‘Clap for Carers is incredible, it boosts everyone’s spirits’

‘Clap for Carers’ takes place at 8pm every Thursday, with thousands of people taking to the streets to clap, bang pans, hit drums and do whatever they can to make noise and show their appreciation for the NHS, social workers and carers.

Landmarks across the region have also been turned blue to show support, including Newcastle’s historic Civic Centre and Tyne Bridge. This week the Civic Centre will change to green, the colour supporting social care workers and carers. 

The City Council is also supporting NHS colleagues who are celebrating the work of their staff and carers with a celebratory video featuring key figures from across Newcastle.

Despite the challenges created by the ongoing crisis the Council’s front line services continue to support vulnerable residents across Newcastle, with many services going the extra mile to provide care and support.

Community based integrated services provide essential support to anyone leaving hospital, or those who need to maintain their independence.

Debra Gooding, a Newcastle City Council Health and Social Care officer with the Reablement team explained why the clapping means so much to her and her colleagues,

“Clap for Carers is incredible; it boosts everyone’s spirits and keeps us going each day. Not just for carers but for all frontline staff so a massive thank you for that, please continue.

“My role is to visit adults in their own home, to provide care and support to enable them to live as independent as possible at home.

“It is a difficult time for those adults, as you know families can’t visit and have to keep a safe distance. We are providing extra support where possible; to spend the extra time just to have a chat, see how they are doing and if there are any other needs that the adult may have. If they do, we will pass it on to family members or anyone else who can help.

“Thank you very much, you are all doing a great job, stay at home and stay safe. Thank you.”

Councillor Karen Kilgour, cabinet member for Health and Social care said,

“Our Social Care teams, staff and providers continue to do an incredible job on the frontline of this crisis. Every one of them is going the extra mile for our residents, delivering exceptional, sympathetic care and support.

“Clap for Carers is a brilliant opportunity to show our gratitude and celebrate the amazing job they are doing alongside NHS staff and care home workers. By clapping we are all celebrating the unsung heroes of our city.

“I hope even more of you will join me this week to clap, drum and make as much noise as we can. Let’s all celebrate the fantastic work of our front-line staff and honour the compassion and dedication of our health and social care teams.”