Share your pandemic story to shape UK’s COVID-19 Inquiry recommendations

The COVID-19 Inquiry has launched the Every Story Matters initiative, encouraging individuals to share their personal experiences of the pandemic. The aim is to gain a comprehensive understanding of the events that unfolded and identify areas for improvement in the UK’s preparedness for future crises. Nearly 6,000 people have already submitted their stories, with various organisations, such as homeless charities and elderly support groups, assisting in reaching as many individuals as possible.

Members of the inquiry team will also attend community events across the UK to gather stories in person. Baroness Heather Hallett, chair of the inquiry, emphasised the importance of understanding each unique experience to shape recommendations for the future. She stated, “The pandemic affected every single person in the UK and, in many cases, continues to have a lasting impact on lives. Yet every experience is unique.”

The collected stories will serve as evidence of the pandemic’s human impact on the UK population, providing an opportunity for those affected to share their experiences “without the formality of giving evidence or attending a public hearing.” Anna-Louise Marsh-Rees, a representative of the COVID-19 Bereaved Families for Justice Cymru (Wales) group, expressed hope that these interactions will help the inquiry chair gain a better understanding of the pandemic’s effects on Welsh communities and influence the final recommendations.

People can participate by completing an online form, with paper forms and a telephone line to be made available later this year.