Nation to mark one year since lockdown with National Day of Reflection
Press release published
One year since the UK first went into a nationwide lockdown, a National Day of Reflection is taking place today (23rd March) to show support for the millions of people that have been bereaved during the last 12 months.
Led by end of life charity Marie Curie, over 300 organisations are taking part in the day including politicians, celebrities, emergency services, schools, charities, businesses, institutions, community groups, faith leaders and bereaved families across the UK.
The day will include:
• A nationwide minute's silence at 12 noon – observed by individuals, emergency services, key workers, the Prime Minister and Houses of Parliament, devolved governments, retailers and many more. People can also join an online Moment of Reflection from 11.35am hosted by Marie Curie.
• A bell toll at 12:01.
• The shining of lights on doorsteps at 8pm – using phones, candles, torches to signify a 'beacon of remembrance and support'.
• Buildings and landmarks lit up yellow at nightfall – over 110 buildings including the London Eye, Trafalgar Square, Blackpool Tower, Canterbury Cathedral, Neasden Temple, Kelpies, Senedd, Belfast City Hall and Cardiff Castle.
Restrictions, social distancing and lockdown measures have hit grieving people particularly hard during the last 12 months, with many not able to grieve as they normally would. A recent survey for Marie Curie found the majority of those bereaved reported they had "not had a chance to fully process" loss, as they normally would, due to the pandemic (56%) and almost half (47%) believe the public "will not be able to fully understand" the emotional impact of the pandemic until it is over2. There have been 698,734 deaths from all causes since the end of March 2020 and an estimated 6.2 million people grieving.1
The charity is urging everyone to take a moment to reflect on our collective loss and reach out to someone who is grieving today.
Free online talks featuring celebrities, expert panels, bereaved families will also be held throughout the afternoon for anyone to join.
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."
Actor Jason Watkins, who has featured in Line of Duty, Des, The Crown, W1A, is the latest celebrity to support the day, added: "Losing a loved one changes everything in your life, and this year has been particularly horrific for bereaved people, as lockdown has made simple, yet hugely important things, like holding each other's hand, impossible. A National Day to reflect on our collective loss and connect with a loved one, friend or colleague who has experienced bereavement is hugely needed and will make the journey of grief feel that little bit less lonely."
Visit https://dayofreflection.org.uk/ for more information and to find out what is going on near you.
If you're struggling with grief or need support, you can find free bereavement resources, and a list of organisations that can help, on the National Day of Reflection webpage: http://mariecurie.org.uk/bereavement-resources and you can call the Marie Curie Support Line on 0800 090 2309 for ongoing support from a trained bereavement volunteer.
#DayofReflection
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• For more information, case studies and interviews please contact: Marie Curie Press office on 0845 073 8699 media@mariecurie.org.uk.
• For B-roll, images, audio and regional photo and filming opportunities access a Digital Press Pack here: http://bit.ly/MC_NDoR
• See full list of supporting organisations here: https://www.mariecurie.org.uk/get-involved/day-of-reflection/partners
• See virtual events and talks here: https://www.mariecurie.org.uk/get-involved/day-of-reflection/talks
1 -
Total deaths (of any cause) since w/e 27 March 2020 to w/e 5 March 2021: Estimated number of bereaved[a] (Total deaths since w/e 27 March 2020 to w/e 5 March 2021 x 9):
England 580,477 5224293
Wales 37,370 336330
Scotland 63,340 570060
Northern Ireland 17,547 157923
UK total 698,734 6288606
Data Sources & References
• England and Wales: Office for National Statistics (2021). Deaths registered weekly in England and Wales, provisional statistical bulletins. Available at: https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/birthsdeathsandmarriages/deaths/bulletins/deathsregisteredweeklyinenglandandwalesprovisional/previousReleases.
• Scotland: National Records of Scotland (2021). Deaths involving coronavirus (COVID-19) in Scotland. Available at: https://www.nrscotland.gov.uk/covid19stats.
• NI: NI Statistics and Research Agency (2021). Weekly deaths bulletin. Available at: https://www.nisra.gov.uk/publications/weekly-deaths
[a] Data from the USA estimates that on average, nine people are bereaved for every one person who died during the Covid-19 pandemic. Reference: Verdery, A. M., Smith-Greenaway, E., Margolis, R., & Daw, J. (2020). Tracking the reach of COVID-19 kin loss with a bereavement multiplier applied to the United States. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 117(30), 17695-17701. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2007476117. For every person who has died during the Covid-19 pandemic, many more have been bereaved.. For these people, grieving processes have been profoundly disrupted[b]. Social distancing restrictions, lack of visiting in hospitals and care homes, and shielding are likely to compound a sense of loss and guilt. Complicated grief may be more common as a result of sudden deaths, ICU care, isolation, and disruption of social support networks. This can be associated with physical, psychological and economic problems for bereaved caregivers[c].
[b] Mayland, C. R., Harding, A. J., Preston, N., & Payne, S. (2020). Supporting adults bereaved through COVID-19: a rapid review of the impact of previous pandemics on grief and bereavement. Journal of pain and symptom management, 60(2), e33-e39. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2020.05.012.
[c] Gesi, C., Carmassi, C., Cerveri, G., Carpita, B., Cremone, I. M., & Dell'Osso, L. (2020). Complicated Grief: What to Expect After The Coronavirus Pandemic. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 11, 489. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2020.00489.
2 - 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).
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').