Reach’s NHS Heroes site will now feature a list of deals that some of the UK’s biggest brands are offering NHS staff, alongside thousands of messages of thanks from the public.
More than 200,000 thank yous have been pledged across the UK in support of the NHS workers on the frontlines of the coronavirus crisis on Reach’s NHS Heroes site. In a Reach-wide campaign currently being shared across all Reach news titles, readers are invited to pledge their thanks online via the thanksamillionnhs.co.uk website, where people can send a heart to their location in the UK and write a message of appreciation.
From today, alongside the messages of gratitude left by the public, the site will also feature a collated list of the deals that some of the UK’s biggest brands are offering NHS staff. The site will act as a simple hub for workers to access up-to-date information – for example listing the 50 percent off deal from Leon and Pizza Hut, free bike hire from Brompton, free razors from Gillette and free NCP parking.
Reach will then further promote the list to reach NHS workers via its news brands and a paid campaign across social channels. No contribution is required to participate as Reach are not treating the site as a commercial channel. National brands are asked to email [email protected] with details of their offer to be considered for inclusion.
The project has been done in collaboration with the Royal College of Nursing. Donna Kinnair, chief executive and general secretary of the Royal College of Nursing which represents half a million UK nursing professionals commented: “Over the past few days, we’ve already seen our members tested by these circumstances and they’ve risen to the challenge. In the days to come they’ll need to be reminded that the country has their back more than ever, and to know that we already have more than 200,000 people pledging their support has provided a crucial morale boost.
“What they also need are simple ways to make their lives easier right now and any help that people can offer on this front is so appreciated.”
Andy Atkinson, chief revenue officer for Reach said: “As we tackle the biggest national crisis in a generation, it is our amazing NHS staff who are on the frontline, bearing the brunt of the Covid-19 pandemic. With some of the country’s biggest brands announcing deals for NHS staff daily, it makes sense to house all of these offers under one roof, making it easier for NHS staff to navigate and for businesses to show they care. Please join in to send your thanks and love to an incredible army of people.”
The NHS Heroes campaign has received celebrity support on Twitter from the likes of Gary Linekar, Eamonn Holmes and footballer Michael Owen and the health secretary Matt Hancock has also given it his backing.
Hancock added: “I wholeheartedly support the NHS Heroes campaign. Our talented health and care workers across the UK are rising to the immense challenge that we face as a country.”
