t's not just Yorkshire Day we're celebrating on Thursday 1st August - it's also when our Trust becomes the national (yes - national!) face of the 6th annual Unsung Hero Awards. The awards are being launched right here at CHFT and to say we're excited is an understatement...and we're looking for colleagues to get involved on launch day.

The Unsung Hero Awards (USH) are the only national awards for non-clinial NHS staff and volunteers who go above and beyond the call of duty. More than 50% of the one and a half million people employed by the NHS are in non-clinical roles - that's huge! And we know you'll have colleagues in mind already.

Last year Chief Operating Officer Helen Barker nominated her PA Sue Laycock for an award - and though she didn't win on the night it was still an amazing experience for her. Sue, pictured, said "When I found out Helen had nominated me, it floored me. It made me actually think in depth about what I do every day and about the fact it's making a difference to Helen, her team and our patients."

Helen said "We're so excited and privileged to be asked to support the launch of these very unique awards. After being at the Gala night last year with Sue all I can say is what a great opportunity it is to celebrate everyone's contribution. The room was chock-a-block with so many talented people.

"To be able to shine a light on these colleagues who contribute so much to the delivery of compassionate care to our patients is an opportunity we just can't miss”. 

"We'll be having launches across as many sites as we can on the 1st August - and we're looking for colleagues willing to give up two hours of their time to help spread awareness on the day. We're going to be turning CHFT pink there's no doubt about it!"

Could you give up a couple of hours to walk around our sights, spreading awareness and taking award information to colleagues? They'll even be a t-shirt and/or sash in it and some freebies on the day.

If so please contact Sue Laycock on HRI 3391 or email her: sue.laycock@cht.nhs.uk

Want to know more about what it's all about? Take a look at the website to find out more and see all last year's winners https://www.unsungheroawards.com/

The 2020 UHA Ceremony takes place next February.

Pictured from left to right are: Helen, Sue, Don and Laura (USH team), our own Sam Lindl from the engagement team and Christo (USH team).