Working in partnership

Asthma UK works with a wide range of partners including other charities and patient groups, government departments, trade unions and the private sector.

Smokefree Action

Asthma UK is a member of the Smokefree Action coalition, which campaigns to protect workers and the public from the effects of second-hand smoke. 

The Health Hotel: Asthma UK at the Party Conferences

Asthma UK is a founder member of the Health Hotel, which is a bespoke partnership of 36 different organisations set up to represent the health sector during the three main party conferences in England.

At each of the three main political party autumn 2007 conferences we held two joint partnership fringe events, with other Health Hotel member organisations to highlight the themes of health inequalities and patient involvement.

For the discussion on health inequalities we worked in partnership with Cancer Research UK, the Healthcare Commission, and Rethink.

For the discussion on patient involvement we worked in partnership with the General Medical Council, The Sainsbury Centre for Mental Health, and UNISON

At each of the fringe events we enjoyed hearing some healthy discussions and ideas around how complex issues, such as how to increase access to health services equally for all and how patients can effectively be involved in their local health services for the benefit of all.

Both events - entitled 'Access all areas: How can we tackle health inequalities?' and 'Who knows best? Patient and public involvement in health care' - attracted a high level of interest, with standing room only at the Labour conference, at which the Secretary of State, Rt Hon Alan Johnson MP, joined a panel of a guest speakers including Sarifa Patel, a Speak Up for Asthma volunteer.

Details of the times and locations of our fringe events can be found on the Health Hotel website.

17 Million Reasons

There are over 17 million people with long-term conditions, such as asthma, in the UK.

The 17 Million Reasons partnership comprises more than 20 organisations, including Asthma UK, which campaigns for a better deal for people with long-term conditions. The 17 Million Reasons manifesto was launched in 2004 and focused on three key asks of the Government. We believe people with long-term conditions should receive the following:

  • Early, accurate and expert diagnosis of their condition and assessment of their needs
  • Comprehensive health information and support to help them make decisions about the lives.
  • An individual care plan with a choice of appropriate, convenient and accessible lay-led self-management programmes
More information about the partnership and manifesto can be found on the 17 Million Reasons website.

Workplace Charter

The Health & Safety Executive estimates that between 1,500 and 3,000 new cases of occupational asthma arise every year, but this rises to 7,000 cases a year if cases of asthma made worse by work are included.

Launched at the TUC in September 2004, 'Asthma at Work - Your Charter' aims to makes workplaces safer for people with asthma. It is supported by a coalition of employers, employees and healthcare professionals. In it, Asthma UK sets out ten steps to significantly reduce the impact of asthma in the workplace.

Working in partnership in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland

Health policy is a devolved issue. That means health policy in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales is dealt with by the respective administrations and working partnerships may be different to the rest of the UK.

For more specific information on working in partnership in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland please follow the links below:



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