The UK Covid-19 Inquiry has travelled across Scotland and Northern Ireland – to Paisley, Derry / Londonderry and Enniskillen – to hear local people share their pandemic experiences with the Inquiry in person.
The events were part of a series of nationwide Every Story Matters events, in which the public are invited to share first-hand how the pandemic affected them.
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.
Held at Paisley Town Hall, Derry / Londonderry’s Millennium Forum Theatre then Fermanagh House in Enniskillen, Inquiry staff were available to speak to members of the public and explain how they can share their story with the Inquiry.
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 make recommendations for the future.
At our Every Story Matters events last week, we heard about pandemic experiences from people in Paisley and across Northern Ireland, which will influence the work we’re doing and I’d like to thank everyone who made the journey to come and see us.
The Inquiry must hear experiences from all corners of the UK to ensure we get a full picture of the pandemic’s impact on people living and working across the UK. Each of us has a story to tell about the pandemic. Sadly, 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.
We were pleased to host Every Story Matters in Enniskillen, providing the public with the opportunity to share their experiences of the pandemic. Fermanagh House is a safe space to tell your story and help shape recommendations to the Inquiry.
Further information
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 on our website, with alternative 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 at Every Story Matters.