Marie Curie responds to Commission on Covid Commemoration Report

Rachel Warren, Senior Research and Policy Manager for Carers, Relationships and Bereavement at end of life charity Marie Curie, said:

"The Covid-19 pandemic was a tragedy which touched the lives of every person across the nation. For those who faced bereavement through the pandemic, the impact was profound, and likely to be lifelong.

Commemoration plays a crucial role in acknowledging the pandemic and the pain and loss it inflicted, and Marie Curie welcome this report's recognition of the vital need to remember every person who died, and every person who faced bereavement. Many of the findings reflect those of the UK Commission on Bereavement, which similarly highlighted the need for national public awareness campaigns to normalise conversations around grief.

We also welcome the report's recommendation for a UK wide Day of Reflection to recognise the grief experienced by so many during the pandemic. However, though many of the practices which made grief particularly traumatic for so many during the pandemic have now passed, far too many people still fail to get the support they need following a bereavement. Alongside the crucial role of commemoration, much more work is also needed improve bereavement support, including through increased Government funding for support services, NICE guidelines on the delivery of bereavement support at all levels, and through appointing a named NHSE lead for bereavement."