Just under two in three people want to see more public funding provided by government to charities, a survey has revealed.

Respondents to the survey of 3,000 people, which was carried out in August, say health and homelessness charities should be prioritised in any boost in public funding for the sector.

More than half want to see mental health, homelessness, hospital and hospice charities prioritised.

Among young people support for charities that promote human rights should be a priority for ministers. This was cited by just under half of 18 to 24 year olds.

A similar proportion of over 65s want to see war veterans made a priority.

Those surveyed suggest government will need to step in to provide greater support to charities as their own ability to donate wanes.

A third of people feel pessimistic about their personal economic outlook.

Culture war attacks from right wing politicians and violence from far-right protestors are a concern among the public, with four in ten warning the UK is “less united” in recent weeks.

The survey has been carried out by charity focused strategy agency Eden Stanley.

Its founder Joe Barrell said the survey shows “strong public support across age groups and the political spectrum” for charities”.

“There is clearly appetite across the country for increased support and funding for the third sector and this presents an opportunity for charities to grow their supporter bases, play a more prominent role in the public discourse on key issues, and to make the case for more investment from government,” he said.

“To achieve this, they need to understand who their target audiences are and how to inspire and motivate these people to engage – whether it’s through offering a sense of community, the chance for supporters to express their values or the ability to make a visible, immediate difference to a cause which has affected them.”

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