About Asthma UK
5.1 million people in the UK have asthma. Asthma is more that just wheezing now and then. For many it means daily anxiety about how to avoid an asthma attack. For some it is a matter of life and death. There is currently no cure.
The National Asthma Campaign has a range of services and information providing up to date information about symptoms, treatments and the latest asthma research.
The Asthma Helpline provides help and advice from asthma nurses who have the time to listen to any concerns (0845 7 01 02 03 9am-5pm weekdays).
Asthma is especially hard for children who don’t understand the condition. The charity’s PEAK Holidays help them gain the knowledge and confidence they need to live full and active lives.
The National Asthma Campaign invests £2.5 million a year into research for a cure for asthma. It won’t be easy. But if a cure is possible then the National Asthma Campaign will be there supporting the researchers who discover it.
Until then, intense research continues on how asthma develops in the first place, why it persists and how to prevent and treat it. Current research explores therapies that work on the immune system, and funds trials of a vaccine that could prevent some forms of asthma.
Imagine finding a treatment that would put a stop to the things that trigger asthma symptoms – the charity is looking to deliver that.
Campaigning for a better deal for people with asthma is an important aspect of the charity’s work. It gathers and represent peoples’ real concerns, to influence national and local policy makers.
More smoke-free public places, better health care and access to treatment, clean air at work and support for children in schools through asthma policies. All of these are the result of years of hard work, getting the charity’s message out to decision makers, influencing them to make the changes that can benefit people with asthma.
The National Asthma Campaign needs your support to continue this vital work to improve the quality of life for people with asthma today and in the future.
Our history
In 1927 the Asthma Research Council, forerunner of the National Asthma campaign, was founded.
This followed a letter to the Times by the Earl of Limerick drawing attention to the distress and suffering caused by asthma and calling for the establishment of an organisation that would research into the cause and cure from a firm, scientific foundation.
The Friends of the Asthma Research Council was then created in 1972 and the National Asthma Campaign was then created from an amalgamation of these two organisations in 1989.
The Council of Trustees now is responsible for all governance of the Charity. There are also several committees and advisory groups which give guidance to the charity, such as:
Research Committee – considers funding for any worthwhile applications which may lead to a cure for asthma, or which will help in the management of asthma today.
Strategic Advisory Group – offers a source of information, advice and expert guidance for trustees.
Scottish Advisory Group – to ensure that the charity works closely with all interested parties in Scotland
Specialist Advisory Panel - experts from a wide range of disciplines who are available to give specialist advice to the campaign.
The National Asthma Campaign’s vision is a world without asthma.