Big Thank You Festival begins as the NHS marks its 75th birthday
Our Big Thank You Festival is recognising the skills and dedication of our staff and volunteers as the NHS marks its 75th birthday.
The past few years have been the toughest in living memory for the NHS. At LYPFT we’re running what we’re calling our Big Thank You Festival as part of the 75th birthday celebrations to recognise the skills and dedication of our staff and volunteers. The centrepiece of the festival is our Big Thank You Carnival – a party for up to 500 staff on the evening of Friday 30 June.
The Big Thank You Carnival
On the evening of Friday 30 June LYPFT took over the unique Chow Down venue in the centre of Leeds to host The Big Thank You Carnival. It really was a night to remember!
Chow Down is Leeds’ biggest food and drink venue, offering delicious street food, summer cocktails (and mocktails!) with live DJs in a fun-filled atmosphere.
It was a night of great food, dancing, happy smiles and carnival fun!
The Big Thank You Festival
Teams across LYPFT will be hosting local events as part of the festival between 19 June and 14 July. Teams will hold a variety of events, including fuddles on wards, special lunches in the office and picnics in the park. This is a great opportunity for staff to take the time out to celebrate the extraordinary achievements of colleagues now and over the last 75 years of the NHS.
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Our Arts and Minds Network came together at Kirkstall Abbey on 28 June 2023 to celebrate as part of our Big Thank You Festival.
Network Development Manager Linda Boyles said, “I am thrilled that we could organise this event to say thank you to our amazing staff and volunteers. It’s a chance for us to step out of the clinical environment and have a bit of fun together. Bringing together both old and new members, this was an opportunity for us to celebrate and appreciate their dedication and hard work – we don’t get chance to do this every day!”
Our Rehabilitation and Recovery Services came together on 12 July 2023 to celebrate NHS75 with staff and service users as part of our Big Thank You Festival.
Occupational Therapist Rebecca said, “This was a well planned and organised event by our CTM, which provided staff and service users with time and space to celebrate the birthday of the NHS. It demonstrated the commitment and willingness of staff to deliver something which was enjoyed by everyone on the Asket site, NHS staff, Mitie staff and service users were able to come together and celebrate all that makes the NHS a valuable part of our lives.”
Our Regional and Specialist Services came together on 25 July 2023 to at St Mary’s Hospital as part of our Big Thank You Festival.
Service Managers Jamie and Amanda said, “Thanks to everyone in our Forward Leeds, Personality Disorder, Neurodevelopmental and Veterans services, who came along for some delicious pizza for our thank you event.
It was great to see those of you who were able to make it and have the opportunity to enjoy some sunshine, chat and have a well-deserved lunch together. A lovely way to start the summer!”
It was amazing to see the West/North West Community Mental Health Team coming together to celebrate the extraordinary achievements of colleagues.
Manager Kerrie said, “It’s been really important to come together and take some time out. We’ve had a tough year and many of us haven’t seen each other in person for a long time. It’s really important to prioritise time for each other and the Big Thank You Festival is an opportunity to do just that!”
Lots of smiling faces and lovely food at the Leeds Perinatal Mental Health Service Big Thank You Festival event. Celebrating the professionalism and dedication of colleagues providing specialized support to mothers facing profound mental health challenges.
Mill Lodge held a fantastic garden party celebrating the 75th anniversary of the NHS and the Big Thank You Festival.
This special event was a collaborative effort between Mill Lodge and our amazing young people. They baked delicious treats to created beautiful decorations. They even helped organize engaging activities and games such as tombola, getting to know you bingo, a music quiz, garden games, a mini chess tournament, and face painting!
The Trust Research and Development Team and COMIC Research held a lovely picnic in York.
The weather held out, and the team were able to enjoy a delicious Big Thank You iced cookie!
Staff stories for NHS75
As the NHS reaches a momentous milestone of 75 years, we’re taking every opportunity to celebrate the dedicated staff and volunteers who have shaped the NHS into what it is today.
In the lead up to the NHS’s birthday on 5 July, LYPFT staff will be telling their stories of inspiration and dedication that led them to join the NHS and what motivates them to continue their important work.
Look out for their stories on our website and across our social media.