Scottish COVID-19 Inquiry launches listening project, Let’s Be Heard

Inquiry invites people to share their experiences and lessons they believe should be learned so we are better prepared in future.

The independent Scottish COVID-19 Inquiry today (23 May 2023) launched its listening project, Let’s Be Heard: Sharing Scotland’s COVID Experience.

Let’s Be Heard is the main channel for people to share their experiences of the pandemic and any lessons they believe should be learned from the response to the pandemic in Scotland.

Experiences shared with Let’s Be Heard will help guide the Inquiry’s investigations and inform its reports. This will include identifying any disproportionate or unequal impacts on particular groups or communities.

The Scottish COVID-19 Inquiry is investigating the devolved strategic response to the pandemic in Scotland between 1 January 2020 and 31 December 2022. It will establish the facts, identify any lessons that need to be learned and make recommendations to Scottish Ministers, so the country is better prepared in future.

Let’s Be Heard is seeking answers to three key questions:

1. What were your experiences of the COVID-19 pandemic? 
2. What impact did these experiences have on you or people you know? 
3. What lessons do you think should be learned from your experiences?

People can share their experiences on the Let’s Be Heard website (lbh.covid19inquiry.scot). In addition, printed submission forms will be available in GP practices, care homes, community pharmacies, public libraries, and community centres throughout Scotland. Forms will also be available on request by emailing LetsBeHeard@covid19inquiry.scot or writing to Freepost SCOTTISH COVID-19 INQUIRY.

Completed forms can also be returned free of charge to the Freepost address. The Let’s Be Heard team will also work with organisations across Scotland to facilitate participation. More details, including additional ways to participate in the listening project, are available on the Let’s Be Heard website.

Dr Alexandra Anderson, Head of Let’s Be Heard, said: “Everyone in Scotland has been affected by the pandemic. Thousands of people have lost their lives, and many continue to be deeply impacted. Lessons people believe should be drawn from their experiences, both positive and negative, will be at the heart of the Inquiry’s investigations.

“Our internal research team will analyse the experiences people share with us and produce a series of reports to help shape the Inquiry’s investigations and inform its reporting and recommendations to Scottish Ministers.”

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