Our programmes

The challenges facing the NHS are vast and varied. Our role in tackling these must reflect this.

Achieving change through transformational programmes

We use a blend of grants funding, partnership working, evaluation and learning, and awareness raising, to drive improvement and influence change across our three impact areas. Our programmes are designed to inspire others to support our mission so we can develop and expand them in future.

Supporting workforce wellbeing

The NHS would not exist without the dedication and expertise of the people working and volunteering within it. Growing pressures on our healthcare services mean more must be done to support the workforce to help the NHS thrive. We have two programmes focusing on workforce issues:

Workforce Wellbeing Programme

NHS staff are working in some of the toughest conditions in history and their wellbeing is suffering as a result. More must be done to support and retain them and ensure patients get the care they need. Our Workforce Wellbeing Programme is a partnership with NHS England to improve and sustain the wellbeing of the NHS workforce. The Programme includes a grants fund for key projects, sharing of learning and best practice, and creating positive and long-lasting change through awareness raising and influencing.

Volunteering For Health Programme

Volunteers provide vital support to patients, NHS staff, and the wider healthcare system. The Volunteering For Health Programme is a partnership between NHS Charities Together, NHS England and CW+ to improve how volunteering works so it can play an even greater role in improving the healthcare experience people get and give to others. The Programme will tackle barriers, test new approaches, and develop guidance and best practice that can be used more widely.

“NHS staff work under immense pressure with unprecedented staff shortages and vacancies and the extra help we provide to support their wellbeing and mental health is now more important than ever. The NHS needs to be able to attract and retain the caring workforce to look after the ageing population and meet the growing needs of the public, who face more complex and long-term conditions than ever before”

Ellie Orton

NHS Charities Together CEO on the Staff Wellbeing Programme

Supporting communities and people to live well

To improve our health as a nation and relieve/reduce pressure on the NHS we must find different ways to support the diverse and growing number of patients, whoever they are and wherever they live. Equipping communities with information and skills can empower people with greater knowledge and confidence to manage and prevent health issues at home or within their community. But the social factors that contribute to quality of life/health mean different approaches must be taken for those most in need.

Greener Communities Fund

In partnership with Hubbub and Starbucks UK, our Greener Communities Fund aims to increase and improve green spaces across the UK, that benefit the health and wellbeing of NHS patients, staff and local communities. So far, over £2.2 million has been distributed to local NHS charities to support the creation and improvement of 21 green spaces.

Community Resilience Programme

This programme aims to unlock the power of people and communities to prevent and/or respond to crises and emergencies, and in doing so reduce pressures facing NHS services. In 2024 we awarded £426,000 to projects led by ambulance charities with a focus on community responses to out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, with a further £1.4m expected in 2025.

Innovation Challenge Fund

Innovation Challenge is a flagship funding opportunity from NHS Charities Together by which we fund NHS Charities and their partners to deliver innovative activity that supports children and young people who are experiencing health and/or healthcare inequality.

“The Greener Communities Fund is a much-needed initiative to help local NHS charities create more green spaces across the UK and improve the nation’s health in the process. The more time we spend in nature, the more we all benefit – and we can help reduce pressure on the NHS too. That’s why it’s so important everyone gets that chance, wherever they live and whatever their circumstances.”

Louise McCathie

Director of Fundraising

NHS Charities Together

Transforming patient experience

New technologies and interventions can transform patient care, but the NHS struggles to effectively adopt innovation at scale. Without evidence, ideas and initiatives that could save and change lives never get off the ground. Under pressure, the holistic needs of patients, carers and families can be overlooked.

National Arts in Hospitals Network

The evidence is clear that arts programmes can have a huge impact on hospital experience for staff, patients, and visitors alike, but working in arts in hospitals can be an isolated career with little standardisation or consistency. The National Arts in Hospitals Network is there to build support for all arts managers working in UK hospitals, a place to share best practice, build knowledge and evidence, celebrate success, and develop a UK-wide programme.