- Robert Jenrick thanks all those who have gone above and beyond during the pandemic
- Events up and down the country will be a chance to celebrate local heroes
- Communities Secretary encourages all to fill the airwaves with thanks for everyone who played their part
Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick is backing Thank You Day to shine a light on the unsung heroes who have served local communities during the pandemic.
Across the UK, people will be gathering to show their gratitude by hosting Covid safe BBQs, picnics, street parties and certificate ceremonies in honour of those who have selflessly given their time to help those in need.
The Communities Secretary is calling on people to fill the airwaves by sharing their thanks and tributes on local radio and social media.
Unsung heroes include people such as:
- Averil Pooting, a Community Champion, who set up a pop-up vaccination centre at St Barnabas church, getting the vaccine to the most vulnerable in our society
- Tabitha Resta in Bedford who worked tirelessly to ensure people experiencing homelessness had access to vaccinations
- Faith leaders who embraced technology to ensure communities could celebrate religious festivals online and opened up places of worship as vaccination centres
- The many volunteers who delivered food parcels and those who were always there at the other end of the phone or on the doorstep to smile, listen and talk so people did not feel alone
- Volunteers and charities who worked to get rough sleepers off the streets and provided lifesaving support for those fleeing domestic abuse
- Council staff, social workers and refuse collectors who kept vital services going during the most challenging times.
The Prime Minister will be joining the festivities with a 'BB-Thank-Q', hosting community leaders, NHS workers and representatives from the Royal Voluntary Service.
Communities Secretary Rt Hon Robert Jenrick MP said:
This past year has been challenging for us all. But in the darkest of times, when people were most in need, the actions of our friends and neighbours to support our communities have shone the brightest.
Across all faiths, ages, backgrounds and languages, our communities have shown off the best of this country.
You are all our community heroes and on behalf of government I want to say thank you.
Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Brandon Lewis said:
Over the past year, each of us has experienced immense change in our lives, during this incredibly difficult period of time. However, we have come together, supporting our friends, families, colleagues and communities.
As restrictions continue to ease and life begins to represent normality, it is essential that we remain kind and compassionate to one another. Today, of all days, I want each of you to say 'thank you' to those most important to you.
