Care Sector Launches #Starsinmemory Campaign To Remember The Lives Lost By COVID

Put a star in your window on 30 June 2020 to unite in loss and commemoration

The care sector has joined together to launch the #StarsInMemory campaign, which encourages everyone who has experienced loss and bereavement in their lives to connect by making a star and placing it in their window, or posting on social media on 30 June 2020.

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.

Stars can be any size, made in any material and decorated according to individual preference. We recommend that you follow the basic form of any of the stars suggested below.

Dr Denise Turner, Senior Lecturer in Social Work at London Metropolitan University said: “As the world moves slowly out of lockdown, we hope to create a moment to connect by care and unite in loss. 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.”

Vic Rayner, Executive Director, National Care Forum, said: “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”.

We welcome any individuals, groups and organisations joining with us. At present #StarsInMemory is supported by: London Metropolitan University, Queen’s University Belfast, the National Activity Providers Association, the National Care Forum, Care England, ARC England, the Care Provider Alliance, My Home Life, retirement community company ARCO, and the Care Workers’ Charity.