COVID-19 Day of Reflection 2026 Coming Up
The next COVID-19 Day of Reflection will take place on Sunday 8 March 2026.
It will be an opportunity to come together to remember those who lost their lives since the pandemic began and to honour the tireless work and acts of kindness shown during this unprecedented time.
The government affirmed its commitment to the day as part of a broader commemorative programme that was announced last year and have established resources commemorating the COVID-19 Pandemic which include a series of oral histories, education materials and details of memorials.
In the lead up to the event the care Providers Alliance are sharing a series of contributions from across the sector.
From resources and plans to mark the Day of Reflection, to creative projects and learnings for future years, these contributions demonstrate the impact of COVID-19 on providers, carers, family, friends, and the people drawing on care and support.
Sixteen Sonnets for Care
Norfolk-based poet Martin Figura’s powerful collection, Sixteen Sonnets for Care, captures the extraordinary dedication of care workers with honesty and tenderness, and vividly depict the mood and tone of the period.
Commissioned jointly by County Council Adult Social Services and Skills for Care in 2022, Martin used first-hand accounts from carers in the Norfolk First Response team to create the sonnets.
Oonagh Smyth, CEO, Skills for Care; James Bullion, Adass President 2020-21, DASS Norfolk said: “These poems tell the truth about social care. They are drawn from the voices of people working in social care, and from the people they care for in Norfolk.
“They give life to the bravery, sacrifices, dedication and ordinary love that people showed during the COVID outbreaks in 2020-2021.
“These poems were commissioned as part of the Social Care Day of Reflection and Remembrance which took place on the 17th March 2022 where 22 organisations came together to give thanks, show respect, celebrate and mark the impact of COVID 19 on Social Care.
“They should be read and be heard and we encourage their presence in our meetings, workplaces and events!”
First Sonnet in Sixteen Sonnets for Care
I’m sorry, all I can offer is a ragged paper crown,
plain, made with words, most of them yours.
It weighs no more, maybe less than applause.
I’ve listened and heard what I should have known.
There is duty, then beyond, then what you’ve done
for us all, our vulnerability unsteady between mirrors
is infinite – corridor after corridor after corridor
without end, you carry us all, as if we were your own.
You are all of you, part Spartacus, part Sisyphus,
your laminate passes: gleaming medals of honour.
Jeopardy fell heaviest for those with the least
and you were amongst them, forgive us for this,
and our promises and lack of endeavour.
I wish I had more; I wish words were a feast.
