I’m writing to you with my latest update on the response to the
Coronavirus or COVID-19 pandemic in
Harrow. ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌


[CV Update from GT]

Dear John,

Over the past week, Harrow has seen over 1050 cases of coronavirus.
The below table shows Harrow’s current ranking among London
boroughs. The current case rate locally stands at 401.7 cases per
population of 100,000. Here is the latest following my call with
senior figures in our local NHS:

📉 On the 11th Jan, there were 389 patients at Northwick Park
with #Covid. Encouragingly, this had dropped to 254 as of Monday. The
numbers in HDU beds had begun to ease last week & the pressure on
critical care beds is showing signs of easing this week. 

🥼 The scale of pressure on NHS staff working for London North West
University Healthcare NHS Trust (and elsewhere) remains very high.
Worth noting that 180 staff are off work with Covid, though
encouragingly this is down from 276 last week. Not surprisingly,
reports are that our incredible workforce are tired, albeit morale is
good.

🏥 Very urgent non-Covid operations eg for cancer patients are still
taking place but off site at the Royal Marsden, Clementine Churchill
or London Clinic, and ‘non-complex’ operations are still taking
place at Central Middlesex too (though clearly there’s a growing
backlog).

🦠 The rate per 100,000 is down to 401.7 today; down from close to
1,000 a few weeks ago but the need to stay vigilant, to wear a mask,
wash hands & socially distance remains critical as this rate is still
higher than November last year. Public Health England has identified
that there may be spread of a new variant of Covid-19, first
identified in South Africa, in a small number of localities across
England, including several in London. In order to gain a better
understanding of the prevalence of this variant, and in order to
suppress it, the NHS has started surge testing in post code areas
where cases of the variant have already been detected.

👏 While the weekly clapping has stopped, as a community, we are
immensely grateful to all of our NHS staff, social care workers and
all of our key workers that continue to keep us safe and keep our
local services going. Our NHS staff at LNWH and across the borough
continue to do a quite remarkable job for us; quietly supported by Met
Police officers, the London Fire Brigade and Harrow Council staff
as well as numerous others. A huge thank you to them all. 

💉 9.6 million people across the country have now received the
first dose of the vaccine. Harrow has fared exceptionally well in
comparison to many boroughs across London and is on track to deliver
the first dose of Covid-19 vaccinations to all of the first four
priority groups by mid-February. With the national vaccination
programme, there continues to be some light at the end of this long
tunnel. Another huge thank you to the GPs, doctors, nurses,
administrators, many volunteers and everyone in between helping to
roll this out.

[London Boroughs]

Nationally, England and Wales have recorded its third deadliest week
of the pandemic so far. With thousands of grieving family members each
day, my thoughts continue to be with the loved ones of those who have
died, and with those who have contracted the virus. Again, I can only
begin to imagine the sense of fear and loss families must be
feeling. 

I hope readers continue to stay safe, socially distance and regularly
check in on loved ones.  Again, people are being urged to remain
vigilant for any symptoms of Covid-19 If you're feeling unwell with
any of the symptoms of Covid, a new continuous cough, high
temperature, or a loss of or change to taste or smell, it's vital that
you get tested. 

If you feel fine and are leaving the house on a regular basis –
please do get a free rapid test and help stop the asymptomatic spread.
Details can be found below.

If you're in the first priority groups for a vaccine (and haven't yet
been vaccinated), you should soon receive a letter inviting you to
book a vaccination appointment through the national booking
system: [link removed]
[[link removed]]

The letter invites you to log onto the national booking system or call
a national number to book your appointment at a centre within 45
minutes of your home address. The letter will include a unique booking
code and individual NHS ID number to support the booking – you must
have these to book your appointment. Please note: You will not be able
to book an appointment until you receive your invite letter, which
will be sent when it’s your turn for a vaccination. If you have
already booked an appointment with your GP, please ignore the letter.
More
information: [link removed]
[[link removed]]

The response to Coronavirus is being directed by Government centrally
working with Public Health England, the Government’s advice
is available here
[[link removed]]. Government
assistance specifically for businesses  is available here
[[link removed]].  

A reminder that if you need to get in touch about the issues covered
here – or anything else – please contact my office on 0207 219
4243 or e-mail me at [email protected]. Please bear
with us, as we have received five times our regular casework
correspondence in recent months.

BE ALERT TO VACCINE FRAUDSTERS

[Vaccine Fraud]

COVID VACCINES ARE FREE AND THE NHS WILL NEVER ASK FOR PAYMENT OR
FINANCIAL DETAILS. 

A reminder to be alert for virus vaccine scams. There have been
reports of people (often vulnerable) being contacted with a request
for payment or card details in order to secure a vaccination or in
some instances, to receive a “Covid-relief pay-out”. A reminder
that GOV and HMRC never send notifications of a tax rebate or ask you
to disclose personal or payment information by text message. The
phishing websites that retrieve data from vulnerable people are
looking more and more professional, please be on the alert and share
in your circles.

You can report any suspicious calls, texts, or e-mails you receive
from HMRC
here: [link removed]
[[link removed]]

Please feel free to get in contact with my office if you are concerned
about the veracity of any messages you receive.

FINDING SUPPORT

The renewed lockdown measures will have created anxiety and stress for
many. Don't be afraid to reach out for help if you are worried about
your mental health: SAMARITANS: 116 123, CALM: 0800 58 58
58, YOUNG MINDS:0800 018 2138, THE MIX (UNDER 25S): 0808 808 4994,
HARROW COUNCIL ALSO ENCOURAGE CALLING THE CORONAVIRUS HOTLINE: 0208
901 2698

HARROW TALKING THERAPIES

If you're anxious, feeling low or stressed about the impact of the
virus on you or loved ones, Harrow Talking Therapies Service is here
to help.

Part of the NHS Improving Access to Psychological Therapy service, it
supports people feeling isolated or worrying about what's going on, as
well those dealing with depression, bereavement and insomnia. 

Available via phone or video
call: [link removed]
[[link removed]]

CORONAVIRUS HOTLINE

The council continues to operate a hotline telephone number during
weekends in order to provide support to 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

GUIDE TO TAX DEBT AND MENTAL HEALTH​

[link removed]
[[link removed]]

Some of the topics in the above guide to tax debt and mental health
will be of support to constituents, in order to:

Understand the impact of debt to mental health - the different kinds
of debt (e.g. tax debt) and how they can be a key source of stress,
depression, and anxiety if not planned and managed properly.

Advice for dealing with debt such as setting up a Debt Management Plan
or an Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA), qualifying for a Debt
Relief Order (DRO), or even filing bankruptcy to get some protection
and keep life essentials like pension savings safe from creditors.

What to do if debt problems begin affecting your mental health. This
includes recognizing the symptoms and early warning signs of mental
health problems associated with debt as well as advice on where to
turn to for help and support.

Other useful information and resources, including debt charities and
organisations that are dedicated to helping people conquer their debt
problems.

SUPPORT FOR DOMESTIC ABUSE VICTIMS

Anyone that is experiencing domestic abuse can now go into a Boots or
an independent chemist and seek help. If they say the codeword
‘ANI’ (pronounced Annie), they’ll be taken to a private room
and asked if they want to call 999 or a domestic abuse helpline. ANI
stands for Action Needed Immediately.

📞NATIONAL DOMESTIC ABUSE HELPLINE 0808 2000 247

📞RESPECT HELPLINE FOR MALE VICTIMS OF ABUSE 0808 8010327

FIRM FOUNDATION

Due to COVID - FirmFoundation have suspended drop-in facilities. If
you are homeless and rough sleeping, you can call Streetlink on 0300
5000 914. Ring Harrow Council on 020 8424 1093 – you can also
contact FirmFoundation through the Contact Us page on their website or
call the office on 02084265515.

FRESH HORIZONS CND

The Fresh Horizons CND charity based in Wembley has supported
accommodation available for the single homeless in Harrow during the
ongoing coronavirus restrictions. If you or someone you know is in
need of supported accommodation, Fresh Horizons can be contacted by
telephone at 0300 321 4702 or via email at [email protected]

SUPPORT FOR CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE

Harrow Council, Harrow CCG, and Young Harrow Foundation have put
together a joint document
[[link removed]] 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
[[link removed]] – 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
[[link removed]]
 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

•       5 Steps to Mental Wellbeing
[[link removed]]
  - A fantastic primer on stress, anxiety and depression from the
NHS. Evidence suggests there are 5 steps you can take to improve your
mental health and wellbeing. Trying these things could help you feel
more positive and able to get the most out of life.

·       Relate Family Mediation 
[[link removed]] - a
service fully geared up to supporting families through the crisis.
Tel: 0300 0032324 or email [email protected].

·       DAWN [[link removed]]  - 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 [[link removed]]  - 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 
[[link removed]]  - 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].

·        [[link removed]] Every
Mind Matters [[link removed]] - Expert
advice and practical tips to help you look after your mental health
and wellbeing.

HARROW COUNCIL

[HC Covid-19]

The council has a webpage covering their own response to the
coronavirus pandemic, this is regularly being updated and is
available here.  
[[link removed]]

BOOK A FREE TEST ONLINE
[[link removed]] OR
CALL 119

😷 GETTING TESTED AT A LOCAL TESTING CENTRE: 🧪

[Feel Fine? Get Tested.]

FEEL FINE? GET TESTED

 

This week, a new rapid test centre has opened up for Rayners Lane and
South Harrow residents at the Beacon Centre. Rapid test centres are
opening across Harrow and have stopped hundreds of people from
spreading Coronavirus so far. 1 in 3 people with Covid do not display
any symptoms & mobile units across Harrow have already identified
hundreds of people who did not know they were Covid positive

Book a free rapid test at the BEACON CENTRE, ST ANN’S SHOPPING
CENTRE, HARROW ARTS CENTRE, HARROW CIVIC CENTRE, OR SHREE SWAMINARAYAN
TEMPLE STANMORE, open 7 days a week. 

BOOK A FREE TEST: [link removed]
[[link removed]]

[Get a test]

AS ALWAYS, BOOK A TEST IF:

• You have coronavirus symptoms: 🤒 fever and/or new and
continuous cough and/or loss of or change to sense of taste or smell

• You are an ‘essential worker’ who is not having symptoms

• You have been asked by NHS Test & Trace or Harrow Council to have
a test

BOOK A FREE TEST  [[link removed]]- TESTS MUST
BE BOOKED IN ADVANCE. 

CAN YOU PROVIDE SUPPORT?

LONDON'S COMMUNITY KITCHEN

[LCK]

London's Community Kitchen (based at The Bridge, next to Harrow
Leisure Centre) run a Free Surplus Food Market open to everyone every
Friday from 3-5PM. At the height of the pandemic, this operation has
served over 10,000 people across Harrow and London. Please consider
donating or getting involved in any way that you can with this
incredible Harrow-wide response to the coronavirus pandemic:
[link removed]
[[link removed]]

If you’re ever in need of their support, the Community Kitchen want
to help - they won’t ask you for any details, or anything in return,
just turn up and they will provide you with food.

VOLUNTEER:

The Community Kitchen would love any support to keep their operation
running as effectively as possible. Please get in touch with Vivette
Morrow: [email protected]  and once you have had a
Covid test, she will help set you up as a volunteer!

HARROW FOODBANK

[Foodbank]

Harrow Foodbank continues to highlight the impact of in-work poverty
and the number of ways that people find themselves at a crisis point.
Donations are accepted in collection bins after checkout at all major
supermarkets. The Foodbank continue to emphasise the majority of its
users are in work, but many are in need of emergency food provisions.
If you can, please consider providing a monetary donation to the food
bank, they have acquired a van and plan to make deliveries to
vulnerable residents across the borough in 2021 - send an email to
[email protected] or visit Harrow.foodbank.org.uk
[/Harrow.foodbank.org.uk ]  [/Harrow.foodbank.org.uk ]for more.

CONSIDER BECOMING A STEM CELL DONOR #HELPVEERNOW

[HelpVeerNow]

Harrow born Veer Gudhka, aged 4, has been searching for a matching
stem cell donor for over a year now. It is often very difficult for
people of Asian origin to find their match. Veer's parents have been
appealing to people of all backgrounds, but especially Asians, to step
forward and join the global stem cell register. All it takes to do so
is a simple cheek swab test in your own home! If you are found to be a
match, donation itself is usually as simple as giving blood. So, we
urge you to register today to help Veer and countless others who are
in desperate need of a match and to potentially give them a second
lease of life.

Order your free swab kit today: [link removed]
[[link removed]]

The HelpVeerNow campaign has managed to inspire over 9000 people to
register and one of these 9000 people in India has actually gone on to
donate his stem cells and save someone else’s life! This is why
every registration really does count, so please keep encouraging
others to register as stem cell donors too

You can download an interactive PDF for sharing across your WhatsApp
and Email networks. Please download today and get
sharing: [link removed]
[[link removed]]

Follow @HELPVEERNOW across Facebook
[[link removed]] and Instagram
[[link removed]].

HELP FROM ME

[GT Zoom Surgeries]

I appreciate that whilst this outbreak of Covid-19 is currently
dominating a lot of our thoughts, other concerns and problems do not
disappear. However, to help reduce the spread of infection, I am
asking members of the public who need to contact my office to do so by
phone or email rather than in person and further, I will continue to
hold surgery appointments exclusively by telephone and Zoom video
conferencing. This is a temporary measure and a sensible precaution to
protect vulnerable people.  Please be assured we continue to offer a
full service of advice and support to members of the public who need
it. 

My office can be contacted on [email protected] or by
telephone on 0207 219 4243 (Monday-Friday). Please bear with us, as we
have received five times our regular casework correspondence in recent
months.

STAY SAFE,

GARETH

[Facebook: [link removed]]
[[link removed]]
[Twitter: [link removed]]
[[link removed]]

If you'd rather not receive future emails from us, please click here
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[[link removed]].

Sent by email from the Labour Party, promoted by Keith Ferry on behalf
of Gareth Thomas, both at 132-134 Blenheim Road, Harrow, HA2 7AA
Website: www.labour.org.uk to join or renew call 0345 092 2299.

                                             
             

The Labour Party, 105 Victoria St Westminster, London, SW1E 6QT, United Kingdom
[link removed]