National Emergencies Trust publishes Annual Report 2024-25

As the National Emergencies Trust marks its fifth anniversary, this year’s Annual Report reflects how far the charity has come - and how urgently its mission continues. Across the UK, conversations about resilience are evolving in response to climate threats, social inequalities and the long-term impacts of trauma. Against this backdrop, the Trust has strengthened networks, championed survivor-led insights, and ensured that those affected by disasters receive compassionate, timely support.

Improving outcomes for disaster survivors

Following the Southport attack, the Trust worked closely with partners in Lancashire and Merseyside to support a unified and compassionate response. This included convening government and charitable organisations, advising on fundraising and fund distribution, and helping ensure that survivors had clear access to both financial and mental health support.

More widely, the Trust continued to strengthen national readiness throughout the year. It contributed survivor insights to major resilience forums, delivered training to hundreds of police officers and Family Liaison Officers, and supported community foundations and charities through disaster-readiness workshops. Fundraising innovation also progressed, including the launch of the Trust’s first crypto-donations pilot to make it easier for more people to support emergency appeals.

Improving support for children and young people

Young survivors remained a central focus of the Trust’s work this year. Bee The Difference, created with young people affected by the Manchester Arena attack, continued to shape national policy, influence charities and spark international conversations about best practice. Its findings were presented to global leaders, shared at international conferences and used to help inform support following the Southport tragedy.

A major new partnership with The King’s Trust will ensure that 16–30 year olds affected by future UK disasters can access wellbeing, development and employment support tailored to their needs. At the same time, the publication of Responsible Reporting Guidelines - co-designed with members of the Survivors Advisory Panel - marked a milestone in improving how media engage with people affected by disasters, encouraging sensitivity, respect and trauma-aware practice, ahead of the 20th anniversary of the London 7/7 bombings.

On the horizon: a look at the year ahead

Looking ahead to 2025/26, the Trust will deliver a series of ambitious, survivor-informed initiatives. Stories After the Storms, a major research project with Lancaster University, will deepen understanding of long-term recovery among flood-affected communities. A new digital support hub - created in partnership with survivors - will provide a clear, trusted source of information for those navigating the aftermath of emergencies.

The Trust is also developing an AI-powered data tool to help identify unmet needs, highlight at-risk communities and support fairer decision-making during future crises. A new Four Nations Advisory Panel will ensure regional perspectives are embedded across the Trust’s work, while early exploration of an in-school peer support model for young people affected by trauma aims to strengthen recovery in safe, familiar environments. Together, these initiatives reflect a continued commitment to building a more compassionate and resilient UK for when it matters most.

Read our full 2024–2025 Annual Report to explore our journey and impact so far.

Download our latest Annual Report (PDF, 7.5MB) (opens in a new tab)