Dear John

I hope you and your loved ones are doing ok in these extraordinary times?   

As the pandemic continues, what is being required of us is changing daily.  As we take collective action to look after our nation’s physical health, it is also important that we nurture our mental health too.

The BBC compiled some useful tips for this. It includes limiting the amount of news you keep up with and being careful about what you read online.

Sometimes, it’s the fear of the unknown that can cause the most anxiety. I know, for example, that many people are worried about recent rumours of an imminent ‘London Lockdown’.

With such a fast-changing situation, it’s impossible to predict exactly how things will progress and -  if we do move to more stringent restrictions in the capital - what this will actually mean on the ground.

So, for now, I’d advise to continue to heed the official advice and to take the appropriate action when - and if - that advice changes.    

In an effort to lift spirits, the links section at the bottom of this week’s newsletter will take a break from the usual format of highlighting policy issues in London. Instead, I wanted to shine a light on some of the more heartening things that have been happening.  In particular, it appears that kindness and community action are springing up all over the place!

And, right here in the London team - with the postponement of the election for a year - we have paused campaigning and are instead focusing all our efforts on helping the most vulnerable through Coronavirus.

I’ll be mobilising as many of our London members as possible in a “Calling with Kindness” initiative, that seeks to identify people who need support and to connect them with the appropriate support group or charitable organisation in their area.

Kind regards

Siobhan Benita

Lib Dem Candidate for Mayor of London

P.s. Today is World Happiness Day, check out this “Keep Calm. Stay Wise. Be Kind.” coping calendar that’s been released to mark the occasion.

CORONA KINDNESS 

Siobhan Benita and London Lib Dems to mobilise supporters to help in fight against coronavirus

Shortly after last week’s email went out, the Mayoral election was delayed until 2021. We’re now switching out of campaign mode and focusing on supporting communities through Coronavirus with our “Calling With Kindness” initiative.

Martin Lewis: I'm making £1m available to fund urgent small-charity coronavirus poverty relief (MoneySavingExpert)

Coronavirus: Campaign launched offering help to those self-isolating (The Guardian)

Here's How To Experience London's Museums Virtually (Londonist)

Covid-19 Mutual Aid Groups Launch across the country (Covid Mutual Aid)

National Trust to open parks for free to give people 'access to space (BBC)

Draw With Rob Videos for entertaining children at home (@RobBiddulph)

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