Search for people in Greater Manchester to host Walls of Reflection to help local community with grief

Allana, 7, adds to her local Wall of Reflection

End of life charity Marie Curie is calling on communities and organisations in Greater Manchester to help create a UK wide network of Walls of Reflection, as part of activities to mark the second annual National Day of Reflection on 23 March 2022.

The Walls will be a space that people can visit to add the name or memory of a loved one in the two weeks leading up to 23 March. They will also act as a focal point on the day to commemorate all those who have died since the start of the pandemic, whether from Covid or any other cause.

The first National Day of Reflection (on 23 March 2021) was marked across the nation with widespread support for a midday minute’s silence from all UK parliaments, celebrities, over 850 organisations and over a hundred prominent landmarks and buildings which lit up yellow, including the Co-op building in Angel Square.

Lynn Partridge, Marie Curie Community Fundraiser for Manchester, said: “We are looking for community groups, local businesses, schools, attractions and landmarks to create and host Walls of Reflection for the National Day of Reflection in March. They will be a place where people can come to reflect and remember the loved ones they have lost and where the local community can come together to support those who are grieving.

“While life may be beginning to return to normal for some of us, we mustn’t forget the many people living with the deep trauma of losing a loved one during the pandemic.”

Local Walls of Reflection can be uploaded to an interactive map on the Marie Curie website and on 23 March host venues are also encouraged to provide a chance for the community to connect and support one another by hosting tea and biscuits from 11am before observing the minute’s silence at 12 noon.

The National Day of Reflection takes place during Marie Curie’s flagship fundraiser, the Great Daffodil Appeal.

Throughout March, volunteer collectors will be out on high streets and at local supermarkets across Greater Manchester giving out daffodil pins in return for donations. Money raised supports Marie Curie’s vital end-of-life care and bereavement services.

Lynn continued: “A great way to show your support, both for Marie Curie and for those who are grieving, is to visit your local Wall of Reflection and observe the minute's silence at midday on the National Day of Reflection, wearing your Marie Curie daffodil pin.”

To find out more about the National Day of Reflection including downloadable assets to host a Wall of Reflection please visit mariecurie.org.uk/dayofreflection