News Coverage for Thank You Day 2023
Press Release
Carers, cleaners and volunteers are amongst Britain’s most under-thanked groups according to a new poll by Walnut (ICM) released today to coincide with the announcement of the third annual National Thank You Day on the 2nd of July.
Thank You Day is organised by the Together coalition and is backed by some of Britain’s biggest organisations including the NHS, the FA, the Royal Volunteer Service, the Scouts and the Church of England. Last year 9 million people took part.
The poll also shows that more than half of us (53%) have helped out our neighbours – from assisting with DIY to putting out their bins.
Rachel Riley, a campaign ambassador, said:
“It’s been another difficult year, but when times are tough our national character is clear; we are a nation of helpers. From carers and community volunteers to the neighbour who helps with the bins – we help each other out when we can.
We also know we’re not always as good at saying thank you to those who deserve it. That’s what Thank You Day is all about; a chance to say thank you to everyone who makes our communities great places to live.
So please save the date – Sunday 2nd July – and think about who you might like to thank. Maybe invite them for a coffee, put on a picnic for your friends or host a community party. It’s the perfect opportunity to reconnect and say thank you.”
The Walnut poll reveals:
- We are a nation of helpers – over half of us (53%) help our neighbours with things like DIY, putting out their bins or checking in on those alone, whilst 19% help run clubs and events in our communities
- The public see unpaid carers as Britain’s most underthanked group. 51% say unpaid carers are not thanked enough for the work they do, followed by nurses (46%), paid carers (45%), volunteers (40%), cleaners (35%) and refuse collectors (34%)
- Friends and neighbours all also deserve more thanks, according to the poll
- Younger people (18-25) are twice as likely to say they arrange events, run clubs or support those in need (38%) than the rest of the population, and they are also more likely to recognise the support that others give to them.
Reacting to the poll, Christopher Dando, Manager of the Court House Retirement Home, whose staff won national praise when they moved in with their residents full-time at the start of the pandemic, said:
“In 2020, 12 members of staff at Court House Retirement Home moved into the care Home and nobody came in or out for the entire three months. My carers are an absolute testament to the carers across the UK. The local community were fantastic in the support that they gave to us during this very difficult time. Every day we would find supplies left on our doorstep.
“We have always had it in mind to thank the local community for all the help and encouragement they gave us during this difficult time. We feel that Thank You Day is the perfect opportunity to do just that.”
Music for Dementia is leading Thank You Day 2023 music activities, with a focus of carers. Grace Meadows, Campaign Director at Music for Dementia, said:
“The Music for Dementia campaign is delighted to be partnering with the /together coalition this year to highlight the role music can play in caring for someone, particularly those living with dementia. We would encourage everyone to get involved musically with Thank You Day and show that you appreciate the role carers play.”
