THE NHS in Coventry and Warwickshire will remember those who have died during the pandemic and show support for the bereaved today (Tuesday March 23) – a National Day of Reflection marking the first anniversary of the UK going into lockdown.
To mark the event, led by end-of-life charity Marie Curie, people are being urged to hold a minute’s silence at midday – and at 8pm, stand on their doorsteps holding candles, lights or using their mobile phone torches to create a nationwide ‘beacon of hope’.
Staff at Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust (CWPT) are planning to honour all those who have died, and remember colleagues, family, and friends, and those who have been bereaved.
As well as observing the minute’s silence, the Trust will place memorial books at a number of its sites which will hold the names of people who have died throughout the last year, and where colleagues will be able to leave messages of remembrance.
And the Trust’s chaplaincy team continues to offer spiritual support.
CWPT Chaplain Simon Moult said: “The National Day of Reflection is an opportunity for everyone to pay our respects to those who have died throughout the pandemic and for those who are grieving the death of a loved one.
“It is so important that we reach out and not only give families the opportunity for their relatives’ name to be remembered but to also show that we have not forgotten the sacrifices that families and key workers have made through very difficult times.
“It is a chance for us all to come together as one.”
Trust Chief Executive Mel Coombes said: “There has been so much loss and suffering over the past year. We want in this National Day of Reflection to commemorate everyone who has passed away or been severely affected through the pandemic, and to express our deepest sympathy to their families and friends.
“At the same time, we want to mark our appreciation for everyone who has helped us through the past year, be they key workers, carers, charities, partners or individuals.”
Marie Curie estimates that over three million people have been bereaved since the pandemic began, yet many have been unable to properly say goodbye to loved ones or grieve.
The charity is warning that without the right support for people who have been bereaved, the devastation that the pandemic has caused will impact the lives of people for generations.
Marie Curie Chief Executive Matthew Reed said: “We need to mark the huge amount of loss we’ve seen this year and show support for everyone who has been bereaved in the most challenging of circumstances.
“We cannot simply stand by and not recognise the effects the pandemic has had on the bereaved. We know people are in shock, confused, upset, angry and unable to process what has happened.
“The National Day of Reflection gives us a moment to reflect, remember and celebrate the lives of everyone who has died, as well as show our support to family, friends and colleagues who are bereaved during these challenging times – from Covid-19 and other causes.”
Visit www.mariecurie.org.uk/dayofreflection for more information on the National Day of Reflection.
