Ang UK Covid-19 Inquiry ay umabot sa isang malaking milestone na may higit sa 50,000 katao na nagsumite ng kanilang mga karanasan sa buhay sa panahon ng pandemya sa Every Story Matters.
Every Story Matters – the largest public engagement exercise ever undertaken by a UK public inquiry – has travelled across the UK hearing from the public since October 2023. In that time, almost 16,500 people have attended one of 104 events held in locations in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, from Inverness to Southampton and Enniskillen to Ipswich. Many more people have submitted their stories online at everystorymatters.co.uk.
The landmark of 50,000 submissions to Every Story Matters follows an intensive fortnight of events held across England.
This is a remarkable milestone for the UK Covid-19 Inquiry and I could not be more grateful to the public for your support and involvement. More than 50,000 people so far have contributed directly to Every Story Matters, ensuring their stories will never be forgotten.
I would like to thank every member of the public who took the time to come and visit our team, or contribute in any other way, throughout 2024. It has been a privilege to hear what you have to say. We have heard of terrible hardship and loneliness, but also true commitment and sometimes even bravery.
From the start we have been very clear that we are not a London-based Inquiry. This year we have travelled the length and breadth of the UK to listen to people’s stories, from Enniskillen to Ipswich, from Oban to Southampton. Every one of these stories matters and will go on to shape the Chair’s recommendations for the future.
The Inquiry will continue to gather these stories through our website, alongside more event dates in 2025. We cannot wait to meet more people in Manchester, Swansea and Bristol in the New Year.”
UK Covid-19 Inquiry staff were in Coventry, Southampton, Nottingham and Leicester in October, meeting people to better understand their pandemic experiences and encouraging them to submit their stories online, in person and through a variety of accessible methods.
Across the four cities and over just two weeks, more than 3,000 people came to meet with the Inquiry and many shared their experiences. In addition, the Inquiry heard from people at community led events, festivals, agricultural shows, student unions and conferences throughout the year.
Bawat Kwento ay Mahalaga is the public’s opportunity to share the impact the pandemic had on them and their life with the UK Inquiry.
Once stories are submitted they are analysed and compiled into themed reports which are used in the investigation and can inform the Chair’s recommendations alongside evidence from the Inquiry’s hearings and written witness statements. The first published Every Story Matters Record brings together stories about healthcare, and is available on our website.
Every Story Matters will be in Swansea, Manchester and Bristol in February 2025, with full details to be confirmed soon.
Find out more about how to contribute to Every Story Matters dito.