TODAY across Bromsgrove, Rubery, south Birmingham and the rest of the UK a national day of reflection will be held, marking the first anniversary of the country going into lockdown due to the Covid pandemic.
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’.
Among those taking part will be Worcestershire County Council and Worcestershire Children First (WCF).
Both organisations will support the day as the nation comes together to reflect on our collective loss, support those who’ve been bereaved, and hope for a brighter future.
Staff will be encouraged to take part in the one-minute silence at midday on Tuesday and the flag at County Hall will be flown at half-mast.
Paul Robinson, Chief Executive of Worcestershire County Council, said: “The past 12 months have been tough in one way or another for everyone in Worcestershire and across the nation.
“Tuesday is an important time for all of us in the county to pause for a moment and reflect on those who have lost their lives or who have been bereaved, it has been an incredibly tough time for everyone.
“It’s also important that we reach out to our family, friends, and colleagues who have struggled during the pandemic or lost a loved one and offer our support.”
In March last year, the County Council set up the Here2Help Service for residents who needed extra support throughout the pandemic.
In the past 12 months, more than 5,000 people have requested help from the service and over 2,000 people have volunteered to offer support, giving a total of 6,000 hours of their time.
Teams at the County Council have also received and delivered more than 2,000 PPE requests. Over 500,000 masks, 450,000 aprons, and 1.1 million gloves have been distributed to those who need them, helping them to continue to carry out vital support in schools and care homes, keeping children and vulnerable people safe.
Businesses across the county have received over £140 million worth of grant funding from local authority partners in Worcestershire as they face huge struggles during the pandemic.
The Day of Reflection is being led by Marie Curie.
The charity’s 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 on March 23 gives us a moment to reflect, remember and celebrate the lives of everyone that 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.”
To find out more about the National Day of Reflection and how to get involved visit www.mariecurie.org.uk/dayofreflection. #DayofReflection
