People across Leeds are being encouraged to say thank you to all those currently working so hard to keep us safe and well while maintaining essential services, as part of a new campaign launched by the city’s leaders.
The Leeds Big Thank You campaign gives people a chance to show their appreciation for all the city’s heroes from all walks of life during the current pandemic. This could be anyone – local shopkeepers and supermarket staff, delivery drivers and postal workers, refuse collectors and cleaners, emergency services and health care staff, teachers and chefs, community groups and volunteers, as well as friends, family, carers and neighbours.
In the last month alone, more than 500 people have taken to Twitter or the campaign website to post messages of appreciation for those involved in the city’s response to the pandemic.
Councillor Judith Blake, Leader of Leeds City Council, said “This is an incredibly challenging and stressful time for all of us. But at a time when most of us are staying home to stay safe, thousands of staff and volunteers are out in the community, doing absolutely essential work to keep the city running, educate our children, feed us, keep us safe and look after us.
“We want to make sure that every single person who is going above and beyond during these extraordinary times knows how much we appreciate and value their work. Or you might just want to say thank you to your neighbours or family members who are there for you when it matters the most.
“There has never been a better time to recognise the key workers, carers and volunteers in our communities so I’d urge everyone to say a ‘Big Thank You’ to them – just visit the website www.bigthankyouleeds.co.uk or use the hashtag #BigThanksLeeds on social media.”
Hannah Davies is the Chief Executive of Healthwatch Leeds. She said: “There are so many thank yous that we want to express right now. From frontline NHS and care workers through to everyone working in care homes, those offering essential homecare, all the community groups and volunteers through to those people keeping our city going whether it be the bin men, food delivery people, people working in retail.
“It really feels like we are all in this together, a whole city effort to look after each other at this time. We’re really pleased to support this campaign that shares those messages of thanks for all the amazing people of our city.”
The Big Thank You campaign is supported by the city’s NHS organisations and Leeds City Council. To find out more or to see the gallery of messages, please visit www.bigthankyouleeds.co.uk