Clap for our carers: UK pays tribute to teachers, early years staff and social workers
Fiona Simpson
Friday, April 3, 2020
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.
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.
Once again, at 8pm tonight, we’ll demonstrate our solidarity and support for our front line workers from our doorsteps. Let's clap for our NHS heroes, supermarket workers, teachers, cleaners, carers and everyone keeping our city safe and connected 👏 #ClapForOurCarers pic.twitter.com/UQ5HBufiPG
— Mayor of London (gov.uk/coronavirus) (@MayorofLondon) April 2, 2020
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.
Southend seafront was lit up with blue lights tonight to show support for our social workers, carers and NHS staff as part of the Clap For Carers campaign 💙 pic.twitter.com/9k4wE3yj9k
— Your Southend (@YourSouthend) March 26, 2020
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.
Thank you to social worker practice leaders across the country for joining me on a call today. Social Workers work every day to care for our most vulnerable children.
— Vicky Ford MP #stayhomesavelives (@vickyford) April 1, 2020
Social Workers are Heroes!
THANK THEM ALL EVERY DAY and especially at this time. @SocialWorkEng
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.
Tonight we will be making noise again for all our #earlyyears teachers and all other #EssentialWorkers 👏📢#ClapForCarers #ClapForNHS #ClapForCleaners #ClapForCaterers #clapforkeyworkers #clapforteachers #covid19UK #coronavirus @JuneOSullivan pic.twitter.com/M45bPfM2x7
— LEYF Nurseries (@LEYFonline) April 2, 2020
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."
👏A massive thank you to all NHS staff, all carers and all the teachers keeping this country going👏#ClapForNHS #ClapForKeyWorks #ClapForKeyWorkers pic.twitter.com/W9STd7Baui
— National Education Union (@NEUnion) April 2, 2020
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.
I want to directly thank everyone who is working to support children and young people during the fight to reduce the spread of Covid-19. pic.twitter.com/HE9b8U8QjV
— Gavin Williamson (@GavinWilliamson) April 2, 2020
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.”
To colleagues in health, care and every key worker working so hard during the pandemic – thank you we applaud you 💙and sending special thanks to social workers ❤️#clapforNHS #clapforourcarers#clapforkeyworkers#clapforsocialwork#thankyousocialwork
— BASW (@BASW_UK) April 2, 2020
Huge thank you to everyone who turned out to #ClapForKeyWorkers in London this evening 👏#ClapForNHS #ClapForCarers pic.twitter.com/zl9ZcwF6rT
— NHS London (@NHSEnglandLDN) April 2, 2020
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.
