How long does Clap For Carers last and is it every Thursday night?

Tonight is the sixth edition

For the past six weeks, the nation has been showing its support for the NHS by applauding on their doorsteps.

Clap for Carers launched back on Thursday 26 March, but since then thousands of people across the UK have got involved – often coming up with creative ways to make noise.

The initiative – set up by yoga teacher Annemarie Plas – is to praise doctors, nurses, cleaners, and other healthcare staff and frontline staff, such as shop keepers, who are fighting coronavirus every day.

Annemarie was inspired to create the movement in the UK after seeing similar tributes to health workers in the Netherlands.

People are encouraged to clap or cheer on their doorsteps, in gardens or on balconies. Over the past few weeks, some have even gone as far as to sing, dance and bang pans.

Here’s what to know about the clapping extravaganza…

How long do you clap for?

There’s no stated time for how long the nation should applaud, it often changes from street to street, depending on how enthusiastic noise-makers are.

Most people seem to clap between five and ten minutes – but there’s no designated time. The important thing to remember is that it starts at 8pm.

Anyone looking to share their experience can upload a video or picture to social media with the hashtag #ClapForOurCarers. 

Is Clap for Carers every Thursday night?

So far Clap for Carers has been running for five consecutive Thursdays – tonight’s applause will be the sixth instalment.

While there’s no official date for it stopping, it seems likely the event will take place every Thursday for the foreseeable, as the coronavirus pandemic continues to affect life in the UK.

Where can I buy a Clap for Carers t-shirt?

Due to the roaring success of the initiative, a range of merchandise is now available to buy online – with all proceeds being donated to NHS Charities Together.

There are three different designs to choose from – a rainbow with the words ‘thank you’ adorned on the front, an ‘applause’ slogan and a graphic of some hands clapping.

MORE: Neighbours clap for care home nurse who died of coronavirus

MORE: Kate, William and kids lead royals in clap to thank NHS

Follow Metro across our social channels, on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Share your views in the comments below.