THE South Western Ambulance Charity hopes as many people as possible will join the national outpouring of love and thanks for the NHS on its birthday by hosting or taking part in an NHS Big Tea on July 5 to help raise funds for the many colleagues and volunteers in our NHS who have done so much for others during the pandemic.

Each event can be in person or virtual, with the community, friends, family or at work, and is a chance to reflect and say thank you for everything that NHS colleagues and volunteers have done and continue to do, by taking part in the nation’s biggest tea break to raise money for the South Western Ambulance Charity.

People can host their own event or they can show their support by taking five minutes to enjoy a tea break, texting £5 to support NHS charities, and tagging five friends on social media and calling on them to do the same.

Zoe Larter, Head of Charity for the South Western Ambulance Charity said:

“The NHS Big Tea is the perfect opportunity for all of us to pause and reflect on what has been an incredibly challenging year.

“Please join us in raising a cuppa on the day to show our sincere appreciation to all of the NHS heroes that have worked tirelessly to keep us safe during these difficult times.”

Thanks to the support and generosity of the public over the last year, NHS Charities have been able to be there for NHS staff, to ensure they can continue with their vital lifesaving work, whether through funding counselling and mental health support, or support with practical needs, like food, drink and a place to rest.

The South Western Ambulance Charity has used the funds they have received to date from NHS Charities Together predominantly to support the health and wellbeing of their staff and volunteers.

Thousands are expected to host events and NHS Charities Together has produced a pack to help those events go with a swing.

To take part and get your tea break fundraising pack visit: https://www.swambulancecharity.org/nhsbigtea or email: [email protected] .