The COVID 19 lockdown was arguably the most significant shift in public behaviours over recent years and was put in place to safeguard the UK from the threat of what became a pandemic.

Despite the lockdown’s efforts to protect, the UK suffered the loss of many thousands of people, leaving family and friends devastated by the outcome of such a cruel and indiscriminate virus.

Having worked with many families who suffered the loss of loved ones due to the virus, we at Integrity Funeral Care experienced at first hand the effects that bereavement can have on individuals especially during such times of enforced isolation. The initial frustration of not being able to attend funerals or the limiting of mourners to only six people was a tragedy in and of itself, not to mention the inability to view a loved one prior to the funeral, or on the day itself. We will never forget the compound trauma that lockdown brought to those already grappling with loss and the inability to grieve in a manner of their choosing.

At Integrity Funeral Care, we firmly believe that such a momentous period in our nation’s history should never be forgotten; with this in mind, we join the third Marie Curie UK National Day of Reflection to salute those who suffered loss, and to commemorate the people who sadly succumbed to the virus.

At midday, on Thursday 23 March, all activity will cease in our offices as we observe the minute’s silence and reflect on the events of lockdown and on those who are no longer with us. 

If you are struggling with grief, you do not need to do so alone.  As the UK’s leading end of life charity, Marie Curie, offers a number of resources to provide help and support, which can be found here:

https://www.mariecurie.org.uk/get-involved/day-of-reflection/grief-resources