Clap for Carers is returning this week and it will now extend to ‘every hero who has played their part through the pandemic.’
I’m sure you’ll all agree that 2020 had very few redeeming qualities. However, seeing millions of people across the UK venture outside at 8pm every Thursday to clap, cheer and celebrate the NHS, was definitely one of them. The applause began in March as we entered the very first national lockdown and lasted for ten weeks straight. Scotland has now entered a third lockdown and Clap for Carers will be returning this week!
SEE ALSO: Joe Wicks Will Return With New Fitness Classes During The January Lockdown
Annemarie Plas, the woman who started the Clap for Carers campaign last year, announced today via Twitter that the weekly applause will be making a comeback. The tradition was originally created to show gratitude to the NHS and care workers risking their lives on the frontlines. Although this time around the clap will also extend to ‘carers, teachers, homeschooling parents, those who shield and all who are pushing through this difficult time’.
Plas said “We want to include all heroes of the NHS who work tirelessly round the clock and all the jobs around that. The heroes include parents with children who now have had their schools closed after one day and will now have to juggle work with childcare.”
It has rightfully been renamed the Clap for Heroes and will continue throughout the January lockdown, aiming to unite the nation for a few brief moments each week. The applause will begin this Thursday (January 7) at 8pm, so head outside with your pots, pans and whistles ready to show your appreciation for those going the extra mile in these uncertain times.