DORSET residents are being urged to join the 'nation’s biggest tea break' this summer and help raise money for staff and volunteers in the NHS who have done so much for others during the pandemic.

Following a year like no other, the South Western Ambulance Charity hopes as many people as possible will join the 'outpouring of love and thanks for the NHS' on its birthday by hosting or taking part in an NHS Big Tea on July 5.

Each event can be in person or virtual, with the community, friends, family or at work, and is a chance to reflect and say thank you for everything that NHS colleagues and volunteers have done and continue to do, by taking part in the nation’s biggest tea break to raise money for the South Western Ambulance Charity.

People can host their own event or they can show their support by taking five minutes to enjoy a tea break, texting £5 to support NHS charities, and tagging five friends on social media and calling on them to do the same.

Zoe Larter, Head of Charity for the South Western Ambulance Charity said: “The NHS Big Tea is the perfect opportunity for all of us to pause and reflect on what has been an incredibly challenging year. Please join us in raising a cuppa on the day to show our sincere appreciation to all of the NHS heroes that have worked tirelessly to keep us safe during these difficult times.”

Ellie Orton, CEO of NHS Charities Together, which is behind the NHS Big Tea, said: “Many of us have a lot to be grateful to NHS staff and volunteers for following the year we have had. They have been at the forefront of the response to one of the biggest challenges our country has ever faced. NHS Big Tea is chance to show our support for them by joining a national outpouring of thanks this July."

To take part and get your tea break fundraising pack, please visit https://www.swambulancecharity.org/nhsbigtea or email charity@swast.nhs.uk