It was an unprecedented time that affected us all deeply and differently.
Now we are being invited to observe the moment in ways that feel meaningful to us.
Back in 2023, the UK Commission on COVID Commemoration recommended an annual Day of Reflection after working with bereaved families to consider how the nation could remember this challenging period in our history.
There are lots of ways to participate in 2025’s dedicated day, from personal gestures such as lighting a candle for a lost loved one, to attending a public gathering.
The Day of Reflection website at gov.uk/day-of-reflection has lots of ideas for activities.
Kent County Council (KCC) is promoting the day at various locations including its country parks, libraries and family hubs. County Council staff and Members will also be able to remember others and share experiences on a digital memory wall.
Additional local events include:
- a Maidstone Borough Council tree planting – if you live in Maidstone and wish to take part in the planting of 633 trees, including in Allington Open Space, on Tuesday 4 March, and Wednesday 5 March, to remember local residents lost to COVID, please email: climateandbiodiversity@maidstone.gov.uk
- a Folkestone and Hythe District Council shrub planting in Radnor Park, Folkestone, on Wednesday 5 March. A wooden bench near to the newly planted shrub has also been refurbished with a new plaque inviting people to: ‘Pause a while. Remembering those who lost their lives. COVID-19 National Day of Reflection 2025’
KCC Cabinet Member for Public Health and Adult Social Care, Dan Watkins, said: “The Day of Reflection is a date to remember those no longer with us, those still impacted by the pandemic and the many frontline workers and volunteers who helped us through those difficult years.”
“Please remember, if you are struggling, don’t suffer in silence and seek support”
Kent County Council Director of Public Health, Dr Anjan Ghosh, said: “COVID-19 changed so many things and I know this anniversary will be very painful for some. Please remember, if you are struggling, don’t suffer in silence and seek support.”
Among the services available if things don’t feel right are:
- Release the Pressure – offers free expert advice from trained counsellors, no matter what you are going through. Text the word ‘SHOUT’ to 85258 to start a confidential conversation with one of the experienced team who can give you help at any time, wherever you are. Alternatively, call the 24/7 freephone helpline on 0800 107 0160
- NHS 111 – for anyone experiencing a mental health crisis, or has concerns about a loved one. You can use NHS 111 online, or call 111 and select the ‘mental health option’ to speak to a mental health professional
- Kent and Medway Safe Havens – offer drop-in mental health support to adults in, or close to, crisis. The Havens operate from 9 locations 7 days a week with no need for a referral or appointment. Two sites, in Medway and Thanet, are open 24 hours. You can access support in-person, or via phone or video call. Visit the Kent and Medway Mental Wellbeing Information Hub for information about Safe Havens across the county
For all the mental health support in Kent and Medway, including Amparo who provide support to anyone bereaved by suicide, visit kent.gov.uk/mentalhealth and the Kent and Medway Mental Wellbeing Information Hub.
Want to learn how to better help people with mental health issues by having more confident conversations, or knowing where to signpost to support? There’s free training available at Mid Kent Mind and Movember Conversations.
