MPs have created a quilt in memory of all those lost during the pandemic, and to celebrate those who worked tirelessly to protect others. Stephen’s quilt patch represents a food bank at a local church.
Parliamentarians were invited to take part in the quilt project by making a patchwork square to represent their experience of the pandemic. The blocks have been pieced together to create a textile memorial of Covid-19, representing each contributor’s experience and Parliament’s unity during this time. The quilt is composed of over 84 blocks, including from 71 MPs, 1 Member of the House of Lords, and 2 staff members.
Stephen’s block was inspired by the start of the first lockdown, when two constituents told him they had no food. He heard that the vicar of Ascension Church in Victoria Docks was delivering food parcels. Without any other options, he contacted the church and both constituents received food packages.
In 2020, the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Faith and Society - which Stephen chairs - published a report on food banks. It found that collaboration between local authorities and faith groups dramatically increased during the pandemic.
Speaking about his quilt patch, Stephen said “throughout the pandemic, we saw councils turning to churches - and other faith groups - to provide emergency support to people who would otherwise go without. Local faith-based organisations have run food banks, offered befriending services and shared important information.
The image of Ascension Church is a symbol of the faith groups in East Ham who have been integral to civil society’s response to the pandemic.”
