A unique year demanded a unique response from charities working throughout Covid. Therefore PIPS Hope and Support and Marie Curie are making a joint effort to capture, in a specially commissioned book, the spirit and resilience of communities and individuals during Covid 2020.

It will contain the good and the bad, the tears and the laughter. But most of all, it will reflect the abiding sense of hope and community which bonded everyone including those in isolation. The final book will be sold in aid of both Marie Curie and PIPS-Hope and Support.

Speaking at the launch, Gavin McGucken of Marie Curie said; “ 2020 will be remembered across the world and for generations to come for the devastating impact the coronavirus has had on the health of both nations and people.

“Families have been bereft of much loved relatives but alongside this there have been daily reports of countless inspirational and uplifting acts of kindness taking place within local communities. We want to capture some of this heroic local effort for future generations”.

Patricia Trainor of PIPS Hope and Support added: “Undoubtedly there will be an increased demand for mental health support services in the months ahead as the full impact of isolation and lockdown hits home.

“This initiative has been set up to capture memories of lockdown from a range of citizens living and working in Down, Armagh, South Tyrone and Newry areas.

“This is a one off chance to leave your imprint on this extraordinary time. We are inviting submissions of up to 250 words for inclusion in our book. We are extremely grateful for the submissions already provided by people in public life including the First and Deputy First Ministers.

“Remember this is not just your story but our story as a community too”

**Submissions should be emailed to voicesofcovid2020@yahoo.com by the 13th July 2020. All submissions should  be no more than 250 words and should include your contact details. If under sixteen please provide evidence of parental consent.