Raise a cuppa and join Oxford Health Charity in the nation’s biggest tea break and help raise money for the incredible people in the NHS who’ve kept on caring throughout the pandemic.

Following a year like no other, our charity wants as many people as possible to get involved in a national outpouring of thanks by taking part in the NHS Big Tea at 3pm on July 5 – the 73rd birthday of the health service.

Our NHS Trust provides mental and physical health care for a population of around 1.8 million people across Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Wiltshire and parts of Somerset.

We care in hospitals, mental health wards and in the community in hundreds of different ways. From district and school nurses, to speech and language services, rehabilitation and therapies, our skilled teams care for the very youngest to the elderly who can have a range of complex needs.

So please raise a cuppa to them at home or work, in person or virtually, or organise a fundraising event.

Dr Nick Broughton, Oxford Health’s Chief Executive, said: “The past year has highlighted the dedication and excellent care the NHS provides – this is all down to the fantastic staff across the organisation.

“The Big Tea will celebrate the health service on its 73rd birthday and recognise our staff – it is important they take a break, have time for self-care and feel recognised for their commitment. I encourage all members of the Oxford Health family to join in, take five minutes for your wellbeing and connect with fellow colleagues.”

Julie Pink, Head of Charity and Community Involvement, added: “The NHS Big Tea gives us a chance to take a break, have a cuppa and reflect on all that has happened in the past year. But we really hope that members of the wider community will come together, in a socially distanced way, to mark the day too and raise funds to support NHS teams for years to come.”

Ellie Orton, CEO of NHS Charities Together, the umbrella organisation behind the NHS Big Tea, said: “Many of us have a lot to be grateful to NHS staff and volunteers for following the year we have had. They have been at the forefront of the response to one of the biggest challenges our country has ever faced. NHS Big Tea is chance to show our support for them by joining a national outpouring of thanks this July.

“For many, this will be an outpouring of joy, celebrating the vaccine and all that it is allowing us to do again. For others, it will be an outpouring of thanks, for everything that our NHS champions have done for us. For some, sadly, it will be a moment of reflection for the loss of loved ones. Whatever the emotion, please join the nation’s biggest tea break to raise money for the incredible people in our NHS.”

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

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