A survey has launched by medical and charity experts aimed at better identifying “the specific needs and priorities of health charities across the UK”.

The survey has been launched by not-for-profit support charity Pilotlight and scientific consultancy Costello Medical.

Leadership, strategic and scientific needs are among those being looked at.

The survey is open until 4 April and the findings will go towards planning better support for the sector in the future.

“Who cares for the health carers,” said Pilotlight chief executive Ed Mayo.

“We understand that health charities face multiple challenges, from funding constraints to increasing demand for their services.

“We are encouraging all health charities and social enterprises in the UK to participate in our survey and help shape future free pro bono support for their work.”

Currently the UK has more than 6,000 health charities, “ each playing a role in supporting people when they are most vulnerable and pressing for innovation to improve health outcomes for the future”, say Pilotlight and Costella Medical.

A survey carried out last year by the agency Eden Stanley found that two in three people want to see more public funding for charities, with funding prioritised for health and homelessness.

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