Watford Council taking part in NHS, Social Care & Frontline Workers' Day on 5 July

Watford Borough Council has joined local councils, health trusts and community organisations across the UK to sign up to a national day created to say thank you to key workers

The first NHS, Social Care and Frontline Workers’ Day takes place on Monday 5 July 2021, which will honour those who continue to put their lives on the line during the pandemic, as well as remember colleagues who have lost their lives during this period. The date was chosen as it marks the anniversary of the NHS was founded in 1948.

There will be a series of events throughout the country and town, involving every aspect of society and raising money for two excellent causes – NHS Charities Together, which supports 250 hospitals and their charitable trusts, and the National Care Association, representing 1.6 million workers caring for some of society’s frailest citizens.

Watford Borough Council will be joining in with the events on the day and will be flying their NHS rainbow flag at 10 am, followed by service of thanks and reflection at 10.45 am. The service will finish with the playing of the Last Post followed by a two minutes silence.

In the evening, the Town Hall will be illuminated blue at 8 pm, which has become a symbol of support for people wanting to show solidarity with NHS workers during the pandemic. Nationwide events will take place throughout the day including:

• 10 am - Raising the NHS, Social Care & Frontline Workers’ Day Flag and Banner
• 11 am - Two-Minute Silence and Playing of the Last Post and Reveille
• 1 pm - The Nation’s Toast to the Heroes of the NHS, Social Care and Frontline Workers
• 1 pm - Street, Garden, Village Parties, And Party At Home
• 4 pm - Afternoon Tea
• 8 pm - Clapping Our Heroes and the ringing of church bells. The ringing of church bells 71 times with each ring representing a year in the 71 years of the NHS at 8pm

Elected Mayor of Watford Peter Taylor said:

“NHS, Social Care & Frontline Workers' Day is an important moment to mark the service and sacrifice of the NHS and health workers, as well the amazing community spirit of the town to come together to help each other. As we recover from the pandemic and look forward to the prospect of a return to a more normal way of life, we must not forget the memory of those who are no longer with us and we need to continue to do all we can to protect ourselves and each other from this virus.”

The plan is to make this an annual event, growing in size and stature involving individuals, local communities and other voluntary organisations to enable us all to say a 'big thank you' to those who undertake so much for us all. The activities for the day, along with the organisations and others supporting this unique initiative to date can be viewed at – NHS FRONTLINE