The start of a New Year also marks my anniversary at MedicAlert, and so over the Christmas break I inevitably found myself reflecting back on the past 12 months.

Undoubtedly the standout moments for me have been ones where I’ve seen first hand the impact of the support that MedicAlert provides and where I have had an opportunity to spend time with members. This actually started for me before I officially joined the team, when I spotted a MedicAlert ID on the wrist of a coastguard volunteer at the Swanage Coastguard Station the weekend after being offered the role here and I had a really inspiring chat about the assurance they got from being a member!   

Since then, more moments of connection with the MedicAlert community have been real highlights, from welcoming members into the office during a visit from our local MP, Callum Anderson; to speaking with many more through webinars where questions, stories and experiences were openly shared. Every conversation has reinforced that MedicAlert is a community built on trust, reassurance and a shared commitment to keeping people safe.

Over the past year, strengthening partnerships has been a vital part of my role and a powerful way to extend our reach and impact. We have continued to build a strong relationship with Anabelle’s Challenge, a VEDS charity whose insight and lived experience have helped deepen our understanding, including through a talk delivered to the MedicAlert team. Alongside this, we have launched new partnerships with Pectus Matters and the Muscular Dystrophy Support Centre, working together to ensure more people living with complex and rare conditions have confidence that their vital information is recognised and accessible when it matters most.

I have also spent time attending a wide range of external key events and meetings, from Integrated Care Board training conferences to local authority Adult Safeguarding Board meetings. These opportunities have allowed me to listen, learn and strengthen relationships with those who share our commitment to protecting people when it matters most.

This year has marked a significant step forward with the launch of the Herbert Protocol at MedicAlert. It has been encouraging to see a growing number of police forces across the UK sign up, recognising the value of having vital information available quickly when someone living with dementia goes missing. With over 3,000 Herbert Protocols now securely stored with MedicAlert, this work is already making a meaningful difference, giving families, carers and health professionals greater confidence and reassurance at the most critical moments.

Fundraising has also played an important role this year, not just in raising vital funds but in bringing our members’ voices to the forefront. Our Christmas Appeal has been especially impactful, placing members firmly at the heart of everything we do. Featuring the inspiring stories of Julianne, Clare and Imogen alongside her mum Kerry, the appeal powerfully reflected why our work matters to people living with a wide range of medical conditions and allergies. It was great to get recognition for the impact of the film that accompanied the appeal through a nomination for a Smiley Charity Film Award.

I am grateful for the continued support and guidance of our board of trustees throughout the year. In the summer, we came together for a strategy meeting to explore the changing landscape of the NHS and how MedicAlert can adapt to meet these shifts. Their insight has been invaluable and I am pleased that we will be expanding our board of trustees in 2026 to strengthen our guidance and support for our future ambitions.

I am excited about what lies in store for 2026!