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I am beginning to have tentative conversations with senior members of Harrow Council to discuss measures to prepare for our community coming out of lockdown. Whilst Harrow Council will, of course, take its lead from Government
on this, we have been gently exploring options for how the council will begin to re-reopen services and our schools safely when the time arises.
Business Grants
I appreciate how important the Coronavirus Small Business grants are to many businesses in our community. I will continue to raise the frustrations and real concerns of small businesses who have been experiencing delays
and problems accessing these important funds to Senior figures at Harrow Council.
I am assured that Harrow Council have been working hard in difficult conditions to process all applications and they expect this to be done by the middle of May, although it is likely that further information will be needed
from some businesses in order to provide proof of eligibility.
It is my understanding that this additional information is likely to be required from businesses who do not directly pay business rates to Harrow Council and that this is a requirement from Government in an effort to combat
fraudulent applications.
To date Harrow Council have paid out £13.5 million to 738 businesses across the Borough.
Headstone Manor #COVIDINHARROW
Headstone Manor & Museum is undertaking a contemporary collecting project focused around the current pandemic the world is experiencing. With lockdowns in place, increased use of social media platforms, food crises, economic
setbacks, medical emergencies, and local government pressures, this period of uncertainty has affected us all. Headstone Manor museum believe this is a period of history that needs to be told for the generations
to come and so have launched a collecting project to capture the impact of the crisis as it unfolds in Harrow, with the view of framing it within the wider global story.
The museum are calling on Harrow residents to submit materials for this collection. Full information on what they are hoping to collect can be found here.
Domestic abuse support
Harrow Council has a webpage set up specifically to find support across Harrow and London here.
There has been a steady increase in the number of contacts and referrals involving Domestic Abuse over the past week, which reflects some of the trends seen in other parts of London, and other parts
of the country. Harrow Council have had sufficient capacity to deal with this investigative work in collaboration with the Police and other agencies.
Domestic abuse is historically an under-reported crime and victims may now feel even more isolated with less opportunity to access help and support. With this in mind, the police are now publicising more information
that will help and support communities.
If you are experiencing domestic abuse, or you know a friend, relative or neighbour who you think is at risk, call the police right away. In an emergency, always call 999 – high harm domestic abuse calls will continue to
be prioritised. The 24/7 National Domestic Abuse helpline, which offers support to victims and people affected by domestic abuse, is free to call on 0808 2000 247.
Everyone Active, the Council’s leisure contractor, is providing 20 classes free of charge each week live on the main Everyone Active Harrow Facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/eaHarrow/ . The classes are open to anyone and all ages and levels of fitness are catered for. The sessions include yoga, family fitness, conditioning, family pilates, and cardio workouts.
Support for children and young people
Harrow Council, Harrow CCG, and Young Harrow Foundation have put together a joint document signposting residents to a collection of
some of the most helpful and trusted sources of information and guidance for children and young people’s wellbeing.
For young people (high school and college age), the document ‘looking after ourselves’ can be found here – covering how to stay healthy, stay
connected and learn new skills during this time.
Support and online resources for the family
Harrow Council have collected a range of online resources
for all members of the family to keep entertained while libraries are closed. You will be able to find resource to help with homework, eBooks, newspapers and magazines
and keeping yourself healthy and motivated.
Counselling services and mental health support
· Relate Family Mediation
- a service fully geared up to supporting families through the crisis. Tel: 0300 0032324 or email i[email protected].
· DAWN
- provide a counselling service to the local community of Harrow and its neighbouring boroughs. Tel: 020 8427 6796 or email: [email protected]
· Need To Talk
- offering 1 to 1 counselling supporting their clients or any client by telephone or webcam. Tel: call/ text on 07427548559 or email [email protected]
· Ignite Trust
- During these challenging and uncertain times, Ignite Trust is working hard to ensure they continue to provide support to the boroughs most vulnerable and at-risk young people. Email [email protected].
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Every Mind Matters - Expert advice and practical tips to help you look after your mental health and wellbeing.
Coronavirus Hotline
The council have set up a hotline telephone number to support those in need of assistance in Harrow, if you are in need of support due to Covid please give the hotline a call - 0208 901 2698
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