People and communities
Community events across Walsall to mark the COVID-19 Day of Reflection
Published on
A series of community events will be held across the Walsall borough to coincide with the COVID-19 Day of Reflection on Sunday 9 March 2025.
The events will give residents an opportunity to remember loved ones lost to COVID-19, reflect on personal and collective experiences and give thanks to health and social care workers, key workers, community groups, volunteers and many more for their response to the pandemic.
Some of the activities taking place include a lighted memory tree at Moxley Peoples Centre on Wednesday 5 March from 12pm to 2pm, where residents can write a message on wooden hearts and tags to go on the tree, arts and crafts sessions at Darlaston All Active and Manor Farm Community Association on Thursday 6 March, as well as books of remembrance at Collingwood Centre, Pheasey and Ryecroft Neighbouring Resource Centre on Friday 7 March.
Willenhall CHART will be having a memorial event on Saturday 8 March from 2pm to 4pm, which will include creating a reflection petal, a memory wall, candle lighting and a memory tree.
Aaina Community Hub in Caldmore, Walsall will welcome women and their families who lost loved ones during the COVID-19 pandemic and will have activities throughout the day, including a memorial board to share memories and thoughts.
These events will be open to the public.
| Organisation Name | Date of Event | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Moxley Peoples Centre | 05/03/2025 | 12.00pm - 2.00pm |
| Manor Farm Community Association | 06/03/2025 | 10.30am - 1.00pm |
| Darlaston All Active | 06/03/2025 | 10.00am - 1.00pm |
| Bethel Lighthouse (Walsall Black Sisters Collective) | 06/03/2025 | 11.00am - 3.00pm |
| Willenhall CHART | 08/03/2025 | 2.00pm - 4.00pm |
| Aaina Community Hub | 10/03/2025 | 10.00am - 12.00pm |
| Collingwood Centre Ltd | 10/03/2025 | 12.00pm - 4.00pm |
| Ryecroft Neighbouring Resource Centre | 10/03/2025 | 12.00pm - 2.00pm |
“ Our community associations played a crucial role during the COVID-19 pandemic. They acted as a vital link between residents and essential services, which included delivering food parcels, tackling social isolation, sharing important and up-to-date information and working closely with other organisations to meet the needs of our community. The efforts of staff and volunteers made a significant contribution to support our residents in helping them cope with the challenges of the pandemic and ensured that no one was left behind.
Five years later and our communities are stronger and more collaborative than ever, and we are delighted to have given them the opportunity to open their doors to the public to be part of the National Day of Reflection. “
“ The COVID-19 Day of Reflection is a reminder of the power of community. We came together during the pandemic to support one another and help residents in their greatest need. These community events are a continuation of that community spirit. They offer a chance for us to create a sense of comfort and unity and celebrate the resilience of our communities. “
In addition to these events, a civic service will be held at St Michael and All Angels Church, Pelsall on Sunday 9 March. 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, with over 100 guests and representatives expected to attend.
ENDS
Notes to editor:
- The community associations are part of the Walsall Community Network, formed in 2021 to make a difference and support residents. They work in partnership with other providers to create a bigger impact. Find out more: https://www.walsallcommunitynetwork.co.uk/
- For more information about the COVID-19 Day of Reflection visit the GOV.UK website: https://dayofreflection.campaign.gov.uk/
