South Wales Fire and Rescue Service supports National Day of Reflection on 23 March 2021

South Wales Fire and Rescue Service supports National Day of Reflection on 23 March 2021

A day to reflect, grieve and remember

Join us in a minute’s silence at 12 noon on Tuesday 23 March.

South Wales Fire and Rescue Service 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 – South Wales Fire and Rescue Service is committed to supporting the National Day of Reflection, alongside a host of organisations 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 our communities a moment to remember everyone who has died during this time and show support for our families, friends and colleagues who are grieving.

In support of the day, daffodil badges will be available to staff across all of our Service sites, with all donations going to Marie Curie.

Mental Health Lead for South Wales Fire and Rescue Service David Crews said: “The National Day of Reflection marks the first anniversary of the date that the first lockdown started. Statistic show over 3 million people have been bereaved since the first lockdown began. Behind the statistics and whatever the cause, every death has been devastating for their loved ones. The National Day of Reflection will give our communities and staff a moment to reflect and remember those we have lost during the pandemic and show support for our families, friends and colleagues who are grieving. Please take a minute to reflect at 12 noon on 23rd of March for those who have passed and take a moment to connect with someone who has been bereaved.”

Marie Curie warns that without the right support for people who have been bereaved, the devastation that the pandemic has caused will impact the lives of people for generations.

Matthew Reed, Marie Curie Chief Executive, said: “As a front line end of life charity, we see every day the huge contribution all emergency services play in supporting the most vulnerable people in our society. We would like to thank all fire crews in South Wales Fire and Rescue Service for their incredible commitment and dedication in protecting their local communities during these difficult times. The vital work they do must be extremely hard if you are also facing your own personal tragedies of grief and loss. It is why it is so important that we mark the huge amount of loss we’ve seen this year and show support for everyone who has been bereaved in the most challenging of circumstances. The National Day of Reflection on 23 March gives us a moment to reflect, remember and celebrate the lives of everyone that has died, as well as show our support to family, friends and colleagues who are bereaved during these challenging times – from Covid and other causes.”

To find out more about the National Day of Reflection and how to get involved visit www.mariecurie.org.uk/dayofreflection #DayofReflection