Welcome
July 5th 1948 was an historic moment in our country’s history. It was the day our pioneering National Health Service (NHS) was born, bringing free healthcare to everyone. We have treasured it ever since, but never more so since March 2020 when the Coronavirus pandemic gripped the UK and utterly changed all our lives.
We were suddenly at war with a ruthless, invisible enemy and on the front line were our NHS doctors, nurses and paramedics, plus platoons of critical workers keeping our shops open and stocked, our streets safe and our essential services running.
Now we have the chance to show our gratitude to all NHS and front line staff with an annual day of thanks, and remembrance of those who lost their lives because of this dreadful disease. The first NHS, Social Care and Frontline Workers’ Day takes place on Monday, July 5th 2021 with a series of events involving every aspect of society and raising money for two excellent causes – NHS Charities Together, which supports 250 hospitals and their charitable trusts, and the National Care Association, representing 1.6 million workers caring for some of society’s frailest citizens.
If every household, business, school and organisation raised just £5 on the day, it would make a massive difference to these amazing causes.
The Daily Express has enthusiastically agreed to be our national print partner, and these organisations have also pledged their support:
The United Grand Lodge of England, National Federation of Women’s Institutes, One Voice Wales, Combined Cadet Force, British Beer & Pub Association, Brass Band England, National Care Association, Bob Wilson Funfairs and Showmen’s Guild of Great Britain, National Association of Civic Officers, Local Government Association, Central Council of Bellringers, English Heritage and Osca Research Ltd.
What an inspiration Captain Sir Tom Moore has been during these unprecedented times. The former Army officer not only raised more than £32 million in sponsorship for NHS Charities Together, he also raised our spirits. Watching him walk 100 lengths of his garden as he approached 100 years of age brought a ray of sunshine into the pandemic darkness. When he was interviewed by the media he always offered a wise word and a note of encouragement that earned him legions of fans, not only in the UK but around the world. When he passed away on 2nd February 2021 we said farewell to a modest man who captured all our hearts. So, when you’re taking part in the two-minute silence for the heroes of our NHS and frontline services, please take time to also remember the heroic spirit of Captain Tom.
You can find out more about the events we have planned here and you will be able to register to take part from January 2nd 2021.
Let’s make this a true nationwide celebration and show our appreciation of everything NHS staff and all key workers do for our country.
There are lots of ways you can get involved in NHS, Social Care and Frontline Workers’ Day on July 5th 2021, and raise money for NHS Charities Together and the National Care Association while you’re having fun. This is what we have planned.
Here is what we have planned for NHS, Social Care & Frontline Workers' Day
10:00 am : Raising and Displaying the NHS, Social Care & Frontline Workers’ Day Flag and Banner
Raise a flag or banner in your community for our amazing frontline heroes. We’ve created a special flag and banner bearing the event logo and would love to see councils, voluntary groups, professional bodies, companies, churches, cathedrals, hotels, hospitals, schools, organisations and individuals flying the flag and banner, and £5 from every flag and banner sold will be equally divided between our two chosen good causes.
11:00 am : Two-Minute Silence and Playing of the Last Post and Reveille
It is a day to celebrate, but let’s pause for two minutes to remember the men and women from the NHS, social care and other key services who have lost their lives in the service of others. Faith leaders could come together and lead the silence within their local communities, and the nation will take time out to remember the sacrifice of so many people.
1:00 pm : The Nation’s Toast to the Heroes of the NHS, Social Care and Frontline Workers
We would like the whole of the United Kingdom to come together at 1pm and raise a glass to join in the Nation’s Toast – “To those who give so much, 24 hours a day, seven days a week within the NHS, social care and on the front line, we thank and salute you.” Leading the toast will be teams of women and girls raising a glass from the four highest peaks of the UK.
1:00 pm : Street, Garden, Village Parties, And Party At Home
It’s time to get sociable following the Nation’s Toast. You are invited to meet up with family, friends and neighbours to organise a garden or street party, or have a party at home. You can also stage parties in care homes, pubs, village halls, wine bars, social clubs and lots of other locations.
4:00 pm : Afternoon Tea
Where will you enjoy afternoon tea? There is a prize of £1,000 on offer for the group or individual that goes the extra mile and takes tea in the wackiest location. Could that be you and your friends?
8:00 pm : Clapping Our Heroes & The Ringing of Church Bells
Let’s hit the streets one more on July 5th 2021 to show our appreciation of our NHS and front line heroes by clapping like crazy while our church and cathedral bells ring out 73 times – one ring for every year of our NHS.
: Other Activities
If you would like to get involved in any way, we would be delighted to hear from you. Just click Register Your Event above.