Four years on from the first lockdown, and the launch of our Covid-19 Urgent Appeal, we can reveal that donations have supported over 600,000 patients and nearly one million healthcare staff across the UK.
The urgent appeal, which launched on the day the nation went into lockdown on 23 March 2020, raised an incredible £162 million with thousands of people in the UK getting behind the NHS to fundraise in their own unique ways, from walking and running to sky diving, dancing and baking.
The money raised has enabled us to fund thousands of projects across the UK, supporting urgent needs, community prevention projects and the longer-term recovery of the NHS.
Read more about the impact of the appeal.
But immense challenges for the NHS continue. A new YouGov survey of 1,078 NHS staff* reveals a staggering 96% of staff responding say they feel pressure is currently growing on NHS services and 95% feel the pressures on the NHS will continue for years even after the Covid-19 pandemic. Nearly three quarters (74%) say the pressures feel as high as when Covid-19 cases were at their peak and 83% believe it will take many years for staff and volunteers to recover from the pandemic.
The challenges the NHS continues to face mean the extra support provided by NHS charities is more vital than ever.
Ellie Orton OBE, Chief Executive at NHS Charities Together, said:
“We will never forget that unique moment in 2020 when the nation got behind the NHS when it faced one of its biggest challenges. Thank you to everyone who donated – your support has made a real and meaningful difference to NHS staff, patients and volunteers and is still having an impact today.
“But our latest research shows that, far from being over, NHS staff feel the pressures are growing. Together with our network of 230 NHS charities we help provide extra support for the NHS staff who keep our healthcare service running, and the patients and communities who depend on them, and this has never been more needed. That’s why our future strategy is focused on how, together, we can help create the healthcare services that everyone needs, now and in the future.”
*The YouGov survey was commissioned by NHS Charities Together in February 2024. All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 1,078 NHS healthcare professionals. Fieldwork was undertaken between 13 – 19 February 2024. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all NHS staff by occupational group. (aged 18+).
