Remembering Together: Five Years Since COVID-19
As we approach Sunday 9th March 2025 - the UK's COVID-19 Day of Reflection marking five years since the pandemic began - we at Care & Support West pause to honour those affected by this unprecedented global crisis.
The pandemic has left an indelible mark on our society, healthcare systems, and individual lives. While many aspects of daily life have returned to normal, we recognise that for countless individuals and families, the effects of COVID-19 continue to shape their reality.
A Time to Remember
"Whilst Covid remains with us we reflect on those continuing to live with its devastating impact.
From those who we have loved and lost, to those who continue to live with the effects of Long Covid and to those who remain traumatised with the experiences whilst working frontline.
We all have experienced death and sacrifice in a way unimaginable, a way we would rather forget. But we cannot forget. We remember and remember as if only yesterday. We remember our loved ones, our community and experienced the devastating trauma in caring for those in crisis unconditionally.
We are all heroes in a time of need. We all became one force, a force to be challenged beyond measurable doubt. We fought for the right to care with dignity, respect and compassion. We fought for the right to live. Sacrifices and casualties befell us, but we grew stronger in the face of uncertainty.
For all those with their own individual experiences, we will not forget, for all will be in our hearts and thoughts to cherish and endure. How we recover from this and as we progress from the dispassionate philosophy of historical events, we can only structure a new ideology of therapeutic care integratively.”
- Fiona Knowles, Care & Support West (or anonymous? Please confirm)
Support and Resources
The UK government continues to provide support for those affected by the pandemic. Through Gov.UK, you can access:
Long COVID support services: The NHS has dedicated programs for those suffering from persistent symptoms, including Long Covid Support
Mental health resources: Including specific support for healthcare workers and those who experienced loss via Covid: Support Community
COVID-19 memorial initiatives: Information about national and local memorials, including the National Covid Memorial Wall
Looking Forward While Remembering
As care providers, we've witnessed both tremendous suffering and remarkable resilience. The pandemic has transformed our approach to care, highlighting the importance of:
Strengthening infection control measures
Enhancing support for care workers' wellbeing
Developing more robust emergency response protocols
Building more resilient, integrated care systems
On this Day of Reflection, we invite our community to join in a minute of silence at noon, to light a candle for those lost, and to reach out to neighbors who may still be struggling.
The lessons learned during this difficult chapter will continue to guide us as we work toward a healthcare system that honours the sacrifices made and meets the evolving needs of those we serve.