Final clap for carers planned for July 5 - and the special reason why

Everybody across the country is being encouraged to come together on the birthday of the NHS, Sunday July 5, to thank not only NHS staff but all key workers, good neighbours and all those helping others through the coronavirus pandemic.

The NHS has been working with the newly founded /Together coalition to build a national moment to thank everyone who has helped them – and one that aims to reinforce the social connections we will need to get through the next stage of the crisis.

In a joint letter published today (Wednesday June 10) dozens of individuals and groups have voiced their support for making Sunday July 5 a day to bring people together to connect with neighbours and their communities, to say thank you to all those who are helping us through the Covid-19 crisis.

Supporters of the initiative include grassroots community leaders, carers, emergency workers, sportspeople, religious leaders, celebrities and organisations including the CBI, trades unions, the Scouts and Guides. Among those supporting the day are:

NHS England Chief Executive, Sir Simon Stevens
Ruth May, Chief Nursing Officer for England
Most Rev. Justin Welby, chair of Together Steering Group
Annemarie Plas, founder of ‘Clap for Carers’
Dame Katherine Grainger, Chair of UK Sport
Baroness Doreen Lawrence
Kwame Kwei-Armah, Artistic Director, Young Vic Theatre
Gary Lineker
Tim Peake
The two key moments during the weekend will be:

A minute’s silence on the evening of July 4 when people will be asked to light a candle in their window in remembrance of all who have died during this time
A moment of thanks and connection on July 5 when we take part in one last country-wide clap of thanks and then stay out to raise a glass or have a cup of tea with our neighbours