Long Covid Support

We are proud to have been selected as the Secretariat for the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Long Covid. We take with us the voices from the Long Covid community, ensuring focus remains on Long Covid and what is needed to progress Prevention, Awareness, Support and Treatment of this life-altering illness. The letter reads: Long Covid APPG It is truly an honour to be elected Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Long Covid. In 2020, I experienced the life-altering impact of Long Covid firsthand. It was an incredibly isolating time, as I struggled to understand why my health had changed so drastically. I felt lost and alone, unsure of what was happening to me. It wasn’t until I discovered Long Covid Support online that I finally began to feel seen and understood. Their community and resources were a lifeline, helping me to navigate the challenges and find hope in the midst of uncertainty. I continue to be inspired by the dedication and expertise of Long Covid Support, and I am delighted that they will serve as the Secretariat for the Group. Their incredible work will be instrumental in guiding discussions within the Group and shaping our efforts as we move forward. Our discussions today highlighted the urgent need to address Long Covid through greater awareness, stronger prevention measures, and better support for those affected—physically, emotionally, and socially. We hope to work with the Government to take meaningful action, including prioritising research, increasing transparency, and providing updated data to ensure a clear understanding of the condition’s prevalence and impact. It is essential that the more than two million people in the UK living with Long Covid have access to the care, resources, and support they need to rebuild their lives. The Group will officially get started in the new year and will meet regularly to drive forward this vital work. I look forward to collaborating with colleagues, advocates, and experts to ensure progress is made and drive meaningful change. Thank you to Long Covid Support and everyone who came along today. Exciting things ahead! Jo Platt MP Member of Parliament for Leigh and Atherton #longcovid #longcovidcommunity #appg #appgonlongcovid #WeWillBeHeard

Following the announcement in Parliament and publication today, read our initial statement on the Pathways to Work: Reforming Benefits and Support to Get Britain Working Green Paper. Link here: https://lnkd.in/ezmc27X6 We will continue to review the Green Paper content in the coming days. #disability #disabilitybenefits #longcovid #greenpaper

🚨 Vital Long Covid Services Closing Across the UK Despite Ongoing Need, Our New Report Warns A new report from Long Covid Support & Long Covid Kids reveals that specialist Long Covid services across the UK are shutting down or at risk of closure, leaving thousands without access to essential care. At its peak, there were over 120 Long Covid services nationwide, but now: 🔹Only 46 have confirmed they will remain open. 🔹31 are under review. 🔹24 have already closed or are set to close. 🔹20 did not respond. Quality of care is also a major concern: 28% of adults & 26% of children with Long Covid told us they had never received an in-person or remote consultation - despite NHS guidelines requiring physician-led care. The need for Long Covid care has not disappeared. In fact, it is growing. The latest ONS data shows that, as of March 2024, 2 million people in England and Scotland are living with Long Covid, including over 100,000 children. New cases continue to rise, with 178,000 new cases recorded in just 16 weeks of the ONS survey. Dr Margaret O’Hara, Trustee & Co-founder, Long Covid Support, said: “The NHS is under immense pressure, but closing Long Covid clinics is not the answer. These clinics have proven their value by improving patient outcomes and enhancing healthcare efficiency. Rather than closing them, effective treatment of Long Covid will allow thousands of affected individuals to take a more active role in the economy, in their communities, and in society - yielding significant financial benefits through increased autonomy and reduced costs of inactivity.” Sammie McFarland, Founder & CEO of Long Covid Kids, said: “Clinic closures must stop immediately, experienced staff must be retained, and closed clinics must reopen. More than 100,000 children and young people are living with Long Covid (ONS), yet the infrastructure needed to support those who require ongoing care into adulthood is being dismantled. Demand is growing, yet services are being cut instead of expanded. We need urgent action to keep clinics open and a long-term strategy for research, treatment, and specialist care.” We are calling on policymakers and health authorities to: 1. Halt clinic closures immediately and fully utilise allocated funding to maintain and improve services. 2. Launch a comprehensive Long Covid surveillance system to track health, employment, education, and economic impacts. 3.Develop and implement a National Long Covid Strategy to ensure the condition is properly managed, treated, and resourced. Read the full report here: https://lnkd.in/eGF9Bwkc

📣 🎬 Our fifth and final video message for Long Covid Awareness Day is from the amazing Long Covid advocate, Scott Squires! Thank you Scott for continuing to put a spotlight on the dangers of Covid infection and Long Covid🙏 International Long Covid Awareness Scott Squires #longcovid #LongCovidKids #longcovidcommunity #longcovidawarenessday #longcovidawareness #longcovidmakesusone

📣 🎬 For our fourth video message on Long Covid Awareness Day we have the one and only Dr. David Putrino! Thank you for being so incredibly determined!!🙏 International Long Covid Awareness David Putrino #longcovid #longcovidkids #longcovidcommunity #longcovidawarenesss #Longcovidawarenessday #curelongcovidnow #longcovidmakesusone

📣 🎬 Here’s our third video message on Long Covid Awareness Day! Prof. Rachael Evans has so very kindly sent the Long Covid community this message. Thank you Rachael for continuing to push to find answers!🙏 #longcovid #longcovidkids #longcovidcommunity #longcovidawarenesss #Longcovidawarenessday #curelongcovidnow #longcovidmakesusone

Join us in one hour (2pm GMT) for our Community Strategy Launch! Link to join here: https://lnkd.in/efEZPK_x Featuring the Long Covid Support Community Banner, and keynote speeches from our Trustees, Dr. Margaret O’Hara, Prof. Danny Altmann, and Aimie Cole. #LongCovid #LongCovidSupport #LongCovidAwarenessDay #LongCovidAwareness2025

📣 🎬 Our second video message on Long Covid Awareness Day is from the brilliant Professor Catherine Heymans - Astronomer Royal for Scotland. Thank you for speaking out Catherine, it means a huge amount to the Long Covid community! 🙏 International Long Covid Awareness #longcovid #longcovidkids #longcovidcommunity #longcovidawareness #longcovidAwarenessday #curelongcovidnow #longcovidmakesusone

📣 🎬 On Long Covid Awareness Day, here’s a message from the wonderful Morgan Fairchild. Thank you so much Morgan for your amazing support to the Long Covid community! It is truly appreciated. International Long Covid Awareness #longcovid #longcovidkids #longcovidcommunity #longcovidawareness #longcovidawarenessday #curelongcovidnow #longcovidmakesusone

The minutes for the APPG on Long Covid meeting held in February are now available, along with a brief Status Report that the APPG asked Long Covid Support to prepare. They can be found on the APPG’s webpage on our website. Link here: https://lnkd.in/eCdgprek