Clap for Our Carers

Clap for Our Carers, also known as Clap for Carers, Clap for the NHS, Clap for Key Workers or Clap for Heroes, was a

The idea originated in Europe[1]^[2] and was adopted in the UK by Annemarie Plas, a Dutch woman living in London, who promoted a campaign which took place every Thursday evening at 20:00 between 26 March and 28 May 2020. Many celebrities, influencers, politicians, and public figures supported the campaign.^{[citation needed]}

Background and origins

In December 2019, health authorities in

As a result, a sense of widespread appreciation developed towards NHS workers, and also towards other key workers, who supported the population during this time. A weekly show of appreciation developed during which large parts of the UK population showed their appreciation, from the safety of their homes.^[citation needed]

Although similar activities had already been happening in

The event is typically a round of applause outside a participating person's home or from one of their windows, however people have also taken part by banging pots and pans, playing music and setting off fireworks. Millions are reported to have taken part.^[12] In the first campaign, at 20:00 on 26 March 2020, people across the UK clapped, cheered, and rang bells to thank NHS workers for their role during the pandemic.^[3] Princes George and Louis, and Princess Charlotte also supported the event from their residence at Anmer Hall.^[9][13]

On 2 April, appreciation extended to all key workers, including healthcare workers, emergency services, armed services, delivery drivers, people who work in shops, teachers, waste collectors, manufacturers, postal workers, cleaners, vets and engineers.^[14] That day, event founder Annemarie Plas wrote in an Instagram post, "tonight we will show our appreciation again! For ALL that go out to work so that we can stay in!".^[15]

The campaign was subsequently repeated at 20:00 every Thursday until 28 May, as lockdown restrictions began to be eased throughout the UK. The campaign received coverage from media such as

A Clap for the NHS was organised for the afternoon of 5 July 2020, the 72nd anniversary of its establishment.[23] An annual Clap for Our Carers Day was initially planned for the last Thursday of March each year.^[24]

Response

Clap for Our Carers inspired Nathan Wyburn to produce a digital collage made up of more than 200 images of NHS workers, to pay tribute to their work.^[25][26][27]

The practice of applauding has been criticised by some political commentators and medical workers as an empty gesture amid budget cuts and equipment shortages for the NHS.^[28][29]

In January 2021, Annemarie Plas and her family received online abuse for bringing back the movement under the name "Clap For Our Heroes".^[30] Plas later released a statement announcing she was distancing herself from the event, while stating that she had no intentions of politicising it. The comeback attempt was not well received by the public and very little turned out, thus causing its permanent ceasing.^{[citation needed]}

See also

• Thank You NHS

References