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This month, we marked a year since the first restrictions were put in place on March 23rd 2020. I don't think any of us could have envisioned how those 12 months would pan out. It has been an incredibly tough year, we have all been separated from our loved ones and witnessed so much loss and sadness.  Yet against that backdrop we have also seen enormous courage and strength, wonderful examples of kindness and community spirit. This month I joined the #[ MarchHeart campaign ]( [link removed] ) to thank the invaluable army of volunteers that have helped keep our community going over the last year - from [ Gosport Voluntary Action Group ]( [link removed] )to [ Team Scrubbers ]( [link removed] ) and [ Gosport Boro' Feed a Family ]( [link removed] ) to name just a few - and commemorate all those who have lost their lives and loved ones. Our local health and care staff have been as outstanding as ever over the last 12 months, proving once and for all that real heroes wear scrubs not capes!  
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The success of our world-class vaccination continues to bring us hope for brighter days ahead - well over 30 million people have now been vaccinated and many millions more have received their second jab.  Restrictions have carefully started to ease as of March 29th. Our amazing teams of NHS workers and volunteers at Fareham and Gosport CCG have administered over 124,000 jabs. You can find the statistics [ here ]( [link removed] ). 

I know there has been some concern over a shortage in supply over the next four weeks but I would like to reassure residents that everyone will receive the same COVID-19 vaccine within 12 weeks. If you have still not received your first, and are eligible, you can book your jab by clicking the button below.   
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I've been a touch-line mum for many of our brilliant local sports organisations over the years, having taken my sons to the pitch for Gosport & Fareham RFC,  Gosport Borough Cricket Club and various footy teams, so I was relieved to see the return of grassroots sports.

We can now also meet in groups of 6 outdoors, or two households, in a socially distanced manner. Please do remember to stay safe and stick to the guidelines, even if you have received your vaccine.   [
COVID-19 Guidelines ]( [link removed] )
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At the beginning of the month, the Chancellor announced his [ Budget ]( [link removed] ) which included a wide range of financial support: 
 
Extending vital COVID-19 support such as furlough and expanding the SEISS scheme to include 600,000 more self-employed people. Restart Grants have been announced to provide financial help for businesses. An extension to VAT and business rate reduction.

Importantly for our local region, I was delighted when, having lobbied hard in support of the bid from Portsmouth Port, the Solent was chosen to be one of the new [ Freeport ]( [link removed] )areas - it will help attract investment to our area.

In addition, the Gosport Constituency could benefit from up to £150,000 from the new [ Levelling Up Fund ]( [link removed] ) and I met with representatives from the Solent LEP, Gosport Borough Council and Hampshire County Council to talk about potential bids for projects.

Separately, Gosport Borough Council and Fareham Borough Council will receive a total of £308,401 through the [ Welcome Back Fund ]( [link removed] ) to help our area and local businesses prepare as restrictions ease. 

[ Royal Clarence Yard ]( [link removed] ) is home to some of these brilliant businesses - from [ Arty's ]( [link removed] )to [ The Pump House ]( [link removed] ) - and I joined landowners Berkley Homes to discuss what additional support they are providing at this time.   
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For [ International Women's Day ]( [link removed]- ), it was great to hear from local business whizzes Katie Fairhall (founder of [ Katie Bakes ]( [link removed] ) and owner of the [ Little Pancake Company ]( [link removed] )) and Freya Derrick (founder of [ Hopscotch Day Nurseries ]( [link removed] )) - as well as TV's [ Alison Cork ]( [link removed] ) - about their triumphs and challenges. Thanks to all who joined! 


 

I also hosted an [ Exporting Event ]( [link removed] ) with the Department for International Trade to help our businesses take advantage of new opportunities as we have left the EU. 90% of global economic growth in the next 10 to 15 years is expected to be generated outside the EU, so look out for another two events I will be planning!   
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In other news this month, we have seen: 
 
A new national [ Bus Strategy ]( [link removed] ) to support improving local infrastructure and [ £120 million ]( [link removed] )to provide zero-emission buses.  The publication of the [ Integrated Review ]( [link removed] ), setting out how Global Britain will build back better, build new international relations and protect our country. New Plan for Immigration has been announced, and you can have your say on proposals [ here ]( [link removed] ).   New [ gigabit broadband plans ]( [link removed] ), with Hampshire procurement to be announced in the Summer.  [ £79 million boost ]( [link removed] ) for young people's mental health services and a new [ Office for Health Promotion ]( [link removed] ).  [ £490,000 for Hampshire Constabulary ]( [link removed] ) to tackle serious and violent crime. 

I know that like me, many residents were shocked about the tragic death of Sarah Everard. The Home Secretary reopened the [ Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Call for Evidence ]( [link removed] ) and thank you to everyone who submitted evidence.  Over two weeks over 170,000 people took part. I look forward to seeing the government's response on how to make our streets safer for women and girls everywhere. 

This March was also [ NO MORE Week ]( [link removed] ) and, as a Champion of the charity, I joined [ Hestia ]( [link removed] )to raise awareness about domestic violence. Don't forget if you are a victim you can always leave your home and access free rail travel. Support is [ available ]( [link removed] )when you need it.
 
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I had the opportunity this month to support other charities, including the [ M ]( [link removed] )[ arie Curie Great Daffodil Appea ]( [link removed] )[ l ]( [link removed] ) and our own Portsmouth Down Syndrome Association and [ #RockMySocks ]( [link removed] ) for Down Syndrome Awareness Week. 

Inspired by my colleague Guy Opperman MP, my team and I have joined this #10For10 challenge for Gosport Voluntary Action Group - walking 10,000 steps on 10 different days. Find out more and support GVA [ here ]( [link removed] ). 

The [ Gosport Day and Well Being Centre ]( [link removed] ) at the Discovery Centre, run by [ Age Concern Hampshire ]( [link removed] ), are also available to support those with dementia and their families. You can find out more about their amazing services and how they can help here. 

In addition, I spoke to Chris Reeves from [ Win The Morning, Win The Day ]( [link removed] ) - a fabulous local charity, positively supporting mental health and wellbeing though a walk, a talk and a dip in the sea at Stokes Bay. This simple idea has really taken off and WTMWTD has reached people right across the UK, it was great to hear about their exciting plans.   
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There have been great improvements in support for the homeless in our area over the last year. Building on the remarkable Open Doors community project, which saw churches across Gosport offering a bed and hot meals to rough sleepers over the winter months of 2019-20.  The Government's 'Everyone In' scheme has funded heated 'pods' in Walpole Park for rough-sleepers during the pandemic, many of whom have now been permanently housed. 
 
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Most recently, [ The Centre ]( [link removed] ) has opened on Gosport High Street. 18 organisations - including [ Acts of Kindness ]( [link removed] ) have come together to support rough sleepers and those as risk of homelessness as well as other vulnerable residents. Help is on hand with everything from housing to health needs, or even just a cup of tea and a chat. It was great to see this valuable work in progress this month.  
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I visited the newest [ Gosport and Fareham Multi-Academy Trust ]( [link removed] ) site at Spring Lane Gardens to learn more about their work supporting some of our vulnerable youngsters with out-of-term provision, as well as helping some armed forces children.

57 new 6 month placements are open for young adults (16-25) with GFM as part of the Kickstart Scheme! You can find out more [ here ]( [link removed] ). 



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It’s been 5 years since I joined award-winning [ Kathy’s Café ]( [link removed] ) for their official opening in Stubbington. Now Kathy has opened a gorgeous new shop – [ Kathy’s Sweet Treats Bakery ]( [link removed] ) – at 4, Marine Parade West, on Lee on the Solent seafront, offering delicious baked goods.

It was a great privilege to join the team for the official opening once again.
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I know that residents have very rightly been angry and upset about the mindless vandalism at Ann’s Hill Cemetery - for the second time. 
 
I have spoken extensively to the Chief Inspector of Gosport Police, and he has assured me that his team are exploring every avenue. I have been assured that the police are upping their patrols around the area and have also, in conjunction with Hampshire County Council, ensured that street lighting will remain on in the vicinity and not turned off at 1am as usual. I have also contacted Gosport Borough Council regarding the provision of CCTV in the cemetery.  They have agreed to look into this.
 
The police are also requesting help from the public, so if you saw or heard anything of the incident, or if you have any information about the person or people responsible, please call 101 and quote incident number 44210105394. Equally, if you have any CCTV which may assist please do let the police know.   
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Finally, I want to wish everyone a lovely Easter weekend!  
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Caroline Dinenage MP
167 Stoke Road 
Gosport 
PO12 1SE
[email protected]  
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