Crohn's and Colitis UK

Crohn's and Colitis UK
Name	Crohn's and Colitis UK
Formation	1979
Type	Charity
Headquarters	London
Region served	United Kingdom

Crohn's and Colitis UK is a United Kingdom-based charity supporting people affected by inflammatory bowel diseases, primarily Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. It provides patient services, funds research, and campaigns for improved healthcare delivery and policy. The organization works with medical institutions, patient groups, and public figures to raise awareness and influence practice across the UK.

History

Founded in 1979, the charity emerged during a period of growing patient advocacy that included organizations such as British Red Cross, National Health Service (United Kingdom), King's Fund, Marie Curie (charity), and British Heart Foundation. Early collaborations involved clinicians from institutions like St Thomas' Hospital, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Royal Free Hospital, Guy's Hospital, and John Radcliffe Hospital. Over subsequent decades the charity engaged with policymakers associated with Department of Health and Social Care, legislators from House of Commons, health bodies like NHS England, and advisory panels connected to National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Notable public events and fundraising milestones referenced figures and venues such as Wembley Stadium, Royal Albert Hall, BBC, Channel 4, and patrons linked to House of Lords and Scottish Parliament.

Mission and Activities

The charity's mission centers on improving life quality for people with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis through support, research funding, and advocacy, aligning with standards promoted by organizations such as Royal College of Physicians, British Society of Gastroenterology, European Crohn's and Colitis Organisation, World Health Organization, and patient groups like NHS Charities Together. Activities include policy engagement with bodies such as Department for Work and Pensions and Care Quality Commission, partnerships with healthcare providers like Royal London Hospital and academic centres such as Imperial College London, University of Oxford, and University of Cambridge.

Services and Support Programs

Services include helplines, online resources, local support networks, and peer support models similar to those run by Mind (charity), Age UK, Cancer Research UK, Macmillan Cancer Support, and British Red Cross. Support programs operate across regions including Greater London, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, West Midlands, and Greater Manchester, liaising with clinical teams at centres like Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, Leeds General Infirmary, and Royal Victoria Hospital (Belfast). The charity provides information tailored to different life stages referencing educational institutions such as University of Edinburgh, employment frameworks like those affected by Equality Act 2010, and benefits systems administered by agencies like Jobcentre Plus.

Research and Advocacy

The organization funds clinical and translational research in collaboration with universities and research centres including University College London, King's College London, University of Glasgow, University of Manchester, Queen Mary University of London, and research funders such as Medical Research Council and Wellcome Trust. Its advocacy campaigns have engaged politicians from Parliament of the United Kingdom, healthcare commissioners associated with Clinical commissioning group, and regulators such as Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency. Campaign themes have intersected with public health topics addressed by Public Health England and European institutions like European Union health committees, and have mobilized media outlets like BBC Radio 4, The Guardian, The Times, Sky News, and ITV.

Funding and Governance

Funding streams combine public donations, legacies, grants from bodies such as National Lottery (United Kingdom), philanthropy linked to trusts like Gates Foundation for broader health initiatives, and partnerships with corporate donors and philanthropic foundations. Governance structures reflect charity law frameworks overseen by Charity Commission for England and Wales, board practices comparable to those at Wellcome Trust and British Heart Foundation, and financial reporting standards used by large UK charities including Oxfam and Save the Children. The organisation engages trustees, clinical advisors from hospitals such as Addenbrooke's Hospital and Royal Free Hospital, and research panels with members from Medical Research Council-funded groups.

Public Awareness and Education

Public campaigns include awareness events, fundraising initiatives, and educational materials distributed via channels such as BBC Television, Channel 4, national newspapers like Daily Telegraph and Daily Mail, and social platforms linked to public figures and influencers. Outreach targets schools, workplaces, and healthcare settings, collaborating with institutions like Department for Education, employers represented by Confederation of British Industry, and professional bodies including General Medical Council and Royal College of Nursing. The charity's public education efforts draw on best practices used by campaigns run by Cancer Research UK, Diabetes UK, Mental Health Foundation, and Age UK to improve diagnosis, reduce stigma, and influence service provision.

Category:Health charities in the United Kingdom