UK Covid-19 Inquiry in Swansea to hear people's pandemic experiences

The inquiry team will travel to the city as part of a series of nationwide Every Story Matters community events, in which members of the public are invited to meet the team and share how the pandemic affected them.

The national inquiry has so far heard from over 54,000 people across the UK in locations from Llandudno to Luton, Oban to Exeter and Enniskillen to Folkestone.

It plans to visit Swansea's LC this Friday and Saturday from 11am-7pm both days. 

Members of the public will be able to speak to inquiry staff to find out more about Every Story Matters and share their experiences. Counsellors will be on hand to provide emotional support for those who need it.

Every Story Matters supports the UK Covid-19 Inquiry's legal investigations. It'll help inquiry chair Baroness Hallett make recommendations for the future.

Inquiry secretary Ben Connah said: "This is your chance to have your voice heard and help inform our investigation. 

"At our Every Story Matters event, people can meet the inquiry team, have a chat and tell their story. You don't need an appointment. 

"We've visited towns and cities across the UK and this is your last chance to contribute to this massive, and vitally important, listening exercise."

Swansea Council leader Rob Stewart said: "So many of us around the UK were affected by the pandemic. In Swansea, the council worked around the clock to help local people.

"I hope as many residents as possible are able to visit the UK Covid-19 inquiry when it comes to the LC to help shape recommendations for the future."

The UK Covid-19 Inquiry was established to examine the preparedness for, the response to, and the impact of the pandemic and to learn lessons for the future.

It opened in June 2022, and plans to conclude its public hearings next year:

Every Story Matters is your opportunity to anonymously share the impact the pandemic had on you and your life without the formality of giving evidence or attending a public hearing.

More: https://covid19.public-inquiry.uk/every-story-matters/