'Clap For Carers' returns this Thursday but with a name change
The movement is to show appreciation during lockdown for key workers and others.
The ‘Clap For Carers’ event is returning this week, but will instead be called ‘Clap For Heroes’.
It ran every Thursday at 8pm across the UK for ten weeks during the first lockdown last year.
As well as showing appreciation for the NHS, care workers and key workers, it will also acknowledge every hero who has played their part through the pandemic.
They include home-schoolers, neighbours, scientists, volunteers, all those who wear masks when out, those who have stayed at home and socially distanced, shop workers, those in the arts and hospitality sectors, everyone who has battled or is still battling Covid-19 (or caring for a loved one who is unwell), and also loved ones and friends who have been tragically lost to the virus.
It is hoped it will become a weekly event again and founder of the movement, Annemarie Plas said: “When we first started clapping for our incredible NHS staff, care workers and key workers last March, none of us had any expectation that we would be in an even worse situation nine months later.
“Last year the weekly applause united communities and had us talking to our neighbours whilst we acknowledged the immense sacrifices our carers were making. They were and still are heroes, but this time round we also want to recognise all the other heroes that keep the country going and have endured such challenging times.
“This Thursday at 8pm we want the whole country to unite again to remember and celebrate all of these heroes, including those most dear to us. Bring out those pots and pans, get the kids involved - they’ve been heroes too after all!
“I fully acknowledge that things are now worse than ever and some people might not feel an applause is appropriate, but I also know how much it meant to millions of people last time, not just to our carers but to our neighbours and communities.
“We all need to stay connected and be there for each other and we all deserve a round of applause for what we have gone through and can expect from the coming months.
“When people clap for all our heroes on Thursday they should also clap for the heroes directly in their own lives, those whom they have personally found to be just incredible individuals.”
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