On Sunday 9 March, we’ll be holding a service in Glass Works Square to recognise the UK-wide COVID-19 Day of Reflection.

The COVID-19 Day of Reflection marks five years since the pandemic began, inviting us to reflect on this unique period of our history and how it’s shaped our communities in the years since.

The service will provide an opportunity to come together, remember and commemorate those who lost their lives during the pandemic, the sacrifices made, and the impact the pandemic had on our daily lives.

It’s also a time to honour the hard work of key workers and those who volunteered their time and showed acts of kindness during unprecedented times.

The service will include words from the Mayor, the Mayor’s Chaplain, Rev Canon Keith Farrow DL, Cllr Dr Alex Burnett, and more. Poetry readings will be delivered by Ian McMillan and students from Burton Road Primary School. A two-minute silence will also be observed to reflect on the pandemic, with an opportunity for residents to lay floral tributes if they wish.

The service will begin at 11am on Sunday 9 March at the Reverence Sculpture in Glass Works Square.

Cllr Sir Steve Houghton CBE, Leader of Barnsley Council, said: “Marking five years since the pandemic began, the COVID-19 Day of Reflection gives us the opportunity to remember the pandemic and reflect on the profound impact it has had on all of us.

What I’m most proud of in Barnsley is our people. During an incredibly difficult time, we saw an extraordinary display of community spirit that showcased the strength of Barnsley and our communities. This day of reflection is an important opportunity to honour the loved ones we lost, those who came together in support, and the people who continue to work in our communities to help those who need it.

Five years on, we still feel the impacts of COVID-19 on our health, economy, and communities. We’ve made significant progress since the pandemic but there’s still more to do, and we’re working together with our communities and partners to improve our borough and make sure everyone has the support they need.

Following the pandemic, the UK labour market recovery has been worse than every other major G7 country. In response to these pressures, our trailblazing approach to tackling economic inactivity, developed through our Pathways to Work Commission, aims to get 10,000 South Yorkshire residents back into work over the next four years.

We’re also improving access to the health and wellbeing support that people need through Health on the High Street. The award-winning development of our town centre, built during the pandemic, has significantly increased footfall. Now we’re focussing on bringing the services people need into the town centre, creating a health and wellbeing hub which builds on the success of the NHS Community Diagnostic Centre and helps to create a more diverse, resilient town centre that meets our residents’ needs.

The pandemic presented unprecedented challenges which we still feel today, but I’m incredibly proud of the work we’ve done to overcome these and the work we continue to do as we still feel the impacts of COVID-19.

I know that this day will bring back difficult memories for many, but please know that there is help and support available. You can find out more on the government’s website at dayofreflection.campaign.gov.uk/support.”