Ensuring we can be here for you in the future

The coronavirus pandemic has had a devastating effect on our lives and the economy. Sadly, the downturn has forced us to take the difficult step of reducing the size of the charity in order to remain sustainable.

The Royal Osteoporosis Society has been around since 1986, providing vital information and support to more than three million people in the UK affected by osteoporosis. We want to continue to be a lifeline to those in need - particularly at a time when the NHS is under increased pressure.

Like so many charities, we’re experiencing a severe drop in fundraising income in the wake of the pandemic. Analysis at the start of the crisis showed we faced the loss of around a third of our annual income (more than £1.2 million).

We’ve been successful in offsetting much of that loss through successful bids for new funding and by drawing on the Government furlough scheme – but the scale of the challenge means we’ve been forced to make some of our staff team redundant.

Valued colleagues are affected by these changes and we want to thank them for their service for people living with osteoporosis.

As well as reducing our costs, we’ve taken the initiative to deliver services differently.  We’re currently delivering an outbound calls service from our Helpline for the first time, helping to combat the isolation many have felt during lockdown. Our healthcare professional members have benefited from insightful new webinars. And we’re developing digital versions of our sessions for those who are newly diagnosed with osteoporosis, giving people across the UK access to the top osteoporosis experts in the country.

Throughout the downturn, we’ve protected front line services, including our Helpline and member support. And while coronavirus has had a devastating effect on local events and gatherings, we’ll soon be communicating our plans for a new, digital volunteer offer.

Craig Jones, our Chief Executive, says: “Our people are our greatest asset, so it’s with a heavy heart that we’ve had to reduce costs to keep the charity sustainable. These difficult decisions have put the charity back on a firm financial footing, while providing security against any further phases of the pandemic.

“We have innovative, Covid-proof projects in the pipeline to make sure beneficiaries have maximum access to our support.

"But naturally today our thoughts are with our departing colleagues. I want to thank them all for their service for people living with osteoporosis in the UK and re-commit the charity to building on what they’ve achieved."