A UNIQUE social media platform designed to thank unsung heroes who may otherwise not get praise has launched in Ascot.

Thank and Praise (TAP), which is currently available on Whatsapp, is a new way for parents and patients to show their appreciation to teachers and doctors in Berkshire.

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The platform was launched by parents Phillip and Sandie Curtis from Ascot, whose son Donovan received "outstanding care" from doctors and nurses.

The parents wanted to thank the staff who helped their son but found it difficult to relay the message to them.

Sandie said: "Our 18-year-old boy received exceptional care from the NHS and when we look back at that time, we were overwhelmed by the services that were available so we just wanted to give thanks and weren't really able to.

"We often make time to complain but we don't take the time to say thanks."

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The mother explained how the NHS is in a desperate state with staff retention being poor due to "staff feeling under-appreciated".

TAP has also been developed to work in schools so that parents can thank teachers for supporting their children in the classroom.

A mother of a year 7 pupil from Charters School, said: “Thanking employees in the public sector is a great way to show how much their contribution is needed and valued."

Before the TAP business was created, a survey was carried out with 200 people to understand the culture behind thanking people.

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70 per cent of people who like to show their appreciation do not get the opportunity to say thanks.

The research showed 86 per cent of people liked the idea of thanking people who work in the public sector.

Sandie said: “Our culture often seems driven to look for the worst, to highlight what is wrong, instead of giving thanks and praise for the good that can be found in so many, especially in unsung heroes in education and healthcare”

“We can all contribute to making others feel worthy and appreciated by giving genuine thanks when deserved.

"We believe that a lack of self -worth contributes hugely to the mental health problems so common in society today."

TAP is hoping to roll out in all schools, hospitals and GP’s surgeries in Berkshire and Surrey by next year.

Visit: thankandpraise.com for more information on how to become a tapper.