Illustration by Charlie Mackesy to celebrate the NHS’s 75th anniversary

The NHS is an essential part of all our lives. And it’s great to see how passionate the UK feels about protecting this beloved institution we’re so lucky to have. Particularly after the dedication and strength the staff demonstrated during the pandemic. As the service turns 75, let’s explore the many ways we can support the NHS this year.

1. Do you want to join the NHS team?

Joining the NHS as staff is one of the biggest things you can do to support it. Especially when there’s a staff shortage in many areas of the service, any new employee is a plus. With 1.3 million staff, the NHS is Europe’s biggest employer.

There are 350 careers available, so there is a job for you if you want to make a difference. But don’t fret – it doesn’t have to be a clinical role. The NHS employs electricians, administration, porters, accountants, and caterers. Take a look at more information here.

You can work for the NHS whatever your work or educational background is. And there are options to make the career move from another sector (it isn’t only open to the young, fresh graduates). The NHS has a wide range of employers, such as hospitals, emergency services, GP practices, and opticians, as well as monitoring services like NHS England.

Alternatively, there are roles in social care and public health to support people and protect their health. Learn more about careers in the NHS here.

Read more: Beat the ageism game. How to create a great CV when you’re over 50

2. Are you bloody brilliant?

Thanks to their kindness, blood donors save thousands of lives every day. But there is still an urgent need for more supplies. The NHS requires 5000 blood donations every day and 135,000 new donors every year.

Although it may seem disconcerting to some, there is always a member of staff by your side to make sure you’re all right. And, there’s usually a cheeky bicky and squash after, to up your sugars.

Most people aged between 17 and 65 can give blood. However, the NHS specifically needs 40,000 more Black donors to support the growing demand and treat sickle cell disease. If you feel like you can help and support the NHS as it turns 75, click here for more information.

Winner of the ‘Our Partners’ category for the NHS staff & volunteers FUJIFILM competition. Photo: Mary McConnell & Jenny Brodie

3. Could you volunteer locally?

NHS and CARE Volunteer Responders allow you to support the NHS, its patients, and people through social care. A dedicated app makes this work flexible – roles are advertised here if you are interested.

Other volunteer roles include companionship for patients, being a first responder, fundraising, and supporting charities. Or you could even become a hospital radio DJ! There are more details here.

4. Are you on the NHS Organ Donor Register?

If you decide to donate your organs after you die, you will save or transform the life of up to nine lives, and more by donating tissue.

You can register your decision here. But remember, it is always a good idea to discuss this with your loved ones so that they are in the know.

Winner of the ‘Our Environment’ category for the NHS staff & volunteers FUJIFILM competition. Photo: Joe Cartwright

5. What is the NHS1000 miles challenge?

To mark the 75^th birthday of the NHS, you can join the NHS1000-mile challenge and commit to walking, running, swimming, or cycling 1000 miles this year. That may sound impossible, but on average it’s only 2.74 miles per day – so let’s get those steps in.

Participants are encouraged to keep a record of their weekly miles and share their progress via Twitter every Sunday night using the hashtag #NHS1000miles.

Let’s not forget – physical activity is great for our physical and mental health. We should all aim to be active every day to improve our sleep, clear our minds, and boost our energy.

It’s free to take part in, but there is the option to get sponsored. You can set up a Just Giving page here and this spreadsheet will allow you to track your miles. To get started, try the NHS Couch to 5K or attend your local park run. Good luck!

6. Do you want to transform the health of the nation?

The health revolution that has taken place over the last 75 years would not be possible without the 230+ NHS charities located in the UK.

By volunteering and donating to NHS charities, you can support research, renovation, technologies, and the staff, who help the NHS transform the health and wellbeing of the nation. If you are interested in offering your support, learn more about it here.

7. Did you know you can get involved in research?

Research is the foundation of the NHS. And further research will play an important part in shaping the future of the NHS by discovering life-saving treatments, uncovering the secrets behind diseases, and developing the answers to the problems causing ill health today.

It is super easy for us all to get involved and help design research studies and advise what the priorities for the future should be. Get in touch here with questions you want the NHS to find the answers for, find research applications up for review, and decide what research gets funded.

To support the NHS as it turns 75, take part in a study, pop over to your GP and ask for information on trials or studies in your area. Or click here to sign up for alerts.

Photo: Nicolas Leclerq

From everyone at Silver, happy birthday NHS and thank you for everything you do. Here’s to many more years of revolutionary healthcare and outstanding kindness.

Click here for more NHS birthday events and news.

Beth Pratt

Beth is one of Silver’s interns. She loves reading and studying literature. Entering her final year of university, Beth still finds time to dance, swim, and have a pint with friends. Her favourite hobby is going to coffee shops, if you can call it a hobby!

The post 7 ways to support the NHS – things you can do appeared first on Silver Magazine.

Making sure you you keep marking important dates is a sure-fire way to keep romance alive. Particularly if you feel the romance might not be quite so strong these days. If you’re thinking of planning something unforgettable for your romantic date, and how to celebrate your anniversary, here are a few different thoughts. Show your partner appreciation and celebrate your relationship together.

Anniversaries (in all their forms) are an important part of life. These special days remind us of important past events, be it personal or cultural milestones.

Especially important are the anniversaries with your partner, like your wedding anniversary, the date you first met, or even another special day that you both hold close to your heart.

Signify the importance of your anniversary

Work, chores, the daily grind – sometimes life just gets in the way of spending time together with your partner. Celebrating an anniversary can help as a reminder to you (both) that you’re in it together, and that love and romance are still part of the deal. You’re not just chugging along.

It’s a joyful way for you to take a step out of the norm and remember the relationship, and celebrating can help your partner feel cared for. Just setting aside time to celebrate your relationship on one specific day can mean the world.

Choose the perfect gift

OK so giving gifts can be a minefield if you’re not both on the same page. Giving your partner a gift on your anniversary is an easy way to show just how much you care for them. However, it’s important to also check with your partner about if you both want to do gift giving this year.

For some people, gift-giving can be complicated, or harder for them to do, so make sure to check beforehand. Make it really clear: are you giving gifts or not?!

If you do want to exchange anniversary gifts, there are a few ways to sift through the minefield that’s choosing an anniversary present. There are already special gift traditions that exist, for example, it’s traditional to celebrate a 25th wedding anniversary with silver, so a diamond ring can be a great gift if you’re hitting a quarter of a decade with your partner.

It doesn’t have to be a big gesture, just make sure you’ve both got similar expectations. Even flowers can be a great present. For those celebrating their first wedding anniversary, carnations have typically symbolised lasting vows and joy for the upcoming years. And they last for ages! Perhaps that’s why they’re associated with longevity like this.

Create new memories – and revisit old ones!

It might be making new memories or reliving old ones, but your anniversary is the perfect time to focus on the memories of your relationship. Visit the place you had your first date or do something you’ve never done before.

Why not try something a bit different? A cocktail tasting evening, or a trip to a theme park to ride the rollercoasters. Or you could go to a comedy night, or even have a little getaway, rekindle the romance.

And your anniversary doesn’t have to make your bank account cry in fear. There are still plenty of ways to create lasting memories on a budget. Why not go out for coffee, or breakfast instead of dinner? Or equally, cook your partner breakfast in bed!

So, if you’re now wondering just how to celebrate your anniversary with a special someone, hopefully the above suggestions will give you some food for thought!

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The post How to celebrate your anniversary with your partner appeared first on Silver Magazine.