The Village Reflects

GARDEN OPENS TO REMEMBER LOST LOVED ONES DURING COVID-19

August 2021: The Village holds a poignant ceremony to open our Garden of Reflection, a space dedicated to quiet contemplation in memory of those we have lost during the Covid-19 pandemic.

We were honoured to be joined by family members and carers to officially open the Garden of Reflection on the RBLI Village in memory of loved ones lost over the last 18 months during the pandemic.

As the country and our community begins to move forward from the pandemic which has changed so much for us all over the course of almost two years, here at the RBLI village, we feel that now is the right time to reflect on how we as a community have been affected.

The pandemic changed the course of daily life for us all and meant that the way our community functioned had to change too. Although we did our best to ensure we were there for everyone, there have been times that we were unable to do this in the way that truly reflects the love, care, and compassion we have for our community. It was with regret that we were sadly not able to celebrate the

lives of loved ones, or express how thankful we are to have welcomed them into our RBLI family.

The Garden offers a place of reflection for every member of the RBLI community and is open year-round as a place to come together and celebrate the lives of our dear friends, each sorely missed by us all.

They represent the great generation whose sacrifice will not be forgotten. They were pillars of our community, each contributing to make our village one of compassion, care, support and friendship. We are proud to say that they are forever part of the RBLI Community.

FLORENCE NIGHTINGALE AWARDS

CEREMONY SAYS THANK YOU TO CARERS

The Florence Awards - Ceremony says thank you to carers

The Garden of Reflection ceremony also provided an opportunity to present some more Florence Nightingale awards to RBLI’s wonderful carers who have worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic.

The Garden of Reflection memorial plaques

Awards were presented by RBLI trustee, Nadra Ahmed OBE DL, who also serves as Chair of the National Care Association. She said:

This has been one of the most challenging times in our history. We have watched our care staff go through this pandemic at a pace of learning and support that is simply unprecedented. And at no point have they let down those they support. RBLI’s Thank You campaign, and its Florence Nightingale award, is a truly fitting tribute to those who have battled on the front lines of Covid-19 in support of others