As the NHS turns 78, now is the time to get behind your local NHS charity

As the NHS celebrates its 78th birthday, many of us will take a moment to reflect on what it means to our communities.

Every day, the NHS is caring for an ageing population, responding to growing demand and embracing rapidly advancing technologies. These are challenges that cannot be underestimated.

While many of us are concerned about the future of the NHS, one thing hasn’t changed. People care deeply about it.

At NHS Charities Together, we hear from people every day who want to give back to the NHS, whether that's to thank the staff who cared for a loved one or to help improve healthcare for future generations. Yet many people still don't realise they have a local NHS charity, or the difference it’s already making on their doorstep.

Across the UK, more than 220 NHS charities invest around £1.5 million in healthcare every day. That funding supports local hospitals, community services, mental health care, ambulance services and specialist treatment, helping the NHS go further through the power of giving.

NHS charities also help drive innovation, improve patient environments and support staff wellbeing in local health services.

As the NHS looks ahead to its 100th birthday, charities will continue to play an important role in helping healthcare meet the challenges of the future. But for that to happen, more people need to know about their local NHS charity and the difference it makes close to home.

This NHS birthday, the greatest gift we can all give our NHS is to learn more about our local NHS charity and, if we’re able, find out how best to support it.

Throughout the NHS's 78th birthday celebrations, we'll be sharing more stories from across the NHS charity sector about the difference local charities make every day. Keep an eye on our website and social channels over the coming days.