NHS Charities Together

Who we are

NHS Charities

There are nearly 240 NHS charities across the UK and most of them focus on helping our NHS go further. Collectively these charities give £1 million every day to the NHS so that everyone can have better health and care. In recent years NHS charities have funded major capital projects, pioneering research and medical equipment at our hospitals, helping patients access the best possible care when they need it most.

They also play a key role in mobilising volunteers to support NHS staff, brightening wards and waiting areas with colourful and engaging art and building an important link between our hospitals and our communities. Other NHS charities support mental health trusts, community health trusts and ambulance trusts.

These vital funds and services are above and beyond what the NHS alone can provide, touching lives and making a huge difference to millions of people when they are at their most vulnerable.

NHS Charities Together

Founded in 2000, the Association of NHS Charities started as an informal group of the largest NHS Charities which came together to provide mutual support and a forum for discussion. Since then the Association has grown steadily, welcoming charities both large and small from across England and Wales, as well Scotland and today the Association (now known as NHS Charities Together) represents nearly 240 charities. NHS Charities Together was formally constituted in 2008 and successfully applied to the Charity Commission to become a registered charity. In 2019 NHS Charities Together incorporated to be a charitable company.

Donations to NHS Charities Together help take pressure off an overstretched NHS, helping the NHS go further for everyone. We support incredible NHS staff and emergency volunteers so that they can continue with their vital life-saving work. We also fund projects that prevent ill health and improve services for patients. Our national reach through a network of NHS charities covering the UK means that we can ensure funds go quickly where they are needed most.

As a membership organisation we also lead nationwide fundraising and advocacy campaigns, specialist advice and guidance, conferences and training or NHS charities – because we know that together we can help the NHS be the best it can be.

We believe our collective mission is more important than ever as the NHS faces the most challenging time in its history. And we have been overwhelmed by the heartfelt support from across the nation to get behind the NHS during this critical time.