National Day of Reflection and 'One Year On...' project
22 March 2021
As the nation comes together on Tuesday, 23 March to mark the one-year anniversary of the first lockdown in the UK, the University is encouraging colleagues to take some time to reflect on the events of the last 12 months.
The National Day of Reflection has been planned by the Marie Curie charity to mark one year since the country entered the first COVID-19 lockdown.
A one-minute silence will be held at midday to look back on the challenges and changes we have all faced over the last year. We encourage you to take some time out of your day to join in with this moment of quiet reflection.
The charity is encouraging everyone to come together to reflect on our collective loss, support those who have been bereaved, and hope for a brighter future.
You can also join in by connecting with a loved one by sending flowers, writing a card or having a chat, creating a colourful poster to display in your window, or shining a light at 8pm to show your support.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Robert Van de Noort said:
"Since the first lockdown began last year, hundreds of thousands of people throughout the world have died. Too many lives have been cut short; millions have been bereaved.
"On Tuesday, we have an opportunity to come together to reflect on our collective loss, support those who've been bereaved, and hope for a brighter future.
"I will be attending the event hosted by Marie Curie, and I will also be picking up the telephone to talk to my brother, who sadly lost his wife three years ago."
Marie Curie Chief Executive Matthew Reed said:
"We need to 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. We cannot simply stand by and not recognise the effects the pandemic has had on the bereaved. We know people are in shock, confused, upset, angry and unable to process what has happened.
"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."
The University is warmly encouraging colleagues as well as students to get involved in the day and will be displaying a message of hope on the Carrington screen for those who are on campus to see.
In addition, the University community is invited to reflect on their experiences of the last year in a new project entitled ‘One year on...'. Showcasing the good, the challenging and the hopeful, the project aims to give staff and students a space to share their thoughts of the last 12 months.
Our Student Voice Ambassadors are kicking off the project by sharing some of their stories, but this is also your chance to look back and reflect on an incredibly difficult year, whether that is a quote, a piece of artwork, a photograph, a poem, a statement, blog or video. We want to hear from both staff and students - your own reflection of the last year.
Email studentcomms@reading.ac.uk to get involved and share your experiences!
Get involved with our Padlet to add a few words which represent the last year for you.
To find out more about the National Day of Reflection and how to get involved visit www.mariecurie.org.uk/dayofreflection. #DayofReflection