Patients to access charity support though the NHS App

People diagnosed with long-term health conditions will receive extra help and support from charities via the NHS App.

Prime minister Sir Keir Starmer announced the new service at the Civil Service Summit, which took place at the Science Museum on 17 July 2025.

The Diagnosis Connect programme is intended to ensure that patients are referred directly to trusted charities and support organisations as soon as they are diagnosed – providing personalised advice, information and guidance.

Patients will be sent a text or push notification via the NHS App with information about relevant support groups and charities should they wish to seek further help.

Speaking at the Science Museum, Starmer said the diagnosis connect programme would offer “comfort and support” to people who had been newly diagnosed.

Addressing the charities in the room, he said: “And that’s putting your expertise directly in people’s pockets with the NHS app, so that’s going to go on the NHS app… and then people will have it as their map to the support from the charities that they need when they’ve been diagnosed.

“What a comfort and security that will be for so many millions of people.”

In its first stage, launching in 2026, Diagnosis Connect will focus on patients diagnosed in primary care—such as at their GP surgery.

Patients will be automatically connected with specialist charities that offer helplines, information, local support groups and services tailored to their condition.

As the programme expands, a digital referral system will allow NHS teams in all healthcare settings—including hospitals—to connect patients to a broad network of voluntary, community, and social enterprise organisations.

Initially, the service will focus on key areas such as diabetes, lung conditions and mental health, with further conditions added over time.

Juliet Bouverie OBE, chief executive of the Stroke Association and chair of The Richmond Group of Charities, which developed the initiative, said: “We have recently been trialling a similar programme to ensure people affected by stroke know about our services right from the point of diagnosis.

“So, we’re confident that Diagnosis Connect can help transform the early stages of recovery and rehabilitation for the 1.4 million stroke survivors in the UK today and their loved ones.”

By helping people understand and manage their conditions from day one, the new service is intended to help reduce flare-ups, improve quality of life and avoid unnecessary hospital visits.

Wes Streeting, health secretary, said: “Just as people with cancer or dementia are often guided to well-known charities for specialist advice and support, this new service will make sure patients with other long-term conditions are directly referred to trusted organisations from the moment they’re diagnosed.

“It’s about making it far easier to give people the emotional support, practical guidance and confidence they need to manage their condition and live fuller, more independent lives.”

The NHS App is central to the government’s 10 year health plan, published on 3 July 2025, with plans for AI tools, mental health support and a feature enabling patients to browse and sign up to clinical trials.