Long-Covid research, survivor rehabilitation and mental health services are just some of the latest projects to support NHS ahead of challenging winter thanks to your generous donations.

We’re delighted to announce that we are awarding a further £2.84 million through our network of 240 member charities based in UK hospitals, health boards, ambulance, community, and mental health trusts – taking the total allocated to date to £140 million.

These projects are funded from our Covid-19 Urgent Appeal – which raised a record-breaking £150 million thanks to generous fundraising from our incredible supporters, including the likes of Captain Sir Tom Moore, premiership footballers, and Joe Wicks. During this unprecedented time, the appeal became the most successful in fundraising history – and is now making genuine change for communities across the UK.

Just some of the latest vital projects include:

• An £875k grant awarded to NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Endowments for research into long-Covid, and peer support for its 50,000 staff.
• £246k for Derby and Burton Hospitals Charity, to support patients needing overnight palliative care via two new roaming staff nurse posts, and to fund an Arts Recovery programme for staff and patients struggling with mental health.
• £77K awarded to the Better Lives Charity for social prescribing in Bradford, where funds will support people being discharged from local community mental health services.
• £77k to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital King’s Lynn Charitable Fund, to support the rehabilitation and recovery of Covid-19 survivors and chronic heart failure patients.
• £33k awarded to the Clatterbridge Cancer Charity to facilitate music therapy for people living with cancer.

Ellie Orton OBE, Chief Executive of NHS Charities Together, said:

“NHS Charities Together is here to support the people of the NHS, in every part the country, every day of the week – and with the NHS facing its most difficult winter ever, this has never been more important. We are building life-long, life-changing support for NHS patients, staff and families, and we are so proud of the difference these projects are already making in every corner of the UK.”

“The last 18 months have seen the NHS face untold pressures, and sadly these have not gone away. The pandemic also amplified multiple existing challenges, so we must continue to show our support for the NHS if we are to help its long-term recovery. Thankfully, the work happening with our members and community partners is truly inspiring, and we believe that together we can help the NHS thrive.”

Our grants programme has comprised of three phases, and to date funded over 600 projects covering the length and breadth of the UK. Over 400 of these have supported the mental health of NHS staff, including counselling support, helplines, and intensive psychological support for post-traumatic stress disorder. They are also funding training for thousands of emergency response volunteers to support overstretched ambulance services, tackling emerging health needs, and investing in projects that make access to healthcare more equal – as well as supporting the long-term recovery of the NHS.

Dr Rudolf Duehmke, Consultant Cardiologist and lead of the long-Covid research project at The Queen Elizabeth Hospital King’s Lynn NHS Foundation Trust (QEH), said:

“We are incredibly grateful to NHS Charities Together for funding this important rehabilitation programme at QEH, which is tailored to patients and staff living with long-Covid or who have chronic stable heart failure that has worsened due to pandemic-induced self-isolation and shielding.”

“The benefit of heart failure rehabilitation is well-documented and this programme will make a positive difference to the lives of hundreds of patients and staff at QEH.”

SUPPORT OUR WORK

With the impact of Covid-19 on the NHS workforce, the threat of a third wave, and services that are busier than ever, NHS Charities Together needs to continue to be there for the NHS and wider communities, which is why we need your support to continue funding this vital work.

Together, we can help support our NHS today, and make sure our health service thrives for future generations.