Plans to celebrate the NHS’s birthday
THE nation is being encouraged to come together to celebrate key workers, carers and good neighbours on the 72nd birthday of the NHS next month.
Everybody across the country is being urged to join in on the anniversary - Sunday, July 5 - to thank not only NHS staff but all key workers and those helping to bring the nation through the coronavirus outbreak.
The NHS has been working with the newly-founded /Together coalition to build a national moment where the public can thank everyone who has helped them - and one which aims to reinforce the social connections needed to get through the next stage of the crisis.
Supporters of the initiative include grassroots community leaders, carers, emergency workers, sportspeople, religious leaders, celebrities and organisations including the CBI, trades unions, the Scouts and Guides.
Among those supporting the day are NHS England chief executive, Sir Simon Stevens; Ruth May, chief nursing officer for England; Most Rev. Justin Welby, chairman of Together Steering Group; Annemarie Plas, founder of ‘Clap for Carers; Dame Katherine Grainger, Chairwoman of UK Sport; Baroness Doreen Lawrence; Kwame KweiArmah,
artistic director, Young Vic Theatre; football star Gary Lineker and astronaut Tim Peake.
The two key moments during the weekend will be a minute’s silence on the evening of July 4, when people will be asked to light a candle in their window in remembrance of all who have died during the crisis.
There will also be a moment of thanks and connection on July 5 when the public will be asked to take part in one last country-wide clap of thanks and then stay out to raise a glass or have a cup of tea with their neighbours.
Sir Simon said: “Over recent months our nurses, doctors, therapists, support staff, paramedics and countless other NHS colleagues have had to contend with the greatest challenge in the health service’s history.
“We could never have done it alone and we’ve been helped and sustained by fellow key workers and by carers and volunteers who together have looked out for others and kept the country running.
“So as we mark the NHS’s birthday we want to say a huge thank you on behalf of the whole NHS to all those who have played their part in tackling this horrible coronavirus pandemic.”
Justin Welby added: “My sincere hope is this weekend will serve as a powerful moment of remembrance, thanks and connection as we come together and commit to helping to create kinder, closer, more connected communities.”
Kwame Kwei Armah said: “At a time when there is so much emphasis on what divides us, giving thanks and connecting with our communities is one of the things which unites us.
“I hope we can all take a moment to mark it and be part of building the closer communities we will need in the future.”
Annemarie Plas said: “Uniting and the acknowledgment we all need each other is something we need now more than ever.”
Ruth May said: “Throughout its history the NHS has brought the whole country together.
“So we are honoured the / Together coalition has chosen the NHS birthday to pull the country together.”
Further details of events planned and how individuals, organisations and businesses can play their part in their communities will be provided in the days ahead.