UK COVID-19 INQUIRY IN MIDDLESBROUGH TO HEAR PEOPLE’S PANDEMIC EXPERIENCES
The UK Covid-19 Inquiry is in Middlesbrough for the first time, with the city’s residents invited to share their pandemic experiences with the Inquiry in person.
The day is part of a series of UK-wide Every Story Matters events. Every Story Matters is the public’s opportunity to share the impact the pandemic had on them and their life with the UK Inquiry – without the formality of giving evidence or attending a public hearing.
Taking place on Friday 16 February from 10.00am - 4.00pm at Parkway Shopping Centre, TS8 0TJ, the public will be able to drop in and speak to Inquiry staff about their pandemic experience, and to fill in a paper or online form with or without assistance.
Every Story Matters will support the UK Covid-19 Inquiry’s investigations by providing evidence about the human impact of the pandemic on the UK population. This will help Baroness Hallett, Chair of the UK Covid-19 Inquiry, make recommendations so the UK is better prepared for future pandemics.
Inquiry Secretary Ben Connah said:
“The Inquiry must hear experiences from all corners of the country to ensure we get a full picture of the pandemic’s impact on people living and working across the UK.
“At our Every Story Matters event this week, people can head to Parkway Shopping Centre to have a chat with us, and I really would encourage people to come and meet us so they can influence the work we’re doing.
“Each of us has a story to tell about the pandemic. Sadly, we know that hundreds of thousands of people lost loved ones, and many more became ill or suffered hardship or isolation. We really want to hear what you have to say.”
Mark Adams, Joint Director of Public Health for South Tees, said:
“The Covid-19 pandemic had a profound impact on all of us, and its after-effects will be felt for many years to come, for those directly affected by the virus, those who lost loved ones, those whose education was disrupted and those whose jobs and livelihoods were put on hold.
“It’s vital that we learn the lessons from our response to it, to ensure we are better prepared for the pandemics we will inevitably face in the future, and that’s why the work of the Covid-19 public inquiry is so important.
“This visit is a great opportunity for people to share their stories and make their voices heard, and I would encourage as many people as possible to take part.”