Literary and music legends lend their voice on National Day of Reflection to support millions bereaved
Press release published
- Sir Michael Morpurgo, Suzi Quatro, 'Cockney Rebel' Steve Harley, and many others are taking part in online talks on the day
- Widespread UK support for minute's silence at 12 noon; with local communities and 100+ landmarks shining a light from 8pm
- Over 250 groups and institutions back the day, spearheaded by end of life charity Marie Curie
- Public urged to get involved and show support and solidarity on anniversary of the first UK lockdown on 23 March
War Horse author Sir Michael Morpurgo, music legends Suzi Quatro and 'Cockney Rebel' Steve Harley and a host of other celebrities and experts are taking part in a series of online talks on the National Day of Reflection to help those feeling isolated and struggling with grief, on the anniversary of the first UK lockdown.
The online talks1, which run from 11.30am-7.45pm, form the back-bone of a range of activities happening throughout the National Day of Reflection. The talks include moments of reflections, grief school, grief in the workplace, tackling health inequalities, finding hope and meaning beyond COVID-19, and the healing power of music.
End of life charity Marie Curie estimates that over 6 million people have been bereaved since the first UK lockdown began and is urging everyone to take a moment to reflect on the collective loss and reach out to someone who is grieving.
Over 250 organisations are backing the day, including politicians, celebrities, emergency services, schools, charities, businesses, institutions, community groups, faith leaders and bereaved families across the UK2.
The National Day of Reflection, which Marie Curie hopes will become an annual event, will see; a nationwide minute of silence at 12 noon, followed by a bell tolling at St Martin-in-the-Fields at 12:01. Alongside this will be community-led initiatives such as virtual reflective assemblies, choirs, special services, yellow ribbons wrapped around trees, and many other commemorative activities that will bring people together – in adherence with social distancing rules.
Local communities and prominent buildings and iconic landmarks across the UK will shine a light at 8pm as a beacon of hope and support to the millions who are grieving. The London Eye, Trafalgar Square, National Theatre, Wembley Stadium, Lichfield Cathedral, Blackpool Tower, Belfast City Hall, Caernarfon Castle and the Kelpies are just a few of the many locations turning yellow on the evening3.
Marie Curie says there are many ways to get involved on the day to reflect on those who have died and show support to those who are grieving. Some suggestions include:
- Observe the nationwide minute's silence at 12 noon
- Join the online talks throughout the day, from 11.30am to 7.45pm
- Send a bunch of flowers – pick them up from the local shop or order from Marie Curie's partner Flying Flowers. The charity will receive a £3 donation for each gift order placed from their National Day of Reflection selection.
- Plant some yellow flowers – RHS Chief Horticulturist Guy Barter has shared his tips for planting spring flowers to support the National Day of Reflection, as well as some of the most popular yellow spring blooms
- Write a card, letter or email - it doesn't have to be perfect, just write from the heart.Marie Curie has designed a sympathy card template. Alternatively, order one of Marie Curie's exclusive cards from Card Factory and the charity will receive a donation for each card order placed.
- Display a picture in a window - create your own art, or simply colour in one of the National Day of Reflection poster designs, developed with the help of Artventurers
- Create hand-crafted daffodils, using Hobbycraft's step-by-step guide. For every pack sold within the Day of Reflection bundle, the charity will receive a 25p donation by Staedtler
- Shine a light at 8pm - stand outside with a light, such as a candle, torch or even your mobile phone – or shine a light in your window for everyone to see.
Please share what you do on social media using #DayOfReflection.
Marie Curie Executive Director, Meredith Niles, said: "We hope that the National Day of Reflection provides a moment in time for everyone to reflect on our collective loss and show support for those who are grieving.
"Grief and bereavement can be isolating, and social distancing has kept us apart when we most need connection. Just a small gesture of support can provide such a boost. There are many ways people can get involved on the day and remind someone who is grieving that they are not alone."
To find out more about how to get involved on the National Day of Reflection visit www.mariecurie.org.uk/dayofreflection #DayofReflection
Visit the Marie Curie website to find out what is going on near you.
-Ends –
For more information about the National Day of Reflection, please contact: Marie Curie Press office on 0845 073 8699 media@mariecurie.org.uk.
In these short films, four people share their experiences of what it feels like to go through grief, what they've found helpful, and what others can do to support someone in their situation.
1 - Outline of the Online Talks hosted by Marie Curie and produced by the Good Grief Festival: 11.30am-7.45pm
11.30am: 35 minutes
As we mark one year to the day since the nation entered its first lockdown, we'll pause to remember everyone, and everything, we've lost over the past year. Hear thoughts, words and songs from author and poet Michael Morpurgo, actor Jim Carter, broadcaster, actress and novelist Janet Ellis and many more for this moment of reflection. Together, we'll honour loved ones who've died and reflect on the challenges we've overcome. During this session, we'll pause to observe the national minute of silence at 12 noon.
Grief school with Julia Samuel
12.30pm: 60 minutes
Join our Grief School session with the UK's leading grief expert, Julia Samuel and Dr Lucy E Selman, Senior Research Fellow at the University of Bristol. Julia will be sharing some of her favourite tools and practices for coping with grief. Having honed her ideas and methods for how to effectively cope with grief over the course of a career, Julia is also the author of two bestselling books on the subject - Grief Works and This Too Shall Pass.
Grief in the workplace: building compassionate organisations
2pm: 45 minutes
The death of someone close can turn your life upside down. Yet people who've been bereaved are often expected to return to work after a short period of leave. Gradually, however, organisations are seeing they have a role to play in supporting their team, and the benefits of a more empathetic culture at work. Join Marie Curie's Head of HR Ken Akers in conversation with Jack's Law campaigner Lucy Herd, actor Jason Watkins and Claire McCartney, Resourcing and Inclusion Policy Adviser at the CIPD. They'll be talking about the need behind the policy, current best practice in the UK, and answering your questions.
Are we really in this together? Tackling health inequalities in health and social care
3pm: 60 minutes
'We're all in this together'. That was the unifying message in spring 2020, but to what extent is that true one year on? The pandemic has revealed stark inequalities across the UK with the impact of the virus disproportionately affecting people from lower income households. Join Marie Curie's Director of Policy and Research Sam Royston in conversation with campaigner and activist Patrick Vernon OBE, CEO of the National Care Forum Vic Rayner and Carol Cooper, the RCN's Expert Representative for BME Suicide Awareness, Equality, Diversity and Human Rights. They'll discuss why the UK needs an integrated care strategy and why the debate on health and social care for end of life and bereavement services needs to change.
Finding hope and meaning beyond Covid-19 - Book now
6pm: 45 minutes
The Covid-19 pandemic has pushed our nation to the brink over the past year and it continues to transform and challenge our society in ways we could never have imagined. Join Anneka Rice, Dr Rachel Clarke, Julia Samuel, Dr Amir Khan and Steve Bland, whose wife Rachel created the podcast You, Me and the Big C, as they discuss their vision for a better post-pandemic society. Our guests will consider how lives and communities can be rebuilt to support those who are suffering, and how we can all find hope and meaning for the future. Will we ever return to 'normal'? Do we want to?
When you walk through the Storm: How songs can heal with Gideon Coe, Suzi Quatro and guests
7pm: 45 minutes
Music is often something we turn to during times of grief and loss. It can evoke fierce emotions, trigger memories and transport you back to days gone by. In this session, BBC Radio 6 Music's Gideon Coe and music memory specialist Dr Victoria Williamson invite renowned guests to share the songs they turn to for comfort and healing in times of loss. From the songs that inspire hope and happy flashbacks to the epic, musical roller coasters that bring out the soul-searching, the tears and the howling grief. Whatever your playlist and whoever inspired it, join us to celebrate the incredible power of music and memory to heal.
2 – See full list of supporting organisations here: https://www.mariecurie.org.uk/get-involved/day-of-reflection/partners
3 – See full list of what's happening on the day here: to find out what is going on near you.
About the National Day of Reflection - A day to reflect, grieve and remember – 23 March 2021 The National Day of Reflection on 23 March 2021 marks the first anniversary of the date that the first lockdown started. Over 6 million people have been bereaved since the first lockdown began. Behind the statistics and whatever the cause, every death has been devastating for their loved ones. Many of those bereaved have not been able to hold loved one's hands as they were dying, properly say goodbye, comfort or even hug each other. They have been unable to mourn as they would in 'normal' times and will be more likely to struggle with the long-term effects of grief. 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 our families, friends and colleagues who are grieving. The day is being led by Marie Curie and has been developed in partnership with other organisations who will get involved as part of a movement to support each other. www.mariecurie.org.uk/dayofreflection #DayOfReflection
About Marie Curie
Marie Curie is the UK's leading end of life charity. The charity provides frontline nursing and hospice care, a free support line and a wealth of information and support on all aspects of dying, death and bereavement. Marie Curie is committed to sharing its expertise to improve quality of care and ensuring that everyone has a good end of life experience. The charity believes it is important to talk more openly about dying, death and bereavement to improve experiences at end of life and to help reduce the lasting effects of grief. The National Day of Reflection provides an opportunity for the Nation to reflect, remember and celebrate the lives of everyone that has died during these challenging times – from Covid and other causes. Please note we are 'Marie Curie' (not 'Marie Curie Cancer Care').