BOROUGH residents are expected to be back outside their homes clapping this evening (Sunday, 5 June) when a commemorate 'Clap for Carers' takes place.

Through ten weeks of the coronavirus lockdown, Thursday evenings at 8pm brought a regular community get together when people left their homes briefly to applaud the NHS and it is hoped to repeat the exercise at 5pm today – the 72nd anniversary of the formation of the NHS.

The Clap for Carers initiative started on 25 March and was the brainchild of Dutch-born Londoner Annemarie Plas. The weekly tradition was often accompanied by the banging of pots and pans. It was Ms Plas herself who called for the tradition to end after its tenth week and she expressed her hope that it could instead become an annual event.

NHS England chief executive Sir Simon Stevens said he hoped the public would use the new anniversary as an opportunity to "say a heartfelt thank you" to hospital staff. Sir Simon said: "This year has been the most challenging in NHS history, with staff displaying extraordinary dedication, skill and compassion to care for the 100,000 patients with Covid-19 who needed specialist hospital treatment and many others besides.

"During this testing time our nurses, doctors, physios, pharmacists and countless more colleagues were sustained by the support of the public, not least through the weekly applause for key workers."

The nationwide clap has been organised following a letter from the Together coalition. The letter is signed by influential figures including Ms Plas, Sir Simon and the Archbishop of Canterbury the Most Rev Justin Welby. Rev Justin Welby said: "My sincere hope is that this weekend will serve as a powerful moment of remembrance, thanks and connection, as we come together and commit to helping to create kinder, closer, more connected communities."

Many local groups, including scout and young people's groups have made arrangements to come together to applaud at 5pm.

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