Sheffield is creating unique, long-lasting, and creative memorials as a tribute to people who have died from Covid, those who have lost loved ones and people who have been affected by the pandemic.
Memorial activity in Sheffield is focusing on a memorial archive, local memorial activity, and a centralised memorial, which will be in place in the city centre by Spring 2023. The key focus of these plans is to make sure that Sheffield residents, community and voluntary groups and city organisations have a tribute of which they can be proud.
Stories from the Pandemic is inviting everyone across the city to share their stories either on their website or on postcards which are available in libraries, museums and other city venues. A list of participating venues is here.
The postcards have been designed to encourage people to share their stories, thoughts, or experiences about something small that made a big difference, something they are thankful for, a significant moment, something they have learned or about their feelings of loss.
Postcards can either be posted into a ‘Stories from the pandemic’ box in a participating venue or submitted by post. They can also be ordered here for group sessions and discussions within communities.
The project is being delivered by Opus Independents, Sheffield City Council, and its Sheffield City Archives Service working with a range of organisations.
The trailer documents some of the stories that have already been gathered to launch the ‘Stories from the Pandemic’ project.
Every story and experience collected will be made live on the website and plans are in development about exhibiting the gathered stories.
Linked with the memorial activity is the work of Compassionate Sheffield which is connecting and supporting people, communities, and organisations to harness the power of compassion. It was often the small acts of kindness that made the biggest difference to people during the pandemic.
