On Wednesday 23rd March, Team Teesside got together and reflected on the last two years. Today marks the day England got put into a national lockdown and we wanted to reflect on what we've lost over this time. 

We reflected by getting together, organised by Julie Fletcher, Social Worker and Volunteer Interfaith Chaplain at Teesside Hospice about the events of the last two years. "Firstly I would like to acknowledge the work of Marie Curie in relation to this National Day of Reflection. Today is a day for us all to connect with each other and reflect on the lives of those we have lost, as we think of the millions of people who are grieving.

Here at Teesside Hospice we remember those who have been in our care and who have passed, we remember their families and friends and we should find solace in the comfort and support we have given when it was needed most. We all remember just how frightening the initial phase of the pandemic was and how everyone here responded so bravely to the challenges of nursing patients who were suffering in those difficult times.

Looking around the hospice, there are so many heartfelt messages from staff who have lost loved ones. Let’s take time to connect with and support all those who are grieving, and remember the family, friends, neighbours and colleagues we’ve lost not only during the pandemic but beyond. Whether sudden or expected, the death of someone close to us can be stressful and devastating and the pain of grief is something we will all experience at some point in our lives.

The last two years have reminded us how hard grief can be to cope with when you are isolated from those whom you care about and those who support you. While life is beginning to return to normal for some people, there are many who are still living with the trauma of loss, and unable to grieve properly. This includes many children as well as adults who can sometimes be forgotten.

So we come together today here in our place of work, in our streets, schools and communities, and with the nation at large, to acknowledge and soothe this pain. Let’s help to make the legacy of the pandemic one of compassion, love and active support for those who grieve, both now, and in the years to come.

I would like to invite you to light up a candle (if you wish) before joining me in a minutes silence to reflect and remember."

We encourage anybody to reflect on today and remember your loved ones, what you've lost and also how you have changed throughout this time.