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Clap for our carers: UK pays tribute to teachers, early years staff and social workers

2 mins read Coronavirus
Thousands of people across the UK took to their doorsteps and windows to applaud key workers including social workers, early years practitioners and teachers on the frontline of the fight against coronavirus.
People took to their windows and doorsteps to Clap for Our Carers last night. Picture: Adobe Stock
People took to their windows and doorsteps to Clap for Our Carers last night. Picture: Adobe Stock

The nationwide tribute, called Clap for Our Carers, saw people up and down the UK clap and cheer simultaneously at 8pm last night (3 April).

Some families set off fireworks while others banged drums and rang bells during the applause which followed a similar outpouring of support for NHS staff last Thursday.

Social workers, health visitors, teachers and early years staff appear, alongside NHS workers, refuse collectors and supermarket employees, in the government’s list of key workers needed to continue travelling to work during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Landmarks across the UK, including in the Shard and London Eye, were lit up blue to show support for those on the frontline while many people shared their gratitude on social media.

Ahead of the clap, Children’s Minister Vicky Ford paid tribute to social workers on Twitter saying: “Social Workers work every day to care for our most vulnerable children. Social Workers are heroes! Thank them all every day and especially at this time.

Councillor David Finch, leader of Essex Council, said: "A very big thank you to all the staff of Essex county Council for the great work and support to our residents – particularly our social workers who are working tirelessly to support the vulnerable in our county."

Meanwhile, Education Secretary Gavin Williamson paid tribute to professionals working with children and young people through a video also shared on the social media site.

He said: “Thank you to the teachers, the staff, the support staff, those people who are making sure that nurseries are kept open, those who work in colleges and universities and of course social workers who are doing such an amazing job in terms of caring and protecting those who are most vulnerable in society.”

The praise comes in a week where both social workers and health visitors have called for more support and an increase in personal protective equipment.

Meanwhile, early years leaders have called for more financial support for providers impacted by the crisis.


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