The National Day of Reflection

Each year, the nation holds a National Day of Reflection to remember the people who died during the Covid-19 pandemic. It takes place on the anniversary of the first national lockdown in the UK. The event was initiated by Marie Curie, so this month, we asked Victoria Hardy, Senior Community Fundraiser for Wales to answer some questions about the event and how you can get involved.

Hi Victoria, thanks for agreeing to talk to for us. Firstly, please can you tell us what the National Day of Reflection is?

For the third year, end of life charity Marie Curie is uniting the nation on 23 March to remember those who’ve died, and support everyone who is grieving. Many of us feel unsupported in our grief or unable to talk about the person who has died. This was particularly felt during the pandemic when we were forced to grieve alone. The National Day of Reflection unites us all in grief and provides much needed connection and emotional support.

That's great, how can we join in with the National Day of Reflection?

Organisations and individuals can join in by marking a minute’s silence at midday on 23 March.

You can also create a Wall of Reflection in your school, workplace or community space to share names and remember those who have died. Marie Curie is also hosting an online events programme to help people in their grief. Toolkits and information are available at www.mariecurie.org.uk/dayofreflection

And finally, how do Marie Curie support those who have been bereaved?

Marie Curie’s Wales Bereavement Information and Support Service offers a range of bereavement support to help with grief. Whether your bereavement was expected, happened recently or was some time ago, we can help. We can also support you before your loved one dies.

Our free Support Line can offer a listening ear, a safe space to talk as well as practical information around bereavement. The Marie Curie Bereavement Service is for people who might want to have ongoing support, from the same volunteer, on the phone. You can access up to six sessions. This is not a counselling service, but provides a safe, confidential space to talk.

We also offer bereavement counselling with a qualified counsellor, across Wales, by phone, virtually or face to face (subject to location). With support from Diverse Cymru, Marie Curie is setting up virtual and in-person bereavement groups across Wales. All of our bereavement services are available to those bereaved due to a terminal illness, regardless of whether you have received Marie Curie care, though in our hospices, patients and their loved ones also have access to bereavement support through our Family Support teams.