We are launching our #CovidLoss campaign and digital wall to reflect on all losses brought by the coronavirus pandemic.
As the UK’s national Covid-19 charity, today we are launching our #CovidLoss wall as a safe space for the nation to grieve all losses linked to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Lost loved ones, lost jobs, lost relationships and lost abilities - the coronavirus pandemic has significantly affected our lives.
The #CovidLoss wall – available online at covidaidcharity.org/covidloss – encourages people to be creative in their methods of reflection, which could include poetry or art being attached to each submission.
The first post, which features in the #CovidLoss promotional video, is a special and exclusive poem from poet, David Gilbert. The poem, titled ‘Words for Loss’, contains a poignant comparison of loss to ‘a boat / bobbing […] in a busy harbour’ and is dedicated to the more than 5 million people globally who have died from Covid-19.
Each post features its own virtual candle, with visitors being encouraged to ‘Light a Candle for Covid Loss’.
Michael MacLennan, founder and Chief Executive at covid:aid said about the campaign: “Since the very first lockdown, every single person in the UK has experienced a significant loss of some kind: whether that be psychological, physical, or financial. And some of those have been more sudden and unexpected than others.
“Through our work, covid:aid has heard from so many people who have felt unable to speak about their experiences because they don’t believe that they are important enough – that ‘it could have been worse’. So, with #CovidLoss, we wanted to provide a national space for people across the country to share their loss, grief and bereavement – to be able to reflect upon those feelings, and to have their experiences heard. Reading and listening to the experiences of others can help us all to reconnect.”
The #CovidLoss tribute wall follows on from the charity’s earlier Covid Heroes launch in October. The two are similar in that they feature on the covid:aid website and allow users to post personalised messages on the page. Covid Heroes, however, serves to thank the everyday heroes in the UK doing amazing things to help others throughout the Covid-19 pandemic. (You can nominate your own #CovidHeroes at covidaidcharity.org/covidheroes.)
Since launching in May 2021, covid:aid has dedicated itself to supporting those affected by Covid-19. The charity provides advice and information on its website, has built an innovative Community platform for live Q&A events, courses, and support, and is partnering with other charities and organisations to ensure people affected by Covid-19 can find the best help, wherever and whenever they need it.
#CovidLoss is a step towards helping people overcome the traumatic effects of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. covid:aid hopes that by providing this space as a creative outlet and a moment of reflection, people can gradually come to terms with their losses.
