A day to reflect, grieve and remember: 23 March 2021
Worcestershire’s St Richard’s Hospice is supporting a national day to remember those who have died during the pandemic, and to show support for everyone who has been bereaved.
The day is set to take place on Tuesday, 23 March – the anniversary of the UK going into the first national lockdown – St Richard’s is committed to supporting the National Day of Reflection, alongside a host of organisations, MPs, and celebrities who are backing the day.
The National Day of Reflection will give the nation and communities a moment to remember, grieve and celebrate everyone who has died during this time and show support for families, friends and colleagues who are grieving.
St Richard’s will be encouraging people in the community to come together to reflect on our collective loss, support those who’ve been bereaved, and hope for a brighter future.
St Richard’s Care Director Debbie Westwood said: “We know from our own experience of families and loved ones who have been bereaved and the impact that the pandemic has had on them. Many have been unable to properly say goodbye to loved ones or grieve. It’s important to us all at St Richard’s to acknowledge the enormous effect the pandemic has had on everyone in our community and across the country.”
Mrs Westwood added, “We are encouraging people to reflect in any way they feel comfortable, knowing that the nation is with them in spirit and supporting them in their grief. We will also be sharing resources available to help people through bereavement.”
“We will be holding times of reflection for our staff on the day. They have been through so much, at the frontline of the pandemic with our patients and families and our Family Support Team has also worked with those suddenly bereaved by Covid. For many, the last year has been incredibly difficult but they have pulled together, supported each other and done an exceptional job of continuing to care.”
St Richard’s is calling on everyone in the local community to take a minute to reflect at 12 noon on the National Day of Reflection on 23 March for those who have died during the pandemic; and take a moment to connect with someone who has been bereaved.
To find out more about the National Day of Reflection and how to get involved visit www.mariecurie.org.uk/dayofreflection.
St Richard’s Hospice cares for adults with a serious progressive illness, improving their quality of life from diagnosis, during treatment and to their last days. It also supports their loved ones.
Each year the hospice team supports more than 3,300 patients, family members and bereaved people in Worcestershire.
St Richard’s is an independent charity and relies on donations and gifts in Wills for the majority of its income with the remainder funded by the NHS.