Your Chance to Give a ‘Big Thank You’ to Our Local COVID-19 Heroes

Your chance to give a ‘Big Thank You’ to our local COVID-19 heroes

A ‘Big Thank You’ is being planned to celebrate all those in Basingstoke and Deane who volunteered to help others and the amazing acts of kindness that have taken place during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, Love Basingstoke, and Basingstoke Voluntary Action (BVA) are calling on residents, groups and businesses to send in their messages of thanks to local heroes who have gone above and beyond throughout the pandemic to support vulnerable people in the community, either by volunteering or by carrying out thoughtful and kind deeds.

Everyone recognised will be celebrated during Basingstoke and Deane’s Big Thank You Week, from 10 August to 14 August. Throughout the week of celebration, there will be a spotlight on:

• Unsung heroes on 10 August
• Volunteer organisations, community hubs and community associations on 11 August
• The business community with two categories – community support and adapting operations on 12 August
• Local artists, art organisations and the heritage sector on 13 August
• Key and essential workers on 14 August.

People can take part by nominating others for their support and acts of kindness during lockdown from 8 July until 31 July. Either tweet @lovebstoke using #thebigBDthankyou, submit online, call 01256 844844 or post to:

The Big Thank You

Basingstoke & Deane Borough Council

Civic Offices

London Rd

Basingstoke

RG21 4AH

As well as encouraging people across the borough to share their thanks, a children’s drawing, poetry and spoken word project on the theme of kindness has also been launched.

Open to under 18's, it aims to inspire young people to focus on the acts of kindness they may have seen or carried out during the past few months in lockdown, and to interpret it through art, a poem or spoken word. All artwork will be displayed as part of a digital art projection project that will take place later this year and will be available to view on the website as a lasting memory of this time.

Schools, youth groups and individuals are encouraged to get involved. Email submissions to [email protected] or post to the same address as above.

Businesses across the borough interested in supporting the event should contact [email protected].

The Mayor of Basingstoke and Deane Cllr Diane Taylor said: “So many wonderful people in the borough have gone the extra mile to help others who may be struggling or vulnerable throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Whether it was making up and delivering food parcels, collecting medical supplies, being a friendly voice for somebody to chat with on the phone or key workers across the borough who have worked tirelessly to keep services we often take for granted running, our local heroes deserve to be recognised and thanked.

“The Big Thank You is a chance for everybody in the borough to recognise volunteers and unsung heroes in their communities and I hope you will join in this opportunity to give them our well-deserved thanks.

“And don’t forget to encourage any young budding artists, poets or public speakers to get creative, focusing on acts of kindness that have been taking place in our community during lockdown.”

BVA’s Chair of Trustees Carol Bode added: “On behalf of Basingstoke Voluntary Action I thank every single one of you who has stepped forward to volunteer over the past few weeks to support and help your local communities and vulnerable people. It has made such a difference and rekindled a true community spirit. I also thank the many hundreds of volunteers who have given, and continue to give, their time freely for the benefit of others for many years. Volunteering comes in many forms and can take as little or as much time as you have to give. I hope that you consider future volunteer opportunities as our local communities and groups continue to need the ongoing support of your skills, experience, expertise and kindness as they recover."

More info www.thebigbdthankyou.co.uk