Covid-19 Day of Reflection, 8 March 2026
Author: Deborah Auty
Date: 26th February, 2026
Overview: The pandemic opened our eyes to how grief can be more complex or delayed when we’re prevented from meeting with loved ones or from saying our goodbyes when someone dies. The Covid-19 Day of Reflection, 8 March, offers us a moment to pause and reflect.
The Covid-19 Day of Reflection, 8 March, is a national moment to pause and remember those who died, to reflect on the experiences of those who grieved, and to acknowledge the lasting impact of the pandemic on our lives and communities. The day is organised by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, and AtaLoss, as a member of its advisory committee, is pleased to be providing:
our essential signposting service to those who are currently grieving and for whom the activities and reminders will trigger their unprocessed grief, and
directing to The Bereavement Journey® courses across the UK for community support.
The pandemic exposed the profound consequences of disrupted grieving. Many people were unable to say goodbye to loved ones, to be present at the end of life, or to hold the funerals and gatherings that help families and communities process loss. For many, this has contributed to delayed, suppressed or complex grief.
The Day of Reflection acknowledges not only those who died, but also the millions who continue to live with the personal and collective impact of that time.
Roger Green, Deputy CEO of AtaLoss, whose wife Vicky died of Covid-19 in April 2020, reflects:
“Vicky died in a lockdown dementia care home. I wasn’t able to see her during that period of time, and in fact I didn’t see her body until 10 days after her death. For her family and friends, it was two years before we could get together and truly celebrate her life.”
AtaLoss encourages anyone affected by bereavement to seek help if needed. Our award-winning services help anyone bereaved recently or long ago to receive timely support, or to process prolonged pain or potentially suppressed grief:
Our website AtaLoss.org provides signposting to over 2,000 bereavement resources and organisations offering support.
The Bereavement Journey® programme is a unique form of structured volunteer led bereavement support. Offered by churches for their communities it provides 7 sessions of films and facilitated discussion for adults to process the impact of a death, in a safe space with others.
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