TODAY | National Day of Reflection

National Day of Reflection

Let's come together today to reflect on our collective loss, support those who’ve been bereaved, and hope for a brighter future.

Since the first lockdown began in 2020, hundreds of thousands of people have died. Too many lives have been cut short and millions have been bereaved.

Behind the statistics and whatever the cause, every death has been devastating for the people left behind.

Marie Curie is inviting you to join on 23 March, the first anniversary of the first UK lockdown, for a National Day of Reflection to reflect on our collective loss, support those who've been bereaved, and hope for a brighter future.

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 years to come.

Take a minute to reflect

We invite you to take some time and space to think about the last year, reflect on you or your loved ones' loss and remember those who've lost their lives.

Join our minute of silence at 12 noon

Join Marie Curie for this moment of reflection, as guests share their thoughts, words and songs. Together, we'll honour loved ones who have died and reflect on the challenges we have overcome. During this session we'll pause to observe the national minute of silence at 12 noon.

Shine a light at 8pm

At 8pm we'll hold a minute's silence and come together to light up the night. Stand outside with a light – a candle, a torch, even your phone - to remember someone who's died and show your support to people going through a bereavement.

Alternatively you can shine a light in your window for everyone to see.

Share what you do on social media using #DayOfReflection.

Take a moment to connect

Some ideas and tips to help you reach out to someone going through a bereavement.

Send flowers to someone you love

Sending flowers to someone who's grieving or needs your support is a great way to show someone that you're thinking of them.

Write a card, letter or email

Let someone who's grieving know you're thinking about them in a card, letter or email. It doesn't have to be perfect, just write from the heart.

Not sure what to say to someone who's grieving?

Talk and listen

Do you know someone who's gone through a bereavement in the last year? The National Day of Reflection is a great time to check in with them.

Show your support

Grief and bereavement can be lonely, and the last year has made it even harder for people going through it. Just a small gesture of support can help someone feel less alone.

Put a colourful poster or flowers in your window

You can draw, paint, create your own art or simply colour in one of these posters made by ARTventurers. Show your support by placing it in your window before 23 March and sharing on social media using #DayofReflection.

If you want to bring in a bit of nature, then you can buy some beautiful yellow spring flowers, and on 23 March, pop them somewhere your neighbours can see. You might want to send a bunch to someone who's grieving so they know you're thinking about them.

Shine a light at 8pm

At 8pm we'll hold a minute's silence and come together to light up the night. Stand outside with a light – a candle, a torch, even your phone - to remember someone who's died and show your support to people going through a bereavement.

Alternatively you can shine a light in your window for everyone to see.

Share what you do on social media using #DayOfReflection.