Liverpool Football Club Captain Jordan Henderson recently spent a day visiting staff at Liverpool University Hospitals, where money raised by his #PlayersTogether initiative for NHS Charities Together is already making a vital difference to local communities.

Jordan started #PlayersTogether during the pandemic, inviting professional footballers to support the NHS by donating part of their wage to our COVID-19 Urgent Appeal. The initiative was supported by premier league footballers, England women’s national football team, the Lionesses, and the Scottish Women’s team, raising millions of pounds. As a result of his incredible efforts, Jordan was named our Charity Champion in January 2021.

In this role, Jordan seeks to promote the impact of NHS charities, and inspire the public to be healthier, happier, and more active. He was joined by our CEO Ellie Orton OBE on his visit, where he saw for the first time how funds are being used on the frontline in his club’s hometown, and benefitting the health and wellbeing of NHS staff, patients and volunteers locally.

Speaking about the visit, Jordan said:

“It’s reassuring to see some of the workforce getting proper support, but we can’t get complacent – and must continue to care for them like they care for us.”

“It’s been an absolute privilege to meet the staff who cared for Liverpool throughout the pandemic. I know how tough it has been for the NHS and the reality is things haven’t eased up. I have family in the NHS and they are all working so hard, it’s relentless. Many staff are still struggling as a result and mental health in particular has taken a hammering.

Ellie Orton OBE, CEO of NHS Charities Together, said:

“The staff at Liverpool University Hospitals have delivered incredible care under the most impossible circumstances over the last 18 months, and we continue to be in awe of their dedication. It’s fantastic that money from our COVID-19 Urgent Appeal has been able to provide staff with the support they so richly deserve – and we’re delighted Jordan has been able to see for himself the difference his support has made.

“Thanks to Britain getting behind the Appeal, there are projects like these in Liverpool happening in every corner of the UK. But sadly the pandemic is not over yet, and staff are still very much in need of our help. Together, we can support the long-term recovery of the NHS, help it to go further, and achieve better health and care for us all.”

Liverpool was one of the cities hit hardest by COVID-19, and experienced four waves of the virus – the latter of which is still ongoing. During October 2020, Liverpool had one of the highest rates of infection of any city in Europe, and to date Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has cared for over 7,800 COVID-19 patients, with many sadly passing away. These challenging circumstances meant staff having to cope with significant pressures both in work and at home – some have experienced stress, anxiety and difficulty sleeping, and in a number of cases depression or post-traumatic stress disorder.

Kate Lynes is a nurse in Critical Care at Liverpool University Hospitals and is one of the staff members who benefitted from the staff psychology service. Throughout the pandemic the 25-year-old worked in both the Ventilation Inpatient Centre and Critical Care, caring for COVID-19 patients.

Kate said:

“It’s been a really challenging and often upsetting time for staff. In this job you’re always caring for other people, but I think it’s really important that you take time to care for yourself. When I come into work, I am a nurse and sometimes forget I am still Kate with a family at home. If you need support, I’d encourage you to take that step and ask for it.”

Since the start of the pandemic, Liverpool University Hospitals has established a range of services to provide essential wellbeing support to staff. This includes new wellbeing hubs, improvements to rest areas, and care packages. We have been able to provide further support by awarding the Trust’s Liverpool University Hospitals Charity more than £520,000 in grants. These funds have provided additional support for staff, including 40 new volunteers trained in Psychological First Aid. Since the Staff Psychology Service was established, 320 people have been referred for support.

Sue Musson, Chair of Liverpool University Hospitals, said:

 “The generous donations from members of the public throughout the COVID-19 pandemic  have made such a difference in helping to support the wellbeing of our staff here at Liverpool University Hospitals. I am incredibly proud of every colleague at the Trust. Despite the profound challenges presented by COVID-19, our staff have worked and continue to work tirelessly to treat and care for our patients safely. We will continue to provide investment in staff wellbeing, and recognise the importance of supporting staff into the future, beyond the pandemic.”

Support our work

With services busier than ever, NHS Charities Together needs to continue to be there for hardworking NHS staff and the communities they care for, which is why we need your support to continue funding this vital work.

Working with a network of 240 NHS member charities covering the UK, grants have been awarded for projects that include services and facilities to support staff wellbeing, bereavement support for families who have lost loved ones, and research into long-Covid to improve patient treatments and outcomes.

Together, we can help the NHS go further and achieve better health and care for us all.

Photo Credit: Gareth Jones