Some nurses in the UK are at risk of becoming homeless and are unable to meet basic needs like buying food, a new report has warned.
Nursing support charity Cavell has today published its annual report – highlighting that its services helped around 560 nurses, midwives and nursing associates facing personal and financial hardship every month in 2024.
The charity, which supports both working and retired professionals in the UK, provided £760k in grants to 1,695 individuals across the year.
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Two in every five (42%) professionals who got a grant from Cavell described being unable to buy food for their families, with 6% saying they were at risk of homelessness.
In addition, almost a third (29%) of those supported by the charity said they were experiencing complex mental and/or physical health challenges in 2024.
Lewis Allett, chief executive at Cavell, said the charity had expanded its services to meet the needs of the nursing and midwifery workforce.
‘There are numerous reasons why nurses and midwives need Cavell’s help and we’re constantly listening and adapting our support services,’ he said.
On average, the charity saw 560 people per month accessing help via the Cavell Support Hub in 2024, which offers a range of financial and emotional support resources, he explained.
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‘Resources include a benefits calculator which allowed staff in 2024 to access around three million pounds worth of unclaimed benefits, bolstering their incomes whilst navigating the continued high cost of living for many,’ Mr Allett said.
‘We’re proud to be able to offer these resources alongside our financial support.’
Cavell’s research also suggests that nursing and midwifery professionals are at least three times more likely to experience domestic abuse than the general population, according to data from the Office of National Statistics (ONS).
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The charity’s support team said 13% of staff helped in 2024 had experienced domestic abuse in the previous 12 months, with 56% of those supported not speaking to their employer or another relevant organisation about their abuse.
This article contains mention of domestic abuse, you can reach the Cavell charity here or the National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247 for professional support.
