More than half of UK bereaved during pandemic have not been able to “process grief”

• Survey for Marie Curie ahead of National Day of Reflection (23 March 2021) shows majority of bereaved have "not had a chance to fully process" loss, as they normally would, due to the pandemic (56%)

• Nearly half (47%) of respondents have lost someone they "know personally" since March last year. Those bereaved have lost a family member (28%), acquaintance (26%), friend (24%) or colleague (13%)

New figures, released by end-of-life charity Marie Curie, highlight the emotional toll of grief in the UK, with 56% of those bereaved reporting that they had "not had a chance to grieve" or "fully process" the loss they had experienced. Almost half (47%) believe the public "will not be able to fully understand" the emotional impact of the pandemic until it is over.

The survey also shows that nearly half of the UK "personally know" someone who has died during the pandemic (47%), due to both coronavirus and non-related conditions. Amongst those bereaved since March 2020, respondents had lost a family member (28%), acquaintance (26%), friend (24%) or work colleague (13%).

Amongst Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) respondents, a higher percentage had experienced loss (68%) than those who were white (45%). Amongst bereaved BAME people, 62% did not feel they had a chance to grieve or process their grief.

The statistics are released one week before the National Day of Reflection (23rd March), spearheaded by Marie Curie. The event will mark one year since the UK's first lockdown, and will encourage a moment to connect with those bereaved, and reflect on lives lost.
There will be a nationwide minute's silence, at midday, to reflect on those who have died and show support to the millions of people who are bereaved. Across the UK, prominent buildings and iconic landmarks, from Tate Britain to Welsh Parliament, will light up at 8pm.1 On the day, there will be a series of free online talks and conversations featuring expert panels, bereaved families and celebrities throughout the afternoon of 23 March, produced by the Good Grief Festival.4

Despite the scale of loss facing the nation, the statistics showed that almost half of respondents (45%) believe the pandemic has made us more "empathetic and kind", whilst a third believe the nation is acting "more thoughtfully" (30%). A similar number believed that more of us now think about the most vulnerable members of our society (32%).
The National Day of Reflection will be an opportunity to tap into the nation's empathy, with community-led initiatives taking place across the UK on March 23 including planting flowers, art displays in windows, special services, candle and lights in the evening, yellow ribbons wrapped around trees, and many other activities and acts of reflection, support and hope.

Marie Curie Executive Director, Meredith Niles, said:

"Millions of us have been unable to say a proper goodbye or comfort our family, friends, and colleagues in their grief. With so many of us losing someone close, our shared sense of loss is incomparable to anything felt in our lifetime. We need to acknowledge this and recognise we are not alone.

"Although our losses will be felt for years to come, the National Day of Reflection gives us a moment to reflect on our collective loss, as well as take time to support those close to us, who are dealing with feelings of isolation and loss."

A variety of celebrities and over 250 organisations are supporting the National Day and more are signing up every day. Supporters include political leaders, national and local organisations, from businesses, public sector, charities, community groups and faith groups – including COVID family bereaved groups; Childhood Bereavement Network, Winston's Wish, Church of England, Muslim Council of Great Britain, Royal Colleges' of GPs, Nursing and Physicians, ADASS, 47 police and emergency services, Stonewall, Sport England, Morrison's, SPAR UK, Superdrug, Co-op Funeralcare, Incredible Edible, Eden Project Communities, Backyard Nature, RHS, and many more.3

To find out more about the National Day of Reflection visit www.mariecurie.org.uk/dayofreflection. #DayofReflection

-Ends-

Notes to editor

For more information about the National Day of Reflection, please contact: Marie Curie Press office on 0845 073 8699  media@mariecurie.org.uk.
Marie Curie hopes the National Day of Reflection will also start important conversations around end of life, and encourage those grieving to reach out for bereavement support through its Support Line via phone (0800 090 2309), email (support@mariecurie.org.uk) or web chat (www.mariecurie.org.uk)
1 - The research for Marie Curie was carried out online by Opinion Matters throughout 26/02/2021 to 03/03/2021 amongst a panel resulting in 2,003 nationally representative people aged 16+ responding. All research conducted adheres to the MRS Codes of Conduct (2010) in the UK and ICC/ESOMAR World Research Guidelines. Opinion Matters is registered with the Information Commissioner's Office and is fully compliant with the Data Protection Act (1998).

2 – Places across the UK marking the day by lighting up yellow in the evening or putting on activities.

3– See full list of supporting organisations here: https://www.mariecurie.org.uk/get-involved/day-of-reflection/partners

4 – See virtual events and talks here: https://www.mariecurie.org.uk/get-involved/day-of-reflection/talks

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 3 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').