Christmas campaign fundraising for community nurses in need

The Christmas Giving campaign, which raises funds through online shopping, will contribute towards the charity’s Support for Nurses programme.

"The QNI aims to be there for community nurses where and when they need it"

Crystal Oldman

Support for Nurses provides financial support for nurses in times of crisis, including those trying to escape domestic abuse and struggling with physical and mental ill health.

In 2023, the QNI helped 282 nurses, including some retired staff, using funds from the programme.

It awarded single grants to 90 community nurses experiencing financial difficulties.

In addition, it sent food vouchers to 19 people, which were used to help buy essential items during the cost-of-living crisis.

Support for Nurses has also provided grants to nurses impacted by storms and floods.

Lauren, a flood grant recipient, said: “I will be eternally grateful for the grant which I used to replace a washing machine [and] air fryer, and purchase a small fridge and camping stove.

“As I moved back home and the whole of the lower ground was gutted and stripped back to brick, I had no means of making meals or washing my own clothes until [the QNI's] help.”

Meanwhile, the Support for Nurses scheme has also helped to establish the QNI’s Keep in Touch project, which links working and retired community nurses together for regular phone calls.

The charity said the project had encouraged interaction between past and present community nurses and created bonds between them.

Louise, a Keep in Touch contact, said: “I have been housebound for so long now.

“It is so good to hear from my volunteer weekly – she keeps me in touch with the outside world.”

Crystal Oldman

QNI chief executive Dr Crystal Oldman said: “Just as community nurses support people at every life stage, the QNI aims to support community nurses at every phase of their nursing life and into retirement.

“Providing financial support to nurses in times of extreme need, and keeping in touch with our retired nurses, the QNI aims to be there for community nurses where and when they need it.”

Dr Oldman said the work undertaken by the QNI “is only possible with the support of vital donations”.

The Christmas Giving campaign works through an online shopping platform called Easyfundraising.

By signing up online, the QNI receives a donation every time an individual shops online at over 8,000 eligible stories.

So far, the charity has raised £1,541 through the scheme.