Handepay is supporting a national day to remember those who have died during the pandemic, and to show support for everyone who has been bereaved.
Spearheaded by end of life charity Marie Curie, and set to take place on Tuesday 23 March – the anniversary of the UK going into the first national lockdown – Handepay is committed to supporting the National Day of Reflection, alongside a host of organisations, MPs, and celebrities who are backing the day.
Marie Curie estimates that over three million people have been bereaved since the pandemic began*, yet many have been unable to properly say goodbye to loved ones or grieve.
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.
Handepay supports a wide network of independent businesses across the UK, many of whom have been affected by the events of the past year.
Today, join us and our colleagues at 12pm to come together for a minute’s silence to reflect and remember those lost.
There are many other ways to get involved:
- Join Marie Curie’s online talks and conversations. From exploring the songs to help with grief with BBC 6 Music’s Gideon Coe to taking a closer look at bereavement at work with a Marie Curie expert, they’ll be exploring matters of life and death throughout the afternoon with a selection of special guests. See the latest updates and sign up at mariecurie.org.uk/ nationaldaytalks
- Sharing experiences of grief and loss, and spreading the word about the day, on social media. During a year of isolation and lockdown, many of us haven’t had a chance to share our stories with one another and the pain we’ve been through. The 23 March will be a chance to talk openly about grief, share experiences and support one another.
- Planting flowers to symbolise hope. As well as reflecting on the grief of the past year, the National Day of Reflection is also about hoping for a brighter future. Sowing seeds in the hope of beautiful blooms in months to come is one way to do this.
- Shining a light in the evening to show support for the millions of people who’ve been bereaved. If you’re unable to make the minute’s silence at 12 noon, you might want to take some time later in the day to light a candle or shine a light in memory of those who’ve died, and to show support to those who’re grieving.
To find out more about the National Day of Reflection and how to get involved visit www.mariecurie.org.uk/dayofreflection. #DayofReflection
*Number of people bereaved, based on deaths (Covid and all other causes) w/e 27 March 2020 - w/e 29 Jan 2021). Based on an average of 5 people impacted by every death - Shear, K et al (2005). Treatment of Complicated Grief: A randomised controlled trial. Available at: http://complicatedgrief.columbia.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Shear-et-al.-2005.pdf
- 3, 097, 690 (UK)
- 2, 569, 625 (England)
- 167, 360 (Wales)
- 282, 300 (Scotland)
- 78, 405 (Northern Ireland)