As the weather turns a little colder, a very warm welcome to your newsletter and a big thank you for your continued support. This July I joined the nation in wishing the NHS a very happy 76th birthday and alongside lots of you, made a wish. My wish for the NHS was that our incredible workforce gets the support they need and that everyone has access to the best possible healthcare. You can read more about the celebrations on the page opposite and how we’ll work closely with the new UK Government to prioritise the NHS, ease pressure on staff, and transform care. Thank you for doing everything you can to make that transformation happen. Extraordinary things are possible through your generosity. On pages 4 and 5, you’ll read how NHS staff – from those who are on our wards looking after us to those who repair our hospitals to keep them running – are accessing services made possible with your support. Gavin, who features on page 5, is now a Health Champion helping to break down stigma in mental health and supports his colleagues, who as men and working within a trade, experience higher rates of suicide than the other parts of our communities. You’ve made this possible, and so much more. Then, on pages 6 and 7, you’ll read how a rehabilitation treadmill, funded by donations like yours, is helping patients like Louise walk again. These stories define extraordinary and make me proud of what we can achieve together. Thank you for your support. The power of together has never been more extraordinary
July was a big month for the NHS as we all celebrated its 76th year with birthday wishes, tea and cake. We also saw a newly-elected UK Government, bringing hope of a brighter future for our much-loved NHS. A summer of Celebration and Hope
A big birthday Thank You
Click here to watch the special wishes for our amazing NHS.
As part of our birthday celebrations, those wanting to share a special message included our Charity Champion Jordan Henderson MBE, Adam Kay, Kate Garraway MBE and ITV’s Loose Women Brenda Edwards and Kaye Adams, as well as actor Sir David Jason OBE. Stephen Fry also shared a personal message thanking the NHS. Stephen Fry said: “I’m wishing the NHS a very happy 76th birthday. And what’s my birthday wish for the NHS this year? Well, above all, the NHS is not buildings, hospitals, it’s not clinics, it’s not drop-in centres. It’s not even the technology. It’s the staff. And I wish that the staff, more than ever, are treated by the public, and by the NHS and the Government, with the respect and the honour that they deserve.”
A special Thank You for putting the kettle on
Locally, NHS charities across the UK held NHS Big Tea events in their communities, aiming to bring everyone together for a cup of tea and a piece of cake while raising vital funds to improve care and support for NHS staff, patients and communities. If you supported an event or held an NHS Big Tea, an extra special Thank You for putting the kettle on!
A word on the election
With a new UK Government in place, NHS Charities Together is committed to working collaboratively with the newly-elected Labour Government to support NHS staff, patients and communities. Our Chief Executive, Ellie Orton OBE, expressed her wishes for a brighter future. “We need, and expect, the NHS to be a top priority for the new Government and we will seek to swiftly engage with them, so they fully understand the vital role played by NHS charities in
supporting our health service. There is much for the incoming Government to do to safeguard our NHS for future generations. Our diverse network of over 200 UK- wide NHS charities is working hard to help ease pressure on the NHS, break down barriers to access and improve healthcare for patients and staff. We hope the new UK Government will work towards a brighter future for our much-loved NHS.”
Ellie Orton OBE Chief Executive
NHS Charities Together is the trading name of the Association of NHS Charities. Registered Charity No. 1186569 (England & Wales) and SC050716 (Scotland). Company No. 12325259. NHS Charities Together, Pure Offices (Suite 68), Lake View House, Wilton Drive, Warwick CV34 6RG.
AUTUMN 2024
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