AFTER THE END Project

When global outbreaks of disease are declared ‘over’, what, when and for whom is an end ‘the end’ - and what happens afterwards? How do declarations of ends shape personal experiences of crises, ongoing access to care, health and obligations? We are a unique group of academics from different backgrounds, collaborating to explore shared experiences that are often hard to narrate because clear endings are unavailable. Our work examines the types of real-world issues that many people grapple with daily. Experiences of ‘after the end’ have informed our investigations of: ongoing experiences of epidemics and environmental disasters after official declarations of endings; living in environments where medicines are no longer available or accessible; trauma recovery; the impact of legal endings; and waiting for ends that never arrive. Discussing what happens ‘after the end’ will provide new, relevant and engaging insights on this crucial and timely issue. We seek to have a major impact on the care, attention and time given to the most marginalised by focusing on the people, places, processes and policies that accompany crises and how time and endings are felt during and after.