A nation still in mourning: one in two bereaved adults still coming to terms with pandemic grief

Categories: Care.

With one month to go to the fourth annual Day of Reflection, a new survey reveals how the grief experienced during the pandemic is still affecting people today.

It found that 50% of UK adults experienced the death of a close friend, family member or acquaintance during the pandemic[1]. Almost half of respondents said they are still very much coming to terms with their grief (47%)[2] and over a third (39%)3 state they would benefit from support in dealing with their grief from that time.

– A third (39%) admit they would benefit from support in dealing with grief –

–  One month countdown to Day of Reflection on Sunday 3rd March –

– Debbie McGee shows support for pandemic bereaved –

The research, commissioned by the UK’s leading end of life charity Marie Curie, uncovers that the emotional impact of the pandemic is far from over for many.

The anniversary of the first UK lockdown, March 23, marked the inaugural Day of Reflection in 2021. This year it moves to the new date of March 3, in line with the UK Commission on Covid Commemoration’s recommendation. The day is held each year to remember the people who died during the pandemic, and to show support for those who were bereaved.

 

Debbie McGee, television, radio and stage performer who was married to the late magician Paul Daniels said: “Grief is a universal experience that often leaves a huge imprint on our day-to-day lives. But when I reflect on the losses I have felt, I also see how personal each experience is and there is no single way in which grief touches us.

“That’s why it’s so important to get involved with Marie Curie’s Day of Reflection. On March 3rd, I will be remembering the important people in my life who are no longer here. I cherish the moments I have to reflect on my time with Paul and keep those wonderful memories alive. And I will take a moment to pause and remember the people who were bereaved during the pandemic in the most difficult of circumstances.”

Half of respondents who experienced a bereavement during the pandemic (51%) agree[3] that bringing the nation together to remember the people who died, and show support to those who were bereaved, would help with their grief.

Recognising this, Marie Curie will lead the nation in a UK-wide Day of Reflection on the new date of Sunday 3 March 2024. The charity is calling on the public to observe a minute’s silence at midday.

Marie Curie cares for people with any illness they are likely to die from. This includes dementia, motor neurone disease and advanced cancer, and its hospice and hospice care at home staff cared for people with Covid-19. During the first wave of the pandemic, the charity scaled up its bereavement support in response to the increased need it saw across the UK.

 

Jane Murray, Bereavement Services Manager at Marie Curie said: “The pandemic was a devastating time of loss where people’s normal traditions and death rituals couldn’t take place or were altered in some way. For a great many, this made their grief either delayed or more complicated and put millions at risk of needing formal grief counselling. Today, that sad legacy continues. We still support new clients who were impacted by the pandemic, and I predict this will continue for years to come.

“Building a new life without a person you love is a life-long process. I hear first-hand how important the Day of Reflection has become. Time, space and reflection is an essential part of the grieving process.”

Marie Curie has published resources to support people and organisations wanting to host an event, and for individuals to observe the day:

  • An events map at dayofreflection.org.uk to find local events and register your own
  • A downloadable petal to share the name of someone you’re remembering on social media
  • Bereavement support for anyone who needs, available from the charity’s support line
  • A special radio programme Sound Not Silence, hosted by Gaby Roslin, will focus on the importance of music in grief. It’ll be available to all radio stations to air on 3rd March and at  dayofreflection.org.uk following the midday silence.

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1 The inverse of those who selected ‘I don’t know anyone personally who have passed away during the pandemic’ and ‘prefer not to say’ (100%- 47.6%- 2.8% = 49.6%).

2 ‘Strongly agree’ and ‘Somewhat agree’ responses combined for the statement ‘I feel as though I have not had a chance to grieve fully/process the loss I have experienced during the pandemic, as I would have wanted to’.

[3] ‘Strongly agree’ and ‘Somewhat agree’ responses combined for the statement ‘Bringing the nation together in a day of reflection to recognise the losses during the pandemic would help me/others in coping with grief’.

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The research was conducted by Opinion Matters, among a sample of 2,000 UK adults aged 18+, nationally representative on age, gender and region. The data was collected between 30.01.24 – 02.02.24. Opinion Matters abides by and employs members of the Market Research Society and follows the MRS code of conduct which is based on the ESOMAR principles and are members of The British Polling Council.

The UK Commission on Covid Commemoration, headed by Baroness Morgan of Cotes, presented its recommendations in its final report September 2023, including that an annual UK-wide Day of Reflection should be established and held on the first Sunday of March. The Commission worked with bereaved families and key stakeholders to find appropriate ways to remember those who died during the pandemic.

 

About Marie Curie:

  • Marie Curie is the UK’s leading end of life charity.
  • The charity provides expert end of life care for people with any illness they are likely to die from, and support for their family and friends, in our hospices and where they live.  It is the largest charity funder of palliative and end of life care research in the UK, and campaigns to ensure everyone has a good end of life experience. Whatever the illness, we’re with you to the end
  • If you’re living with a terminal illness or have been affected by dying, death and bereavement, Marie Curie can help. Visit mariecurie.org.uk or call the free Marie Curie Support Line on 0800 090 2309
  • On Sunday 3 March 2024, let’s come together for Marie Curie’s fourth annual Day of Reflection. It’s a special day to remember everyone who died during the pandemic; to support everyone who has been bereaved, and to connect us all with family, friends, community and colleagues.

At Marie Curie, we believe that death is not the opposite of life, it’s part of it. As the UK’s leading end of life charity, we know just how important it is to talk about grief.

That’s why we’re encouraging the nation to take a Moment of Reflection to honour those who’ve died and share the name of a loved one they’re remembering on the day. You can do this on social media; at a local event; or in any way that feels right to you.
Visit dayofreflection.org.uk to find out more, or call the Marie Curie Support Line on 0800 090 2309 for practical and emotional support about grief and bereavement.

Whatever the illness, wherever you are, Marie Curie is with you to the end.

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