This September marks a major milestone for Cardiff & Vale Health Charity as it celebrates 20 years of the Staff Lottery Scheme, a fundraising initiative that has transformed staff wellbeing, patient and community care across Cardiff and Vale University Health Board (UHB).
Launched in September 2005, the Staff Lottery was created to raise funds for the Health Charity while giving staff the chance to win cash prizes. Two decades later, the scheme has grown into a cornerstone of charitable giving within the organisation.
A Legacy of Giving
Over the past 20 years, the Staff Lottery has:
- Raised over £3.7 million in charitable contributions.
- Awarded more than £1.3 million in prizes, including 6 cars, 1 holiday, and over 1000 £1,000 weekly winners.
- Funded over £1.7 million in staff and patient projects. In recent years this funding has supported over 1000 projects across Cardiff and Vale UHB.
These funds have helped create safer, more compassionate environments for patients and the community, and more supportive, engaging workplaces for staff. Projects funded include:
- £9,468 to Pharmacy for the launch of KidzMedz Cymru, improving medicine safety and reducing waste for over 500 paediatric patients.
- £8,622 to Maternity to install sky tiles that create a calming birth environment, supporting better outcomes for birthing people.
- £9,600 to Workforce Resourcing for career promotion videos, helping recruit staff into hard-to-fill roles and showcasing the breadth of NHS careers.
- £10,000 to HMP Cardiff to refurbish patient waiting areas, improving dignity and wellbeing in secure environments.
- £6,400 to University Dental Hospital for outdoor dining benches, supporting staff wellbeing during COVID-19 restrictions.
- £8,436 to Professional Practice Development for frailty and dementia simulation equipment, enhancing empathy and care quality among nurses and healthcare support workers.
- £4,824 to Voluntary Services for digital library trolleys, reducing patient isolation and improving hospital stays.
“The Staff Lottery has become a vital part of our culture at Cardiff and Vale UHB. It’s not just about the chance to win, it’s about giving back. Every pound raised helps us fund projects that make a real difference to staff, patients and the community. From improving clinical environments to supporting staff wellbeing and innovation, the impact has been extraordinary. We’re proud of what we’ve achieved together over the past 20 years and excited about what’s still to come.”
Lucie Barrett, Health Charity Manager
Join the Celebration – And the Lottery
All Cardiff and Vale UHB staff are eligible to join the Staff Lottery. For just £1 per week, participants are entered into weekly draws for £1,000, plus two Super Draws each year.
This November will feature the largest draw to date — £25,000. Staff must sign up before 15 October to be eligible.
Apply for Funding – Up to £10,000 Available
Staff across the Health Board are invited to apply for funding of up to £10,000 for projects that benefit patients, visitors, or colleagues.
For more information, contact the Health Charity Office on 029 2183 6042 or email fundraising.cav@wales.nhs.uk