Over four fifths (82%) of the public say they are concerned about charities having to close, stopping their services, due to the economic malaise - according to data out today. 43% say they are "very" or "extremely" concerned.

Not-for-profit sector research consultancy nfpSynergy's Charity Awareness Monitor regularly surveys a representative sample of 1000 16-plus year olds throughout mainland Britain, asking them a range of charity-related questions - including on issues that concern or worry them about the charity sector itself.

Those most concerned about charities closing, stopping their services, include women and under 35s, plus those who have recently made a donation to charity .

Unsurprisingly, a similar number (79%) say they are concerned about charities not being able to raise enough money during the downturn - 35% saying they are "very" or "extremely" concerned.

Moreover, nfpSynergy's recent 2009 State of the Sector survey of third sector organisations suggests such public concerns are not baseless - only 9% of organisations then surveyed thought that the recession hadn't affected their organisation "at all"; and more than one third thought it had affected them "a lot" or "very much". 40% had made cuts in jobs, while 43% had made cuts in services or altered the services they offer.

nfpSynergy researcher, Rebecca Molyneux, said: "Amidst calls for a 'Big Society', this data reveals the breadth and depth of public concern about charities' ability to actually step up and deliver services, indeed about their very survival.

"This should prompt the sector to reassure the public, where possible, but also to harness their concern to raise funds and mobilise much-needed support. And it should doubtless prompt the new government to work to reassure and support the sector."

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