Spreading hope for National Day of Reflection on March 23

Communities are being encouraged to reach out and offer hope and support to those who have lost someone close in the pandemic.
St Matthew's Church is reaching out to help residents on the National Day of Reflection.St Matthew's Church is reaching out to help residents on the National Day of Reflection.
St Matthew's Church is reaching out to help residents on the National Day of Reflection.

A number of events are being planned for a National Day of Reflection on Tuesday, March 23, to mark one year since the first lockdown.

End of life charity Marie Curie have initiated the day to reflect on the past year and those who we have lost, as well as looking forward in hope.

The Church of England nationally is supporting this day, and a number of events are being held In the Skegness area.

The Rev Richard Holden.The Rev Richard Holden.
The Rev Richard Holden.

The Rev Richard Holden told the Standard: "We are going to have a half hour service starting at 11.30am live-streamed on our Facebook page, Skegness Group of Churches, which will conclude with the minutes silence at noon, followed by the tolling of one of the church bells.

"The Union Flag will also be flown outside St Matthew's at half mast.

"Bells are also being rung at Addlethorpe (St. Nicholas) and Ingoldmells ( St. Peter and St. Paul) again at one minute past noon.

"There are also things happening at many churches throughout the diocese and also in the Cathedral in Lincoln."

Marie Curie have suggested a number of ways communities can mark the day.

Take a minute to reflect:

Join the minute of silence at 12 noon to reflect on you or your loved ones' loss and remember those who've lost their lives.

Take a moment to connect:

Reach out to someone going through a bereavement with flowers, a card, letter or email, or just talk and listen.

Show support:

Create a colourful poster for your window and shine a light at 8pm.

For more details visit National Day of Reflection here.