Dear John,

🦠 Over the past week, Harrow has seen 160 cases of coronavirus, which is up 54 cases from last week. Across North West London, we have now seen over 1.4 million vaccines administered, with Harrow now the best performing borough, with 60% of Harrow residents now having received both doses of the vaccine. This is a great statistic and we owe a huge thank you to everyone that has brought us to this level -  all of our NHS staff at London Northwest Healthcare Trust, community pharmacies, local volunteers at Byron Hall, Tithe Farm, Grims Dyke who have been quietly supported by Metropolitan Police Service officers, London Fire Brigade, the Armed Forces, Harrow Council staff & numerous others. 

Hospitalisations and deaths attributed to the virus remain low, but we are seeing hospitalisations rise on a national level. Local authorities are continuing to monitor the spread of the new Delta + variant. Two doses offers the best protection against the new variant and so I continue to urge all eligible to book their vaccine here – not only to keep yourselves safe but to reduce the spread, save lives and reduce the pressure on our NHS. Vaccines are now being offered to all those who are 18 and older.

Please note that if you are waiting for your second dose you may be contacted by the Local Authority for an earlier appointment. We have previously seen successful vaccine walk-ins across the Borough and North West London, and while there are none planned at present, this can change if the vaccine supplies improves. I will continue to update residents in the first instance via Facebook.

I hope readers continue to stay safe and regularly check in on loved ones.  As always, 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 via https://www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test

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

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.

🚧 Current Lockdown Restrictions: Step 3 Restrictions still in place 🚧

The Government has extended the third stage of the unlocking roadmap. I understand that after 2 weeks, the government will review the data to see if the risks have reduced. It’s expected that England will move to Step 4 on 19 July 2021.

The third phase of the roadmap out of lockdown came into effect on Monday 17th May 2021 and will continue until at least the 19th July.

Rules which continue:

🏠You can now meet as two households or rule of six, indoors and outdoors 

💪🏼Gyms and team sports can continue both indoors and outdoors 

⛱️Holidays can take place at home and abroad (please note the traffic light system in place🚦) 

🍝You can dine at restaurants and bars as two households or rule of six, indoors and outdoors 

🛐Cultural venues are now open 

🎶Live events can take place at a 50% capacity 

🏫Schools and childcare remain open 

⚠️Nightclubs are still closed for the time being 

Rules which changed on 21st June:

🔔Weddings and Civil partnerships may take place, with some restrictions in place to maintain safety. The number of people who can attend in a Covid secure venue is determined by venue accommodation, with social distancing in place. In private homes up to 6 people or 2 households can attend. A Covid-19 risk assessment must be completed for all events taking place in venues. A marquee or other structure in a private garden of a private home must have at least 50% of its walled area open at any time for it not to be classed as indoors.

❤️Commemorative events following death may take place, with some restrictions in place to maintain safety. The number of people who can attend is in most cases determined by how many people a venue can safely accommodate, with social distancing measures in place. In private homes up to 6 people or 2 households can attend. A Covid-19 risk assessment must be completed for all events taking place in venues. A marquee or other structure in a private garden of a private home must have at least 50% of its walled area open at any time for it not to be classed as indoors.

🏡Care home visits may continue. Residents can nominate five named visitors, with two visitors being able to visit each day. Residents can also nominate an essential care giver. Visitors are required to show proof of a negative test result before visiting can take place. 

🚸Domestic residential visits for children, such as Brownies, Scouts, Duke of Edinburgh can take place in consistent groups of 30 of up to 30.

⚽A limited number of pilot events will be taking place for large events. This will include some UEFA EURO 2020 matches, as well as some other sports, arts and music performances. 

The full guidance is available here. Government assistance specifically for businesses is available here.

I know some will be disappointed that the restrictions remain in place, however I urge all to continue to I still urge all to follow the rules and keep others safe as we see cases rise across the country. 

Green, Amber and Red Lists for Travelling Abroad ✈️

Last month, the Government announced green, amber and red lists for travelling abroad. Red and amber countries are not yet permitted for travel for the purpose of leisure. If you have been in one of these countries in the 10 days before entering the UK you must follow the relevant quarantining rules.
People arriving from green list countries will not have to quarantine, although will still need to fill out a passenger locator form, have a pre-departure test and a test on or before day 2 of their return.
You must only have been in or travelled through a green list country or the Common Travel Area in the previous 10 days for these rules to apply.

The Government state they will update and potentially amend the list every three weeks to avoid excess disruption.

You can sign up to an email alert to be notified when this list changes here.

The current green list countries:

• Anguilla (from 04:00BST on Wednesday 30 June)

• Antigua and Barbuda (from 04:00BST on Wednesday 30 June)

• Australia

• Balearic Islands (from 04:00BST on Wednesday 30 June)

• Barbados (from 04:00BST on Wednesday 30 June)

• Bermuda (from 04:00BST on Wednesday 30 June)

• British Antarctic Territory (from 04:00BST on Wednesday 30 June)

• British Indian Ocean Territory (from 04:00BST on Wednesday 30 June)

• The British Virgin Islands (from 04:00BST on Wednesday 30 June)

• Brunei

• Cayman Islands (from 04:00BST on Wednesday 30 June)

• Dominica (from 04:00BST on Wednesday 30 June)

• Falkland Islands

• Faroe Islands

• Gibraltar

• Grenada (from 04:00BST on Wednesday 30 June)

• Iceland

• Israel and Jerusalem

• Madeira (from 04:00BST on Wednesday 30 June)

• Malta (from 04:00BST on Wednesday 30 June)

• Montserrat (from 04:00BST on Wednesday 30 June)

• New Zealand

• Pitcairn Islands (from 04:00BST on Wednesday 30 June)

• South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands

• Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha

• Singapore

• Turks and Caicos Islands (from 04:00BST on Wednesday 30 June)

The most recent travel review was on the 3rd June. The next is expected to be on or around the 24th June.

Full details on the lists and rules can be found here: 

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/red-amber-and-green-list-rules-for-entering-england#stay-up-to-date

Campaign Summer School

Applications are now open for my first ever Campaign Summer School for students of Harrow West. This will take place over the last week of July and aims to provide a full week of training for students, where they will secure useful campaign skills, in order to help make an impact on our community.

Every year, I have great demand for work experience in my office and the pandemic has unfortunately placed that on hold. I am also aware that young people have not been able to access as many opportunities due to the virus. So, for one week, I want to offer up some first-hand insight into the world of political campaigning – bringing in local and national campaigners, and influential voices from Harrow to Westminster.

The event will take place from the 25th-30th July and applications are welcome from anyone aged between 16 and 24. Though priority will be given to those who live or go to school in the constituency of Harrow West.

I know from my own experience that whether you’re dealing with environmental issues, health, or education, an effective campaign is the key to influencing and challenging those in power. So, over the course of 6 days, I want to help attendees design and be part of a real campaign that will benefit our residents.

I plan for the school to go ahead in person but will continue to monitor the easing of restrictions

To apply, all you need to do is complete the sign-up form here before midday on Saturday 17th July.

JOIN MY CAMPAIGN: Extend Parking Relief for NHS staff

The Government’s plan to scrap the free parking relief for our NHS workers came into effect last week. ⬇️

✍️ Please sign my petition to extend parking relief for our NHS staff and make sure we are heard by the Secretary of State for Health:

https://www.gareththomas.org.uk/free-nhs-parking-campaign/

🏥 Thank you to all the workers that have been in touch so far. I understand this is affecting many people across Harrow and we want to share as many testimonials as we can, so please send us your comments, if you’re willing to: Gareth.Thomas.mp@parliament.

🧑‍⚕️ As a result of the pandemic we are seeing burn-out and real term salary cuts despite the tremendous efforts of our NHS over the past 15 months 

🚘 We need a commitment that parking relief will be extended to support staff to perform their everyday work, especially as we see cases rising again

📈Waiting lists have reached 5 million. Our NHS will be working tirelessly to address this backlog of care to our community

Please sign and share in your circles.

Harrow Council

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

Book a free test online or call 119

Feel Fine? Get Tested

Harrow Council is closing two of its test centres this week, Harrow Arts Centre’s testing site closed on 24th June and St. Ann’s site closes on July 2nd. The testing centre at the Civic Centre remains open, and I understand there may be another opening in the town centre soon. Residents can continue to test at home, as well as at 15 pharmacies across the Borough- https://www.harrow.gov.uk/test. It's important that we continue to test after we have received both doses of the vaccine.

Book a free test: https://www.harrow.gov.uk/test

As always, book a test if:

Byron Hall Mass Vaccination Centre

Byron Hall mass vaccination centre is now open. All those aged 38 and older, are being invited to receive the vaccine. If you live in Harrow or the surrounding area and you have not yet had your Covid-19 vaccine, you can now book into Byron Hall here: https://byronhall.nhsbookings.com/v2/

When you attend for your vaccine please bring some ID with you and your NHS number if you have it.

The vaccine is currently being given to:

- Visit the nhs.uk website for more info and guidance on how to book: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/coronavirus-vaccine/

Harrow Litterpicking Heroes - Are you an active litter-picker, or part of a group of litter-pickers?

Litter-picking groups are popping up on roads and green spaces across Harrow and this summer - I want to spotlight as many as I can. Please get in touch with me and let me know if you are a regular litter picker. I would love to highlight the work you do, help clean up our community and hopefully encourage more people to join you. - [email protected]

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: https://talkingtherapies.cnwl.nhs.uk/harrow

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​

https://www.riftrefunds.co.uk/tax-refunds/uk-tax-refund-advice/tax-debt-and-mental-health/

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 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

•       5 Steps to Mental Wellbeing   - 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  - 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].

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

Made in Harrow

Celebrate Harrow on the 25th of July - A day of celebration organised by many of Harrow's wonderful voluntary and community groups and businesses. There will be live music, food, arts and crafts, prize draws and much more! More information about the event can be found here.

Are you a local business? You can book your stall space now on the website. madeinharrow.org

Can you provide support?

London's Community Kitchen

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. This operation continues to serve over thousands of 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: https://www.londonscommunitykitchen.com/home-1

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

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 for more.

Help from me

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