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Welcome to
the SHH-UK
December Newsletter
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We are a member of EasyFundraising, a platform that allows our supporters to generate free donations for SHH-UK whenever they shop online with thousands of retailers. It costs you nothing extra, and every purchase helps us continue providing peer support, advocacy, and evidence-based resources for those affected.
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As we head into a busy period of planning, campaigning, and supporting our community, we’re excited to share updates on our work and how you can get involved. This month, we’re highlighting an easy way you can help us raise vital funds to support healthcare workers living with Long Covid — simply by doing your everyday online shopping.
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You’ll also find details inside about our upcoming support groups, AGM, and new strategic priorities for 2026–28. Thank you for being part of SHH-UK — together, we are making a difference.
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Christmas and New Year closure
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To give our volunteers and trustees time to get ready for the holidays, we’ll be shutting down for the Christmas holidays from Monday 15th December to Monday 5th January (inclusive).
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The next SHH-UK newsletter will reach you in the first week of February.
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We’re aware Christmas and New Year can be a difficult time for many. If you need to speak to someone over the festive period, or at any point, please reach out. Support is available:
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Call free, day or night, on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org
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NHS Urgent Help for Mental Health
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24-hour support and advice for people of all ages, including carers
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Tools, resources and guidance if you’re struggling or in crisis
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Text SHOUT to 85258 for free, confidential support from trained volunteers, anytime
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Support, techniques and counselling for anxiety.
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Helpline: 0344 477 5774 | Text: 07537 416905
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Search for free local and national mental health support
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Please note: SHH-UK does not provide crisis or clinical services
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If you are considering suicide, have harmed yourself, or need urgent medical help, please dial 999 or go to your nearest A&E immediately.
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Looking ahead
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Online peer support groups – starting January
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We are delighted to announce that our online peer support groups will begin in January. We’ll be running two sessions each month to start with, and plan to increase capacity as we recruit and train more moderators
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If you are a healthcare worker living with Long Covid – whether you’re currently working or not – and would value connecting with others who understand what you’re going through, our peer groups are for you.
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Keep an eye on our social media channels for dates, times, and joining information.
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When you register, your information will be used only to manage your attendance.
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Next Cognitive Dysfunction Support Group
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Our next online cognitive dysfunction support group will take place on Tuesday 11th February from 11–12. If you’re a healthcare worker living with Long Covid and experiencing cognitive dysfunction – whether you’re currently working or not – we warmly invite you to join us and connect with others who understand the challenges you’re facing.
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Click here to sign up. Your personal data will be handled securely and in line with our Privacy Policy.
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Our Annual General Meeting
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Our Annual General Meeting (AGM) will take place on Wednesday 18th March from 3–5pm. Invitations have already been sent to all volunteers and trustees – please let us know if you haven’t received yours.
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If you would like to join us to hear more about what we’ve achieved over the past year, and our plans for the year ahead, we’d be delighted to have you with us.
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Click here to sign up. (Information you provide will be used solely for managing your attendance).
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SHH-UK News
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Over the past few weeks, the Trustees have been finalising our strategy for 2026–2028. Given our limited funds and our committed (but still relatively small) team, we have agreed to focus initially on four key priority areas:
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1. Providing Peer Support & Information – Led by Loli Macchiavello and Sultanah Rajbally
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2. Influencing Policy & Procedure – Led by Alison Twycross and Mike Coupe
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3. Research Dissemination & Patient/Public Involvement – Led by Sultanah Rajbally and Loli Macchiavello
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4. Fundraising – Led by Renee Dijeng and Nick Swash
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These areas represent where SHH-UK can have the greatest impact based on community need and resources. We’d love to hear your feedback on these priorities. Feel free to email your thoughts to us at info@shh-uk.org
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Fundraising
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Could someone you know take on a sponsored challenge for SHH-UK?
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To help us continue supporting healthcare workers with Long Covid, we’re looking for people willing to take part in sponsored fundraising events on our behalf.
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We have teamed up with Run for Charity, giving supporters access to a wide range of events, including:
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• Half and full marathons
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Please choose activities appropriate to your health and seek advice if needed.
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You can browse opportunities on our website – and if you’d like to get involved (or know someone who might), please email us at info@shh-uk.org for more details.
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Call to Action – Help raise funds at no cost to you
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You can help SHH-UK support more healthcare workers living with Long Covid simply by doing your usual online shopping. It costs you nothing, but every purchase generates a donation for us.
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EasyFundraising gives SHH-UK a free way to raise money whenever our supporters shop online with over 8,000 retailers. Every purchase triggers a small donation at no extra cost to the shopper. Retailers include supermarkets, travel companies, insurance providers and high-street brands.
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Please sign up to EasyFundraising today and start raising free donations for SHH-UK every time you shop online.
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It only takes a couple of minutes – and makes a real difference.
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Season’s greetings
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We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to all our wonderful volunteers, trustees, and supporters. SHH-UK simply could not exist without the time, passion, and dedication you give to supporting healthcare workers living with Long Covid.
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Whether you’ve facilitated a support group, helped us shape our strategy, raised awareness, written or shared resources, or quietly offered encouragement behind the scenes, every contribution has strengthened this charity and the community we serve. We are deeply grateful.
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As we approach Christmas and the New Year, we want to wish everyone in our community peace, rest, and moments of joy amid what continues to be a challenging journey for so many. Thank you for standing with us throughout 2025. We look forward to continuing this important work together in 2026 – with hope, determination, and solidarity.
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Meet our volunteers
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Published with Erin’s permission
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Erin
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I'm an involvement and co-production specialist, with a keen interest in mental health, long term conditions and peer support. In my day job, I work with voluntary and community sector organisations and people with lived experience of using health and care services. Together we ensure the views and experiences of people and communities are central to the development of national guidance for the NHS. I joined SHH-UK earlier in the year. My role is to support the growth of involvement and co-production and facilitate the growth of the charities' support groups.
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Connect with us socially
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