Automatic referrals to specialist charities

Hundreds of thousands of people with long-term health conditions will soon get extra help and support from expert charities, thanks to a new service announced by the Prime Minister on Thursday 17 July.

The new programme, called Diagnosis Connect, will make sure people are referred straight to trusted charities and support groups as soon as they’re diagnosed. This means they’ll get personalised advice, information, and emotional support from day one, helping them feel more in control of their health and better able to manage their condition. The support will work alongside the care people already get from the NHS.

Right now, around one in four people in the UK live with two or more long-term health conditions. These individuals often face the most challenges and are at a higher risk of complications. Getting the right help early on can make a big difference, reducing flare-ups, improving quality of life, and cutting down on avoidable trips to the hospital.

Diagnosis Connect will launch in 2026 and aims to support 250,000 people in its first two years, focusing first on conditions like diabetes, mental health issues, and lung diseases. The service will expand over time to reach even more people and cover more conditions.

The idea was developed by the Richmond Group of Charities and was announced at the Civil Society Summit, held at the Science Museum. At the same event, the Prime Minister also introduced a new Civil Society Covenant, which aims to bring together government, charities, faith groups, social investors, and local community organisations to deliver real results for people across the country.

Right now, being diagnosed with a long-term condition can feel overwhelming. Often, people are handed a leaflet or a phone number and left to figure things out on their own, just when they’re feeling scared and unsure.

Just like people with cancer or dementia are often directed to well-known charities for support, Diagnosis Connect will make sure people with other conditions are connected to the right help straight away. This initiative is part of the government’s wider Plan for Change.

When the service launches, it will first support patients diagnosed in primary care, such as a local GP surgery. Patients will be linked to charities that offer helplines, local support groups, and resources tailored to their condition.

As the programme grows, a new digital referral system will allow NHS teams in all settings, including hospitals, connect patients to a wide range of charities and community organisations.

As part of the shift to a more digital NHS, patients will also receive texts or app notifications (via the NHS App) with information about support groups and charities they can contact if they want extra help.