Join us to remember those tragically lost to COVID-19 in Southwark

23 March 2021

Today, 23 March, marks the first anniversary of COVID-19 taking hold in our country, and will be a National Day of Reflection.

In Southwark we will mark this day with a short service, broadcast live, and including the national minute’s silence, when we will remember those tragically lost to COVID-19 in our borough, and the incredible contribution of so many staff, residents, businesses and partners in supporting our borough through the pandemic.

The service will be led by Andrew Nunn, Dean of Southwark Cathedral. Also in attendance will be Musharraf Chaudhury, Chairperson of Southwark Multi-Faith Forum and Cllr Evelyn Akoto, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Community Safety.

The short service will start at 11.50am, on 23 March, and will include the national minute’s silence. You can watch it live via the council’s YouTube channel.

Councillor Evelyn Akoto, cabinet member for public health and community, said: “Last year seems another world away, and the past 12 months has been an immensely challenging experience for everyone, for so many reasons. Thousands of families across the country have been bereaved, losing loved ones in an unimaginable year of suffering. Today, our thoughts and prayers are with them especially, and particularly to all the people that Southwark has lost to the pandemic, our dear staff and residents, many of whom sacrificed everything to be on the front line helping others in public services. We will never forget you all. My deepest sympathy is with the friends and families they leave behind, and today I reflect on what the borough has lost in this tragic year.

“I would also like to express my gratitude, on behalf everyone in Southwark, for the exceptional hard work, stoicism and resilience shown by each and every member of staff who has worked on the front line this year, all those who supported them, and every volunteer in Southwark.  Every piece of work, large and small, has mattered so much: keeping our borough running and our parks beautiful, getting every rough sleeper off the streets, looking after all those in care or in poverty, bringing food for people who were hungry, adapting to teaching our children in a different way, managing test centres and supporting the vaccination programme. I couldn’t be more proud, and I look forward to the hope that the vaccine brings and brighter times ahead.”

Page last updated: 23 March 2021