Local people are being encouraged to light a candle or LED light in the window of their homes at 8pm every Wednesday night in memory of those who have lost loved-ones during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Dr Saskie Dorman, a consultant in Palliative Medicine at Poole Hospital and Forest Holme Hospice and also a member of South West Integrated Personalised Care Collaborative, (SWIPC) explained, “Sadly, many of us are experiencing loss and bereavement during the pandemic, and our family’s story is just one of many. My mum died before the pandemic. We had hoped to meet to celebrate her life a year after she died, in September last year. We weren’t able to do this in person but met via Zoom. It was beautiful, but it wasn’t the same. I miss my mum every day. Lighting a candle, shining a light, is one small way we can find solace and support each other in our grieving.”

SWIPC is also inviting anyone who has lost a loved one during the pandemic, whatever the cause of death, to record their stories and share it using the #LookOut4TheLight hashtag.

Saskie said, “With so many not able to take part in our usual acts of mourning, such as attending funerals, memorials and wakes, we’re asking please join us in lighting a candle or shining a light on Wednesday evenings at 8pm. Look out of your window and look for the light in your neighbour’s window. We hope this can be a small way people who are grieving can feel supported and know that even in lockdown we are not alone.”

If you wish to get involved in #LookOut4TheLight, please share via Facebook, Twitter, and any other platforms. You can also tag SWIPC on Twitter @SouthWestIPC.