We're part of a health charity alliance which includes the National Migraine Centre, Coeliac UK, the Terrence Higgins Trust, the National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society, and the Royal Osteoporosis Society.
Our letter is speaking up on behalf of you - people with long-term conditions like Crohn's and Colitis - highlighting the role our Helpline has played in reducing demand on the NHS by supporting people affected by the conditions.
With lockdown having put an extra strain on vulnerable people's diagnosis and health, the Chief Executives of the alliance, including our CEO Sarah Sleet, are warning of a surge in demand for NHS services. People with the conditions who have had treatment delayed or stayed away from the NHS during lockdown are now seeking support for their condition, including Crohn's and Colitis, more urgently.
People with Crohn's and Colitis have needed us during the coronavirus pandemic. Our Helpline has been a lifeline for some, and our website is a highly trusted source of information about how coronavirus relates to the conditions.
But to continue to deliver our vital services, we need more support. We're here to help people stay well over the tough months ahead, acting as a crucial link between the NHS and people living with Crohn's and Colitis.
Sarah Sleet
CEO, Crohn's & Colitis UK
Health charities play a central role in supporting the UK's recovery from COVID-19. We deliver vital information and support to the public and play a key role in helping our pressurised NHS to deliver critical services," he continues. But with a devastating projected loss in income, the future of many charities is in doubt - and at a time when our beneficiaries need us more than ever. We're calling for investment in patient-facing health charities, to reduce the impact of chronic diseases on individuals and on the NHS. A penny spent on our services now is a pound saved later
Craig Jones
Chief Executive of the Royal Osteoporosis Society
