#ThanksKids Awards: NHS recognises local acts of kindness
Reciprocating the love and appreciation that the NHS has felt in 2020, staff at Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust service Rise, decided that it was their turn to say thank you. Rise is the mental health service in Coventry and Warwickshire for children and young people, and is provided in partnership with Coventry and Warwickshire Mind.
Hearing about local youngsters volunteering at their local hospital, baking cakes for neighbours, and brightening up their communities with Rainbows during the first lockdown, Rise Mental Health Nurses decided to thank them via personalised #NHSStars certificates and the #ThanksKids campaign.
To date over 450 children and young people have been nominated for their acts of kindness and resilience. Of these, 25 were shortlisted for a #ThankKids Award and invited to a special ceremony on 18th December to celebrate their extra special contribution.
Children and young people are at the centre of #ThanksKids. A young people’s panel each chose their own Star Award, and also selected the Children’s Choice Award, as well as designing the awards and medals.
Jane Ralphs, Rise Nurse and Chair of #ThanksKids, said: "The #ThanksKids initiative is all about recognising acts of kindness by young people in Coventry and Warwickshire. We have been blown away by all the amazing things young people have been doing during lockdown…. small, big and everything in between. We are so proud of everything our young people have achieved during a particularly tough year.”
Ethan was the winner of the Nurses Noticed Award. Ethan’s Mum, Danielle, said: “Last night was amazing, it was so good to see all the lovely acts of kindness everyone has done this year. Ethan is over the moon with his award, who knew that what started as a little piece of homework would result in this! There were tears and laughter all through the house last night, and Ethan is already planning for next year.
Once again, thank you for helping organise such a wonderful event, and a million thanks from all of us for everything you do every day. People like you and your team are the backbone of this country and help others keep faith in all things positive and good in the world.”
Harrison and Chloe were the winners of the Children’s Choice Award. Harrison and Chloe’s Mum, Michelle, said: “Thank you all so much for shortlisting Chloe, Harrison and the dancing girls for their award. They were absolutely thrilled to win and it was such an amazing surprise for them and me. There were lots of shocked faces and tears (mine) and now their trophy and medals are taking pride of place on the fireplace. It’s only a shame we won’t have family here to see them but I’ve posted on every social media site possible!”
The #ThanksKids Campaign is proud to be supported by the Jimmy Hill Legacy Fund, which is run by Sky Blues in the Community, along with Rise which provides emotional wellbeing to young people in Coventry and Warwickshire. Find out more at www.cwrise.com.