'Premier League donation vital for NHS Charities Together'

The chief executive of the NHS Charities Together has expressed her thanks to the Premier League for helping the people bravely fighting the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The League has committed £20million for on-the-ground delivery to support the NHS, communities, families and vulnerable groups. This is helping club community organisations across the Premier League and EFL adapt their support to the needs of people most in need during this period.

Part of this money will go to the NHS, through NHS Charities Together, to directly aid the mental health of our amazing NHS frontline workers and their families, and Ellie Orton, CEO of NHS Charities Together, says it will be vital.

"This donation is incredibly important and will be vital in helping to support the amazing NHS staff, volunteers and patients as they deal with the COVID crisis," Orton said.

"Our appeal isn't just about what we can do to help now. It is also about treating the potential mental scars this crisis could leave in the future."

The funding will be distributed via the BBC Big Night In, a joint initiative between Comic Relief and BBC Children In Need, with a show raising funds on BBC One at 19:00 BST on Thursday evening.

Orton says the League’s funding will have a lasting impact.

"In the longer term, this donation will fund programmes to help staff and families recover fully once the crisis has abated, reducing the lasting impact on them and the people they care about," Orton said. "That's why I am hugely thankful to the Premier League for the donation."

Clubs helping communities

The funding for mental health services is just one element of wider assistance the Premier League and its clubs are providing to support the mental wellbeing of fans and those in their communities. This has included giving local NHS Trusts vital support. 

Health and Social Care Secretary Matt Hancock joined his colleague, the Culture Secretary, Oliver Dowden in expressing his gratitude to the League and clubs for all their work.

"Across the UK people have been rolling up their sleeves and coming together to support the NHS, social care and their local communities in these unprecedented times," Hancock said.  

"It is fantastic to see the Premier League and its clubs contributing to this mammoth effort, providing valuable support for our hardworking NHS and care workforce. 

"As everyone continues to play their own crucial role in delaying the spread of Coronavirus, they can enjoy tonight's 'BBC Big Night In' in the knowledge that the Government will match every penny raised this evening to make a real difference to everyone on the frontline who are working around the clock to help those who are most affected by the crisis."

Also in this series

Part 1: NHS and Government thank League and clubs for support'
Part 3: How our clubs have been helping the NHS
Part 4: #StayWell hub to offer fans help for mental wellbeing