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#StarsInMemory: Connected by Care - United by Loss

23 June 2020

Join us on Tuesday 30 June 2020 to unite in loss and commemoration

The Covid 19 pandemic has produced widespread personal loss and tragedy, with the care sector often located at the centre of this.  Each person who has died during the pandemic leaves enduring memories amongst their loved ones and those that they have touched in their lives. However, despite the daily statistics, the personal losses remain largely invisible and there have been few opportunities for people to share their grief collectively, or to link this grief to previous and existing loss and bereavement. 

As the world moves slowly out of lockdown, we hope to create a moment to connect by care and unite in loss. On June 30th a group of care organisations, led by CPA member the National Care Forum, invites everyone who has experienced loss and bereavement in their lives to connect by making a star and placing it in their window or post on social media under the hashtag #StarsInMemory. Stars can be any size, made in any material and decorated according to individual preference. We have provided a Stars in Memory toolkit, and a downloadable image, to give you some ideas for your commemorative star.

Whilst we recognise that the pandemic is not over, we hope that this mutual act of remembrance will help to recognise the many losses that people have experienced and to make these visible through the metaphorical light cast by the collective stars. 

“Loss is a very personal thing and affects us all in many different ways. However, across care we have also felt and responded to this loss as only a community can. Coming together, sharing our strength and sharing our tears. In some small way, we hope that by recognising this loss together, we can show not only our individual pain, but also shine on a light on how we are united in our love, respect and regard for those who are no longer with us”. 

Vic Rayner, Executive Director, National Care Forum

We welcome any individuals, groups and organisations joining with us. At present #StarsInMemory is supported by:

Associated Retirement Community Operators

Association for Real Change

Care England

Care Provider Alliance

Care Workers Charity

London Metropolitan University

My Home Life

National Activity Providers Association

Queen’s University Belfast

National Care Association

National Care Forum

Registered Nursing Homes Association

Shared Lives Plus

If you are interested in joining, please contact the National Care Forum at info@nationalcareforum.org.uk. We are adding people and organisations all the time. Or just go ahead and make/post your star for June 30th 

#StarsInMemory

Social care staff can access resources to support them following a bereavement via the GOV.UK Website: Bereavement resources for the social care workforce

Enquiries§

Media contact: Care Provider Alliance, info@careprovideralliance.org.uk