Thank You Day: Celebrating pandemic’s unsung heroes in the UK today

The holiday recognizes and honours the National Health Service (NHS) staff, as well as volunteers, council workers, social workers, charities, refuse collectors, and faith leaders who played a vital role in supporting and improving the lives of people in their communities during the pandemic. Many of these unsung heroes went above and beyond their regular duties, with faith leaders even offering their places of worship as vaccination centres.

Origin of Thank You Day

Thank You Day was initiated by the Together Coalition, a small non-profit organization committed to fostering unity and togetherness. The grassroots campaign aimed not only to show appreciation but also to strengthen community spirit after months of lockdown and isolation. The movement was driven by influential figures such as May Parson, the nurse who administered the first COVID-19 vaccine in the UK, and Debbie Matthew, a stroke survivor.

The campaign quickly gained support from the government, with Prime Minister Boris Johnson himself pledging to host a “thank you party” barbecue for NHS workers and representatives from the Royal Voluntary Service. Several notable individuals, including renowned TV personalities Lorraine Kelly and Gary Lineker, as well Michael Sheen, Dame Judi Dench, Raheem Sterling, and Tom Kitchin, expressed their commitment to participating in Thank You Day events.

How it is celebrated?

On Thank You Day, local communities come together to celebrate in various ways, such as organizing tartan tea parties, picnics, and barbecues. 

Former UK Secretary of State for Housing, Communities, and Local Government, Rt. Hon. Robert Jenrick, summed up the spirit of Thank You Day by stating, “You are all our community heroes, and on behalf of the UK government, I want to say thank you.”

Updated: 05 Jun 2023, 08:30 AM IST