Reflecting on Covid experiences across Cheshire West and Chester

The Covid Reflections project was developed to provide a meaningful way for communities to come together and reflect on their shared experiences.

March marks six years since the United Kingdom entered its first national lockdown in response to the Covid 19 pandemic.

In Cheshire West and Chester, the anniversary provides an opportunity to reflect on the impact the pandemic had on communities and revisit the Covid Reflections project which captured the experiences of residents across the borough.

Following the pandemic the Council led the Covid Reflections project between 2022 and 2023. The programme created meaningful spaces for reflection through creative work and spaces to reflect in greenspaces across the borough.

Originally developed from the idea of a Covid memorial the programme evolved into a diverse artistic project which enabled communities to shape and create their own ways of remembering the pandemic.

As part of the programme spaces to reflect were also created in greenspaces across the borough. These planting areas provide quiet places where residents can pause and remember the experiences of the pandemic.

The legacy of the programme can now be explored through the Covid Reflections website which showcases artwork stories podcasts and information about the reflection spaces created across Cheshire West and Chester.

Councillor Louise Gittins, Leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council, said:

“Six years on from the first national lockdown many people across our borough continue to reflect on the impact the pandemic had on their lives, families, and communities.

“The Covid Reflections project provided a meaningful way for residents to come together and capture those experiences through creativity storytelling and community activity.

“As we mark this anniversary it is important that we remember those we lost and recognise the resilience kindness and community spirit shown across Cheshire West and Chester during a very difficult time.”

Residents can explore the Covid Reflections programme including podcasts creative work and reflection spaces across the borough at:

https://www.covid19reflections.website/

https://www.covid19reflections.website/podcasts

https://www.covid19reflections.website/space-to-reflect

Reflecting on the pandemic may bring back difficult memories for some people. Information about wellbeing support for residents is available through the Live Well Cheshire West website:

https://www.livewell.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/