful donations will be selected at random the following day, with donors notified via email if their donation has been matched.

Wordsley Housing Society, which provides accommodation support and practical help to people suffering from a mental illness, is just one of the charities listed on the site that could benefit from the campaign.

Stephen Mallinson, Localgiving’s chief executive, said “Research has shown that one in two people who don’t give to local charities say the main reason is that they are unaware of them.

"Local Charities Day is therefore a great opportunity for more people to connect with their community and find a local cause to get involved with. Every £5 given on the day will make a real difference.”

People are also being encouraged to mention their favourite charities on social media, using the hashtag #LocalCharitiesDay.