SEARCH
In an open letter, Crohn's & Colitis UK, along with five other national health charities are calling on the government and the private sector for support after losing up to half our income in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.
We're appealing for urgent funding
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.
“”
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
Read our latest news
Catch up on the latest news from Crohn’s & Colitis UK
Page
saved
This page has been saved in your personal space. Go to “My Page” to view all saved pages.
Helpline Service
Temporary closure - 10/06/2026
Our Helpline will be closed from Wednesday 10 June and will reopen at 10am on Monday 15 June.
We may be closed but we have lots of information here on our website.
If you need urgent medical advice you can call NHS 111 or in Northern Ireland phone your local Phone First. In an emergency call 999 or go to your nearest A&E.
If you need emotional support the Samaritans are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on 116 123.
We know it can be difficult to live with, or support someone living with Crohn’s or Colitis. But we’re with you. We can give you the right information and support at the right time.
We’re here for everyone.
How Can We Help?
- We can help you understand Crohn’s and Colitis
- Listen and talk about living with IBD
- Help you connect with others in the Crohn’s and Colitis community
- Give you contact details of specialist organisations
- We can support you to live well with Crohn’s or Colitis and provide up-to-date, evidence-based information
Please be aware we’re not medically or legally trained. We cannot provide detailed financial or benefits advice or specialist emotional support.
Please contact us via telephone, email or LiveChat - 10am to 3pm, Monday to Friday (except English bank holidays).
If you need specific medical advice about your condition, your GP or IBD team will be best placed to help.
Stay in the loop
Together, we’re making the greatest difference. Sign up to hear about the amazing things we’re achieving together.
© Crohn's & Colitis UK