COMMENT ELLIE ORTON

AS IT was for many others, the kettle took on a central role in my life during the lockdowns.

Regular tea breaks helped me through all the challenges of the past year and I know I’m not the only one.

That’s the same for the NHS. When you think about the equipment hospitals need to be stocked with, it is unlikely a kettle would feature prominently. But it is an essential part of the first-aid kit for staff and volunteers.

When the pandemic first hit and staff were working round the clock to help desperately ill patients and tackle a virus they knew little about, the chance to take some respite – a couple of moments’ peace or snatch a chat with a colleague over a cuppa – was massively important.

Challenges

It is why a lot of the initial funds so generously donated by the public were used by NHS charities to provide short-term practical and emotional support, just to help get them through each shift and be ready for the next one. Thankfully that urgent requirement has passed, but the need to support staff, volunteers and patients continues as the challenges they face change.

They need ongoing support to make sure their mental health isn’t another casualty – and there are many thousands of people who need help to deal with the impact of long Covid.

Getting together over a cuppa is part of our DNA. After so many months of isolation the NHS Big Tea is a chance for everyone to join up – friends, family, neighbours, communities – to thank staff, carers, other key workers and each other for everything they have done over the past year.

All while having a great time and raising vital funds to support staff, volunteers and patients in extra ways that can make such a difference for them.