Tomorrow, on the 23rd March, it is the two-year anniversary of the first COVID-19 lockdown. To mark it Marie Curie, have named it the National Day of Reflection. It’s a day where we can take time to connect, supporting the millions of people who are grieving, and remembering the family, friends, neighbours and colleagues we’ve lost over the last two years. 

Marie Curie have asked partners, from churches to other charities, to spread the word and get their own communities involved. Churches have set up services aimed at the National Day of Reflection. Mental health and COVID-19 charities have set up support for people in need, who are grieving and trying to repair lives that have been affected.    

There are lots of ways for you to take part, from joining the minute’s silence at 12 noon, to hosting a Wall of Reflection and catching an inspiring online talk. Marie Curie have set up events and ways of showing support to people in need. There are online events, like workshops, a moment of reflection, an Instagram Live on breathwork and natural ways to stay calm, a panel on supporting grieving employees, and a remembrance service. You can check out details of all online events here.    

At Dexterous Designs we focus on making businesses succeed, and one of the ways you can achieve this is to make sure that your employees feel supported, emotionally and practically, especially after the past two years. The online panel event on supporting grieving employees, brings together a panel of experts in HR, wellbeing and grief to debate the role of the employer. This session aims to help you reflect on the role your organisation plays in supporting bereaved staff, and whether it could do more. There’ll be plenty of practical examples and inspiring ideas, including a personal perspective from a bereaved employee. 

There are also in person events that are taking place near you. The main one being Walls of Reflection being dotted around the country. Below, you can see whereabouts in the South West they are. Your local Wall of Reflection is a place to share your thoughts about loved ones who’ve died. You can display photos, poems, objects, music, stories, articles, hobbies or recipes – whatever feels right for you. Some walls will also hold tea and biscuits sessions where you can come together with others to talk about loved ones and share memories. 

For other events near you click here. Dexterous Designs just want to wish you all the best for tomorrow; we’ll be thinking about all of the people who lost their lives to COVID-19 and the loved ones left behind.