The NHS has another birthday coming up on Friday 5 July 2019 and following the success of last year’s BIG7TEA campaign, Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals Charity is again asking people to raise a cuppa to celebrate our wonderful health service.
This year the NHS Big Tea will again be a chance for people up and down the country to come together and toast the NHS. Host your own tea party and invite friends, family and colleagues along to mark the occasion and support the vital work of NHS charities.
Tea and the NHS
The humble cup of tea has a long and proud association with the NHS. Originally served to patients in traditional fine cups with saucers and side spoon, tea was considered an important aspect of patient satisfaction and recovery. Tens of thousands of patients enjoy tea in NHS hospitals clinics and GP surgeries across Sussex every day.
Tea brings us all together. It breaks down social boundaries, and like the NHS and NHS charities, is a symbol of comfort and community.
A cup of tea to help BSUH patients
Sarah Tasker Director of BSUH Charity is delighted the birthday tea party tradition is continuing on from last year;
“Sharing a chat with friends old and new over a cup of tea is a great way to celebrate the birthday of the NHS. It’s the national pastime celebrating a national treasure.
“We hope people will have fun marking NHS Big Tea and help raise funds to maintain the work of NHS charities around the UK.”
The work of NHS Charities
There are more than 250 NHS charities across the UK. Most of them focus on helping our hospitals do more, whilst others support mental health trusts, community health trusts and ambulance trusts.
In recent years, NHS charities have funded major capital projects, pioneering research and medical equipment in hospitals, helping patients access the best possible care when they need it most. They also play a key role in mobilising volunteers to support NHS staff, brightening wards and waiting areas with colourful engaging art and building an important link between our hospitals and our communities.
You can find examples of the things BSUH Charity has funded on our website.
Pop the kettle on!
The NHS Big Tea will help to continue to raise awareness of the vital work of NHS charities and let the public know how to support them, for instance by making a donation or offering to volunteer.
You can help by hosting your own Big Tea party, at home or at your workplace or social club. Celebrate the NHS’ birthday this summer and raise vital funds for BSUH Charity.
Find out more
Get in touch with our fundraising manager Jess Burgess to find out more and to let us know about your pland for a NHS Big Tea Event.
Email – bsuh.charity@nhs.net
You can also find out more and download a pack from the main NHS big Tea website. Just look up “Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals Charity”.
