2020: Rainbows begin to be associated with the NHS

Previously used by NHS staff to show approachability and inclusivity to LGBTQ+ patients, from March 2020 rainbows became synonymous with the health service more broadly during the first UK lockdown of the COVID-19 pandemic. Introduced to stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus, the lockdown mandated that people stay at home and not interact with other people outside their household.

Rainbows, often hung in windows, began to represent solidarity with workers, gratitude for their work, and hope for better times ahead. They were subsequently used in a number of fundraising appeals and materials for NHS charities.

A photograph of a large textile banner hanging between a tree and a lamp post. The banner features the image of a rainbow and a heart, with the letters: “Thank you NHS.”
Thank you NHS banner. Image courtesy of Red Dot via Unsplash.
A photograph of a large banner hanging on a railing, with an image of a rainbow and the NHS logo (large white letters inside a blue rectangle). The text on the banner says: “Clara Street Bingo Buddies supports the NHS and key workers.”
NHS banner with rainbow. Image courtesy of K. Mitch Hodge via Unsplash.