Local emergency services are supporting a citywide campaign that aims to recognise the dedication and hard work of all those across Leeds who go above and beyond to help people during winter and throughout the year.
Yorkshire Ambulance Service and British Transport Police are two of the many organisations who have got behind this year’s ‘Big Thank You’ campaign, which runs until the end of March.
The campaign gives people a chance to recognise the city’s unsung heroes from all walks of life, such as unpaid carers, neighbours and community groups, as well as organisations.
Nick Smith, Executive Director of Operations for Yorkshire Ambulance Service, said: “We’re really pleased to be part of the ‘Big Thank You’ campaign again this year.
“This time of year is exceptionally busy for everyone in the emergency services. I’d personally like to say a huge thank you to all my colleagues who work so hard to keep people in Leeds safe and well.
“I’d also like to thank all our patients who take the time to get in touch. We receive many compliments from grateful patients every year and it really lifts our teams’ spirits when we hear things like ‘Your fabulous ambulance crew were just amazing! The call handler was brilliant also. The care my partner received was outstanding. Thank you for all you do, a million thanks!’”
Temporary Chief Inspector Graham Bridges from British Transport Police added: “The period after Christmas is a time when people can feel quite low. A simple thank you is a great way of boosting someone’s spirits because it shows that you recognise and appreciate who they are and what they do.
“Whether it’s a relative or friend who is always there for you, a helpful bus driver or member of station staff, a friendly passenger on your daily commute – let them – and everyone else – know you notice what they do by saying thank you.
“You can share your message on the Big Thank You website – www.bigthankyouleeds.co.uk or using the hashtag #BigThanksLeeds on social media.”
“British Transport Police will be patrolling stations every day of the year – if you see us, stop by and say hello – it’ll make our day!”
Tim Ryley, Chief Executive for NHS Leeds CCG said: “We’ve really enjoyed reading the messages of thanks that are coming in from people across Leeds, highlighting people or organisations in the city who keep Leeds going through winter and beyond. We’re really pleased that emergency services colleagues are supporting the Big Thank You campaign. We’re well on the way to meeting our target of getting 3,000 messages. If you haven’t had a chance to say thank you, do it today www.bigthankyouleeds.co.uk”