A new annual ‘Thank Holiday’ to celebrate volunteers
Why we think it’s time for a new annual Bank Holiday to recognise all those serving our communities.
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We're calling for the Government to create a new annual Bank Holiday from 2023 as a way of recognising HM the Queen’s extraordinary service - and the service of millions of others in our communities, especially over the last two years.
The campaign comes ahead of the 70th anniversary of HM The Queen’s ascension to the throne on 6 February and is supported by a wide range of charities, businesses and individuals. These include the Royal Voluntary Service, Scouts, Girlguiding, the Confederation of British Industry, the Archbishop of Canterbury, British Chambers of Commerce and the Trade Union Congress.
Explorer Scouts Emma Aggrey and Phoebe Clark are among those leading the campaign. Phoebe, who recently spent over 100 nights sleeping in a tent raising money for charity Refuge, said:
Phoebe Clark - Explorer Scout
‘The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee gives us an amazing opportunity to thank all those who have served our communities, especially over the past two years. And we shouldn’t need to wait 70 years for days like this. I believe an annual Thank Holiday would give us a moment each year to come together, celebrate the thousands of volunteers who really make our communities great places to live every single year.’
Emma Aggrey - Explorer Scout and Young Leader
‘I’m so proud to be helping lead this campaign for a new Bank Holiday. Our communities only flourish when people step up and bring people together, giving their time and energy to serve others. In this jubilee year, I’d like us to recognise these amazing people by calling for a new bank holiday, in honour of HM The Queen, Scouts’ Patron who has lived such an incredible life of service.’
To watch in full screen, double click the video
“The Queen deserves our thanks for her incredible lifetime of service. That’s why this year, to mark her Jubilee, we’re asking for a new bank holiday – a Thank Holiday. It’s going to be a special day each year to celebrate all of those people who make our communities better places to live. It’s a chance for us all to get together and reconnect. So join me, and let’s ask for a special day each year in honour of the givers, the heroes, the ones who deserve it most.”
Chief Scout, Bear Grylls OBE
Look out for more on the campaign in our communications and on social media
Join in on the conversation using the hashtag #ThankHoliday