Pause to reflect on COVID-19

Today (Tuesday 23 March) is National Day of Reflection organised by charity Marie Curie – an opportunity to reflect on our collective loss, support those who’ve been bereaved and hope for a better future.

Events across Leeds include:

• At 8pm, there’ll be a minute’s silence and people are encouraged to come together to ‘light up the night’ to remember someone who’s died and show support to people going through a bereavement. Alternatively you can shine a light in your window for everyone to see.
• Civic buildings will be lit up in yellow during the evening.
• Leeds Bereavement Forum will run a virtual death café between 11am-12.15pm to provide a dedicated space to encourage discussion about death and dying in a relaxed environment. For more information visit http://lbforum.org.uk/news-and-events/leeds-bereavement-forums-national-day-of-reflection-death-cafe/.

Leeds City Council leader Councillor James Lewis said: “There’s absolutely no doubt that COVID-19 has had an enormous impact on all our lives. There are still tough times ahead, as the death toll continues to rise.

“This annual day will give us all time to pause and think about this unprecedented loss we’re facing, and support each other through grief in the days ahead. I’d encourage everyone to play their part and find time to pause and reflect for a while.”

A key partner of the day is Dying Matter Leeds which aims to help people talk more openly about dying, death and bereavement, and make plans for the end of life. The partnership is made up of key organisations across the city, including Leeds City Council, the NHS, third sector organisations and businesses involved in death, dying and bereavement. For more information visit www.dyingmattersleeds.org.

For further information about National Day of Reflection visit https://www.mariecurie.org.uk/get-involved/day-of-reflection.