News archive

Today we light the fifth candle at the heart of the Advent wreath—a simple symbol of light, hope, and new beginnings. To our friends, patients, families, supporters, partners, and colleagues—near and far—thank you. Your kindness, courage, and generosity help us bring dignity, care, and connection to people who need it most. May this season bring you peace, good health, and moments of joy, and may the year ahead be bright for us all.

We wish you all a happy Christmas as we reflect on 40 years since Mildmay’s rebirth as an independent charity, and we look ahead with purpose. From developing new patient pathways at Mildmay Hospital to preparing our new Uganda Health Programme, we remain committed to dignity, specialist care and partnership, made possible by the support of our community.

Peace is not passive; it is the work of reconciliation, the courage to forgive, the choice to listen. Here at Mildmay and beyond, we ask for hearts that can be gentled by grace, transformed for the situations we face, and committed to peace-making in word and deed. As we light the fourth candle, we receive Christ’s peace and become instruments of it.

Physiotherapy students at Mildmay Hospital rated their placements 8.7/10, reflecting the high quality of supervision, hands-on clinical learning, and multidisciplinary teamwork. These placements give students practical skills, confidence, and experience in a specialist hospital setting, preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals.

Many of you will already have read about our recent visit to Uganda in our CEO,Geoff’s blog. which he concluded yesterday. Today, we’re sharing a complementary perspective from Mildmay trustee Dr Peter Brunskill, whose reflections underline why this work, and how we do it, really matters.

On his final days in Uganda, Geoff reflects on meetings with new partners, Programme Board progress, and visits to Mbale, Mbarara and Masaka — including identifying land for a future Mildmay health centre alongside palliative care partners. It’s a hopeful, practical glimpse of how relationships, local leadership and careful planning are shaping Mildmay Uganda’s next chapter.

We have a favourite hymn at Mildmay we sing during our lunchtime service, accompanied by the guitar and lots of noisy instruments ! It is called, “I woke up this morning with joy in my heart”, This hymn is sung over and over again by many vulnerable people who have been challenged and battered by whatever life has thrown at them.

We reflect on sector-wide uncertainty in international development and highlight the impact on frontline services. Our Uganda Health Programme aims to build five regional centres, strengthening community health, expanding specialist care, and building system resilience. With clear guidance, collaboration, and sustained investment, NGOs like Mildmay can deliver proven solutions where they are most needed.

Hospital flu cases in England jumped 55% week-on-week, filling wards with acutely unwell - often older - patients who can’t be safely discharged, including those experiencing homelessness. The resulting bed blocking delays A&E flow and elective surgeries. Mildmay can provide safe step‑down, stabilisation, and rehabilitation to enable timely discharge and ease pressure across the NHS.

Mildmay’s dietetics team and student interns shone at the 2025 BDA Research Symposium, presenting six abstracts on food waste, allergy safety, and nutrition in vulnerable groups. Their work shows how evidence and practical improvements translate into better patient care. Read the full story...

Our CEO Geoff Coleman shares progress from Mbale: productive meetings with JOY Health Centre and Deliverance Church Mbale, who are gifting land for a new health centre. Site access is in hand; next step is drafting plans to define the plot size and specifications. This careful partnership work is shaping the pilot with local leaders.

Mildmay’s CEO is joined by some of our trustees in Uganda, working with our partners to advance our new specialist health centre in Mbale, the first in a network expanding access to integrated care. Their visit includes strategic planning, partnership meetings and budget work to move the programme from planning to mobilisation.

At Mildmay, we reflect on the idea of ‘waiting’, of preparing for the great feast of Christmas.

Kevin recently shared his journey from addiction and homelessness to sobriety after stabilisation and rehabilitation at Mildmay Hospital. Wanting to encourage others undergoing recovery, he gave a powerful testimonial to an audience of fellow patients and our staff. Mildmay’s REBUILD Pathway provides a safe, structured post-detox setting with compassionate care, helping people rebuild their lives. Read Kevin’s story, in his own words.

Mildmay Uganda leaders visited London to share strategic priorities and deepen partnerships. We’re collaborating with Mildmay Uganda Hospital, the British High Commission, and the Ugandan Ministry of Health to expand integrated, community‑centred care. A pilot regional health centre in Mbale is planned for 2026, advancing HIV care, health systems, and livelihoods. We’re seeking capital and philanthropic support to bring care closer to home.

Mildmay attended the BHIVA Autumn Conference 2025, joining clinicians and community leaders to explore the latest developments in HIV care, global funding challenges and new clinical insights. Our team also shared updates on Mildmay’s specialist services and our growing international partnership in Uganda. Read more about the key themes and our role at this year’s event.

Double the difference you make this Giving Tuesday (2 Dec 2025). From 1–7 Dec, Hands On Payroll Giving will match new or increased Payroll Giving donations (up to £30) and you’ll be entered into a £1,000 prize draw. Your tax‑efficient gift from pay helps Mildmay provide specialist care for people living with HIV and those experiencing homelessness. Find out more...

Our Winter Appeal launches today. We’re aiming to raise £30,000 to protect the vital care Mildmay provides for people facing HIV, neurocognitive illness and homelessness. Your support will fund chaplaincy, rehabilitation and essential patient services this winter. Please give what you can to help us care for those with nowhere else to turn.

As Christmas approaches, we prepare for Jesus’s homecoming by becoming at home in ourselves. Advent begins with Hope: humility and self-acceptance - not complacency - unraveling interior knots to welcome light. The wreath’s evergreens and candles mark a journey through Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love, guiding reflective practice - scripture, song, and service - toward compassionate action and readiness to brighten the world.

This World AIDS Day, Mildmay stands for Solidarity and Care. We honour lives lost and fight persistent stigma while delivering specialist care for complex needs such as Neurocognitive Disorders and homelessness. Support our Winter Appeal goal of £30,000 to safeguard essential services like Chaplaincy and core patient support. Every gift strengthens our foundation and drives our Uganda partnership.