South Western Ambulance Charity is encouraging local organisations across the region to host tea parties to celebrate our beloved health service and raise vital charity funds.

The NHS Big Tea will see companies up and down the country hold events to toast the NHS’ birthday on Friday 5 July.

It follows the success of last year’s nationwide Big7Tea to mark the NHS turning 70.

The South Western Ambulance Charity provides funding to benefit the public who use South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT) services, and improves the wellbeing of its staff and volunteers.

Zoe Larter, Head of South Western Ambulance Charity, said: “Wherever you are in the South West, we’d love you to host your own tea party and invite friends, family and colleagues along to mark the occasion and raise valuable funds to help us go the extra mile for our exceptional people, our volunteer heroes and the communities served by SWASFT. You can hold the party on any date that suits you in late June or early July.”

The humble cup of tea has a long and proud association with the NHS. Originally served to patients in traditional fine cups with saucers and a teaspoon, tea was considered an important aspect of patient satisfaction and recovery.

Tea brings us all together. It breaks down social boundaries, and like the NHS and NHS charities, is a symbol of comfort and community.

All money raised from Big Tea parties will go towards:

• Supporting our volunteer heroes - providing enhanced equipment and training to our Community First Responder groups.

• Supporting our exceptional people - providing equipment and enhancing facilities, extending access to sources of help and support with wellbeing and personal development.

• Supporting our communities - providing defibrillators and basic life support training across the region.

If you’d like to host your own Big Tea Party, email: charity@swast.nhs.uk to get all the necessary information.