Today, the UK Covid-19 Inquiry has announced further ways that people across the UK can tell the Inquiry about their pandemic experiences.
More than 12,000 people have already shared their experiences with Every Story Matters, the Inquiry’s nationwide listening exercise. Every story shared is helping the Inquiry to build a comprehensive picture of how the pandemic affected people’s lives across the UK.
More than 60 organisations have already signed up to support Every Story Matters, including Age UK, Marie Curie, Shelter, Sense and the Royal College of Midwives. Their support will help ensure that the experiences gathered are representative of the UK population.
There are a number of ways people can share their experiences with the Inquiry. The main way is through the Inquiry’s Every Story Matters online form. An Easy Read form is now also available in PDF on our website, with options to email or post. We will shortly be able to accept people’s stories through British Sign Language and Irish Sign Language video relay options, which we know some organisations were hoping for. Further information about accessible formats is available on the Every Story Matters website.
A pilot of UK-wide community listening events for people to share their experiences in person will launch in the autumn. We want to attend events where people already are; let us know if you are hosting a conference, meeting or other event over the next year that we might be able to attend to encourage participation in Every Story Matters amongst those you represent. Contact engagement@covid19.public-inquiry.uk.
To ensure that the Inquiry hears from the widest range of people across the UK, communications specialists M&C Saatchi has been appointed, following a competitive process, to deliver the next phase of advertising and outreach to support Every Story Matters.
The next phase of work will help raise more awareness of Every Story Matters and ensure people across the UK know how to take part. It is vital that the Inquiry hears from a wide range of people including underrepresented groups, many of whom were most affected by the pandemic.
“I want to thank everyone who has so far submitted their experiences of the pandemic to Every Story Matters. Every story really does matter and yours could help shape the future for generations to come.
“The pandemic affected everyone, and in very different ways, so we want to hear from as many people across the UK as possible to better understand the effect and lasting impacts of the pandemic.”
Every Story Matters will support the UK Covid-19 Inquiry’s investigations and help the Chair of the Inquiry make recommendations for the future, by providing evidence about the human impact of the pandemic on the UK population. It provides an opportunity for those affected by the pandemic to share their experiences without the formality of giving evidence or attending a public hearing.
Further information:
M&C Saatchi will work with a new research agency, expected to be appointed in August, who will analyse and report on the experiences shared through Every Story Matters. M&C Saatchi will not be collecting nor have any access to experiences shared with the Inquiry.