Pause to reflect on COVID-19

Residents across Leeds are being urged to reflect on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic over the past two years.

Wednesday 23 March is the 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 12pm, there’ll be a minute’s silence and people are encouraged to come together to honour loved ones who have died and reflect on the challenges we’ve overcome by observing a nationwide minute of silence.
• Civic buildings will be lit up in yellow during the evening.
• Leeds Bereavement Forum will run a virtual death café between 3-4pm to provide a dedicated space to encourage discussion about death and dying in a relaxed environment. For more information visit Leeds Bereavement Forum’s National Day of Reflection Death Cafe | Leeds Bereavement Forum (lbforum.org.uk)

Councillor James Lewis, Leeds City Council leader, said:

“There’s absolutely no doubt that COVID-19 has had an enormous impact on all our lives.

"This annual day will give us all time to pause and think about this unprecedented loss and the grief many people have experienced in the days ahead. I’d encourage everyone to play their part and find time to pause and reflect for a while.”

Councillor Salma Arif, Leeds City Council's executive member for Public Health and Active Lifestyles, said:

“Today is a chance to take a moment and reflect on those no longer with us, to think of the families left behind, and to look forward positively to the future. I would also like to extend my thanks and praise to the communities of Leeds for coming together during this time to provide love and understanding to the people who needed it the most.”

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 National Day of Reflection | Marie Curie