On Tuesday 5 July, Raising Health, Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust’s charity is inviting people in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland to join the biggest NHS tea party yet by hosting their own NHS Big Tea on the health service’s 74th birthday.

Led by NHS Charities Together, the NHS Big Tea brings the nation together to celebrate the birthday of our beloved NHS, giving thanks to the workforce, whilst raising funds to provide the extra support needed for staff, patients, and volunteers. Communities can celebrate by making time for tea – another national treasure!

Last year more than 4,800 hosts signed up, collectively raising over £500,000. In addition to individuals, schools, community groups and organisations, more than 150 NHS charities were involved, including Raising Health.

Carolyn Pascoe, Fundraising Manager at Raising Health, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the work of our dedicated staff particularly in the light of the very difficult circumstances of the last two years.  It is a great way for staff to look to the future and support each other ensuring that our patients, staff and volunteers continue to be the at the heart of everything we do.  We are planning a tea party for staff to continue with our road to recovery and hope that our local communities will join in by holding a tea party to celebrate with us.”

This year, NHS Charities Together hopes to make the event the biggest NHS Big Tea to date, with a collective fundraising target of over £775,000. This will include donations from corporate sponsors including the headline sponsor Morrisons, who supported the campaign by raising £250,000 last year and will be urging their customers and staff to take part once again.

Ellie Orton OBE, Chief Executive at NHS Charities Together, said: “The NHS can’t face every challenge alone, and the network of NHS charities is proud to have funded hundreds of incredible projects supporting staff, patients and communities. By hosting tea parties and inviting your friends, colleagues or classmates, the NHS Big Tea allows us to come together and say an enormous thank you to our incredible NHS – especially after all they’ve been through these last two years, and the ongoing challenges they continue to face.

“So, whether at home, in the office or in school, we’re asking the nation to pop the kettle on, grab the biscuits, and raise vital funds to help the NHS go further this July.”

Amanda Pritchard, NHS Chief Executive, said: “No one in the country has been untouched by the events of the last two years and NHS staff along with our wonderful volunteers, workers who kept our shops and public services running and those who kept schools and offices open across the country are no exception.

“The NHS Big Tea is an excellent opportunity for communities to come together and pay tribute to brilliant staff and volunteers, who have gone above and beyond during the pandemic to keep us and our loved ones safe.

“The effects of the pandemic are still being felt even as the NHS and the country now looks to recover and rebuild, so the continued support of local communities remains as vital as it is hugely appreciated.”

To sign up to host your own NHS Big Tea event and receive a fundraising support pack, please contact Raising Health on 0116 295 0889