Day of Reflection on anniversary of first lockdown

A National Day of Reflection is being held tomorrow (Tuesday 23 March), on the anniversary of the first national lockdown.

The Day of Reflection, led by end of life charity Marie Curie, will provide an opportunity for people to remember those we’ve lost and those who have struggled through a year of several lockdowns and various restrictions on our day to day lives.

There will be a minute's silence at noon and at 8pm a second minute's silence and people are invited to come together at 8pm 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.

The first anniversary will be a difficult time for many, especially for those who have lost loved ones.

Manchester Cathedral is holding a special memorial service through a pre-recorded video which will be live streamed on its Facebook page from around 11.35am, in time to finish for the minute’s silence at 12pm, midday.

As well as this, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service firefighters will also be taking part by lowering the flags outside their stations for the day, as a mark of respect and condolence to those who have died.

These local churches are open to the public on Tuesday 23 March for quiet reflection:

• St Ann's, Belfield, Rochdale, OL16 5BT 10am to 12noon
  St Andrew's Church, Dearnley, OL15 8NJ 10am to 12noon
• Christ Church, Healey, Rochdale, OL12 6EF 1pm to 3pm and 5pm to 7pm

All are welcome. Covid-19 regulations are in place.

The Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham has recorded a video message which will be broadcast as part of the cathedral service. He will say: “So many people have lost their husbands, wives, brothers, sisters, friends and neighbours and work colleagues.

“And sadly, grieving, mourning and providing comfort has been so much harder during these times, with restrictions on funeral gatherings and people coming together.

“However, our families and communities have been there for each other and have provided much needed support over the last 12 months.

“On behalf of everyone in Greater Manchester I want to thank our public services, our businesses, our voluntary, community and faith organisations who have made a massive contribution and provided support to those who grieve, those who suffer and everybody who has been harmed by the pandemic.”

Greater Manchester has put support in place to help people who have been bereaved, through the Greater Manchester Bereavement Service.

Those who have lost loved ones are also reminded of Greater Manchester’s online book of remembrance, which honours those in our city-region who have lost their life as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.