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RCN Foundation 15th Anniversary logo featuring a large star with the number 15 inside, smaller stars surrounding it, and the tagline '15 years of strengthening nursing and midwifery and advancing care'. Make a Donation

Be the difference this Christmas

Janice is 73 years old and a resident at Priscilla Wakefield House, a care home in London. Like so many others, this Christmas she’s too poorly to be at home, but will celebrate the festivities with family and the nursing and healthcare staff who care for her – not just at Christmas, but every day of the year.  

This year we were able to provide financial support to 1 in 6 that applied for a hardship grant, and 1 in 10 that applied for an education grant. Be the difference this Christmas and support the RCN Foundation. Behind every birth, every recovery, every moment of care, stands a nurse, midwife or healthcare support worker – and alongside them stands the RCN Foundation.

Social care crisis 

The UK is experiencing a critical shortage in nursing and midwifery staff which, if left unchecked, will have a significant and detrimental impact on the delivery of health and social care in the UK.  

NMC data from March 2025 shows that total leavers rose in last 12 months by 6%, equating to 3.5% of the register which is further exasperated by data from NHS England which shows that as of March 2025, there is also a vacancy rate of 6%. 

Coupled with a growing elderly population and people living longer, there is an ever-growing demand for nursing in adult social care. Despite this, data from October this year shows there is a 6.7% vacancy rate in the sector and a 32.8% turnover rate. 

Our commitment  

The RCN Foundation has a firm commitment to adult social care nursing. In 2023 we announced funding of over £700,000 to create the first of its kind Chair in Adult Social Care Nursing. We work closely with other organisations and departments who have a vested interest in social care and making tangible differences to improve recruitment and retention in the sector.  

With educational and hardship grants for nurses, midwives and healthcare support workers, we are supporting the workforce so they can keep showing up, keep creating joy and keep delivering professional care 365 days a year. 

With thanks 

Gratitude to Priscilla Wakefield House, the residents and staff who have always been so accommodating and welcoming to us. We first met in 2023 when two residents were on the panel of our Annual Lecture, and again in 2024 when we had the opportunity to visit the home and meet the staff and residents. 

Thank you to the Royal College of Nursing for their support with sharing Janice’s story and filming.  

Support  

If you are a nurse, midwife, or healthcare support worker and are struggling financially, you can access support here. You do not need to be an RCN member to access our support.