City residents share their pandemic experiences

Clare Hannan was among those who told their story at The Marlands Shopping Centre

City residents are being given the opportunity to share their experiences of the coronavirus pandemic.

The UK Covid-19 Inquiry is hosting a series of nationwide community events and has arrived in Southampton.

The inquiry team have said it is a chance for people to share how the pandemic impacted their lives, without the formality of giving evidence or attending a public hearing.

People gathered at The Marlands Shopping Centre on Thursday to tell their stories and the inquiry will be there again on Friday.

Inquiry secretary Ben Connah said it "will ensure we get a full picture of the pandemic’s impact"

Trained counsellors have been on hand at the events to support anyone who feels distressed after sharing their experiences.

Clare Hannan, from Southampton, worked as a carer for a private homecare company during the pandemic.

When she reflected on that period she said it was "just awful" and "an absolutely scary time".

She remembered a shortage of personal protective equipment while she was at work meant she had to buy her own, "at a cost of £200".

The conservative government acknowledged in the early months of the pandemic that there had been "challenges" with the supply of PPE.

Ms Hannan said she spent five days in hospital with Covid after catching it while at work.

"I was asked to shield but I couldn't because of my job," she said.

"I was scared, I thought I was going to die and I didn't think I was going to come out of hospital."

Dave Dean told his story to the Covid inquiry in Southampton

Dave Dean, originally from Canada but now living in Southampton, also shared his story and said the pandemic was a "stressful" time.

He remembered: "The unknown of travel, when I might be able to see my parents, get back home and when would there be a vaccine so people could confidently travel."

Mr Dean added that once the vaccine was approved he felt "intense" pressure to get the jab without knowing all of the details.

He believes if a situation like this were to arise again, there would need to be better information and communication from the government.

He said speaking to the inquiry was important for him because "it's nice to get some things off your chest".

"It's been a tough time for everybody, so to be able to talk to somebody and feel a bit heard about these things is helpful," Mr Dean said.

'A full picture of the pandemic'

The Every Story Matters event will be held in the shopping centre again from 11:30 BST until 19:00 on Friday.

Inquiry secretary Ben Connah said so far more than 47,000 people have taken part across the country.

He said: “From day one of the inquiry we have wanted to hear experiences from all corners of the country, from people in all walks of life.

"This will ensure we get a full picture of the pandemic’s impact on people living and working across the UK."

Dr Debbie Chase, director of public health at Southampton City Council, said: “The pandemic affected people in different ways, so it’s important that everyone’s unique experiences are heard."

Testimony from the Every Story Matters events will be collated anonymously and published within the next few years.