Voice Celebrates World Health Day
Today is World Health Day and amidst the uncertainty of current circumstances, celebrating our healthcare workers and carers has become more important than ever before. These individuals are bravely working on the frontline of the COVID-19 pandemic, caring for their patients and the wider population. As the World Health Organisation says, without these people ‘there would be no response’. Quite simply, they’re protecting our country from the Coronavirus.
Recent news coverage has highlighted the mounting pressure faced by world health care systems and their courageous workers. From incredibly long shifts to overwhelming case numbers and a saddening lack of contact with their loved ones, these stories are often accompanied by emotional images of overwhelmed hospital wards and exhausted employees.
As a result, the world has released an outpour of support for health care workers; we have come together to show our appreciation and gratitude for their selflessness. In Italy and Spain, we have seen people sing for their doctors, nurses, midwives, cleaners and other healthcare staff. Meanwhile, our ‘Clap for Carers’ campaign takes place every Thursday at 8pm here in the UK. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic we will continue to take to our doorsteps and windows, whistling, clapping and cheering for our country’s brave carers.
All of these actions have received immense support from the public, for they highlight our country’s inspiring unity. We can all do our part to support the NHS and its staff by following social distancing guidelines and staying indoors. By simply agreeing to stay at home we are halting the spread of the disease, protecting vulnerable members of our community and safeguarding our healthcare systems and staff.
However, if you are able to go above and beyond in your efforts to support the NHS, here are some additional ways by which you can lend a helping hand:
- Apply to become an NHS volunteer
Over 750,000 people have bravely signed up to become NHS volunteers. Although recruitment has since been paused whilst they assign everyone a role, it is still worth checking back in a few weeks’ time to see if your help is needed.
- Create masks for NHS workers
If you know your way around a needle and thread you can sew and donate masks for NHS workers. You can find out more here.
- Embrace Crowdfunder
There is a Crowdfunder page accepting donations to buy much needed Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) which is crucial for ensuring the safety of the NHS workers working on the frontline. If you would like to donate, click this link.
- Use Amazon wish lists
Local NHS hospitals have set up Amazon wish lists with gifts and everyday products to be placed in wards or given to patients and workers. Each hospital has a different list, so if you would like to donate then take a look at your local hospital’s wish list.
- Be generous with takeaways
If you decide to order a takeaway, there are options to buy a meal for an NHS worker. Companies like Deliveroo and Uber Eats are providing this service, but it is also worth getting in touch with your local food delivery service too.
- Donate to Feed NHS workers
Damian Lewis, Helen McCrory and Matt Lucas have set up a JustGiving page where they hope to raise 1 million pounds to deliver hot healthy meals to NHS staff on the frontline. So far over £880,000 has been raised. If you would like to find out more and donate, click here.
When we reflect on this unprecedented period, we should remember and celebrate the strong sense of community and togetherness that arose in such dark times. Whilst we look forward to this lockdown being lifted, social distancing becoming a thing of the past and our regular lives resuming, we must always remember the courage displayed by our healthcare workers. Do all that you can to support them and be proud of your own generosity in years to come.
From the team at Voice, thank you.