The Patients Association is a national independent health and social care charity who believes that everyone has the right to receive the very best care when they need it most. Today we remain the only national campaigning charity covering all of health and social care, that also works directly with patients, and we're pretty proud of that fact.

When patients, service users and their families need help, we ensure they get it by providing advice, support and guidance. Through our helpline, we are able to deliver practical advice and guidance to people every single day. Crucially, the information we confidentially collect from our helpline means we are uniquely placed to devise research and projects in the areas where they are needed the most. We also work with a wide range of stakeholders to tackle the biggest issues facing patients today.

Now in our sixth decade, patients continue to be at the forefront of everything we do and we regularly hold public consultations and facilitate meetings, as well as encouraging external bodies to improve patient involvement through the use of focus groups and surveys.

To maintain its independence, we do not accept any core funding from government. As an independent charity, however, we rely on corporate sponsorship and donations to continue our vital work. Become a member today and be a part of speaking up for change.