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 to thank the invaluable army of volunteers that have helped keep our community going over the last year - from Gosport Voluntary Action Group to Team Scrubbers and Gosport Boro' Feed a Family 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!

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. 

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. 

At the beginning of the month, the Chancellor announced his Budget which included a wide range of financial support: 
 

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 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 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 to help our area and local businesses prepare as restrictions ease. 

Royal Clarence Yard is home to some of these brilliant businesses - from Arty's to The Pump House - and I joined landowners Berkley Homes to discuss what additional support they are providing at this time. 

In other news this month, we have seen: 
 

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 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 and, as a Champion of the charity, I joined Hestia 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 when you need it.

I had the opportunity this month to support other charities, including the Marie Curie Great Daffodil Appeal and our own Portsmouth Down Syndrome Association and #RockMySocks 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. 

The Gosport Day and Well Being Centre at the Discovery Centre, run by Age Concern Hampshire, 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 - 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. 

Most recently, The Centre has opened on Gosport High Street. 18 organisations - including Acts of Kindness 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.

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. 

Finally, I want to wish everyone a lovely Easter weekend!