People and communities
Walsall to mark national COVID-19 Day of Reflection with civic service
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Walsall Council, together with Walsall Community Network and Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust, will mark the fifth anniversary of the COVID-19 pandemic on the National Day of Reflection, Sunday 9 March 2025 with a civic service in Pelsall.
The civic service will be held at St Michael and All Angels Church, Pelsall on 9 March from 4pm to 5pm. It will be led by the Reverend Alison Morris, Vicar at St Michael and attended by the Lord Lieutenant of the West Midlands, Derrick Anderson CBE and the Mayor of Walsall, Councillor Anthony Harris.
The service will remember those who lost their lives to COVID-19, reflect on the personal and collective experiences during the pandemic and give thanks to the health and social care staff, key workers and volunteers who supported their communities.
Over 100 invited guests from different organisations, businesses and faith and community groups across the borough are expected to attend the service, which will include reflections, music, multi-faith prayers, and a symbolic act of candle lighting to honour loved ones.
In addition, the Lichfield Street Hub in Walsall town centre will light up yellow on the weekend of the COVID-19 Day of Reflection (8-9 March).
Councillor Garry Perry, Leader of Walsall Council reflects on Walsall’s involvement in and response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“ During COVID-19, our health and social care staff, key workers, organisations and many more stepped up to support our communities, from acts of kindness to making sacrifices for others. Their selfless acts of kindness and sacrifice were a phenomenal response to the crisis, and I commend everyone who contributed to supporting our communities during this difficult time.
On this day of reflection, we also remember the many lives tragically lost to COVID-19 since March 2020. My thoughts and prayers are with their families, friends, and loved ones.
This March, we will gather to show our support for one another. I encourage you to take part in a way that suits you and how you would like to remember and reflect. “
“ We are delighted to be hosting the COVID-19 Day of Reflection memorial service in Pelsall. This will be dedicated to all those whose lives were lost during COVID-19, our key workers, health and social care staff, organisations, volunteers and many more. It will be a special time to pay tribute, express gratitude and share experiences, as well as reflection. “
ENDS
Notes to editor:
- Residents are also encouraged to take part in a way that suits them.
- Making a ‘mini memorial’ to place in your window or elsewhere to spread awareness.
- Lighting a candle in memory of someone you have lost.
- Holding a moment of silent reflection for others.
- Sharing memories or photos of loved ones or writing your experiences down.
- Donating to a charity that helped you or your community during the pandemic.
- Signing an online book of remembrance, to leave a digital tribute.
- Performing an act of kindness for a friend, family member or neighbour.
- Residents who need support for bereavement and wellbeing can access a number of organisations locally and nationally including Samaritans (116 123), Walsall Bereavement Support Service and Mustard Seed CIC.
- For wellbeing support outside of usual mental health hours, Walsall Sanctuary Hub in Bloxwich (WS3 2EX) is open daily, Monday – Friday 6 – 11pm; and Saturday and Sunday 12noon – 11pm.
- For urgent mental health support, contact NHS 111 and select the mental health option (option two) to speak to a trained professional.
- For more help and support and other ways to get involved, visit the GOV.UK’s Day of Reflection website: https://dayofreflection.campaign.gov.uk/support/
