Stockport Council supports National Day of Reflection on 23 March 2021

Stockport Council is supporting a national day to remember those who have died during the pandemic and to show support for everyone who has been bereaved.

The National Day of Reflection organised by charity Marie Curie, takes place on Wednesday 23 March – the second anniversary of the UK going into national lockdown in 2020.

The Council will commemorate the day by remembering those who have lost lives, support people who have been bereaved or affected by the pandemic and recognise the incredible sacrifices people have made and the hard work of our communities and key workers. To honour this day, we will be holding a minute’s silence at 12 noon and calling on colleagues and residents to take a time in the planned silence organised by Marie Curie for who have died during the pandemic. The Council will also be lighting up the Town Hall blue and green and flying the flag at half-mast.

Cllr Amanda Peers, Cabinet Member for Inclusive Neighbourhoods, said: “While restrictions have eased and life is beginning to return to normal, the National Day of Reflection will encourage us to come together and focus on our collective loss as a community in Stockport, a country and worldwide, acknowledge and support everyone who has been bereaved, or affected by the pandemic and hope for a brighter future.

“Many people are still living with the trauma of loss, and not being able to grieve properly. For those affected, there’s plenty of support available if you are finding things difficult. I hope you will find some time to reflect on the last two years and that we can hope for improved times ahead.

“As a borough, many people have gone above and beyond to support their communities throughout this difficult time, so I wish to thank everyone for everything they have done over the past two years.”

Marie Curie is also inviting residents to light up their doorsteps – by standing outside with a light (a candle, a torch, even your phone) or on display in your window during a vigil at 8pm on 23 March to remember someone who's died and show support to people going through a bereavement.

The charity is also inviting people to wear a daffodil or display a vase of the spring flowers in a window as a small gesture of support and show solidarity to someone who is grieving and help them feel less alone.

To find out more about the National Day of Reflection and how to get involved visit the National Day of Reflection website.

The Council’s online memorial book offers the opportunity to pay tribute to loved ones who have died from COVID-19. For further support and guidance, including bereavement support, you can visit the Healthy Stockport website.

Greater Manchester Bereavement Service can help find support for anyone in Greater Manchester that is bereaved or affected by a death – no matter how long it’s been. You can find out more on their website.

For anyone feeling for anyone feeling anxious, stressed, or low the well-known 5 Ways to Wellbeing provide good pointers can help maintain your wellbeing in a balanced way. If you want to explore local offers including available support, please visit Healthy Stockport.