Dear John,

🦠 Over the past week, Harrow has seen 939 cases of coronavirus, which is up 94% from last week, at the same time we have seen a 30% rise of patients admitted to hospitals in the past seven days, with the 35 patients admitted. As Local authorities continue to monitor the spread of the Delta and Beta variants, it is worth recognising that two doses offes the best protection against either variant at this time, and so I continue to  urge everyone that has not yet done so to book their vaccine – 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.

Book your vaccine today

Harrow remains the best performing borough in London for vaccinations, with  69% of Harrow residents having had at least one dose and  over 50%  fully vaccinated. Again, we owe a huge thank you to everyone that has brought us to this level and continue to make this happen -   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.  

As of yesterday, the Government has lifted most Coronavirus restrictions. I will continue to wear a face covering on public transport and in crowded indoor public spaces, and I encourage you to do the same where you are able to. I know today brings excitement for some, but it’s worth recognising there are many that will not feel the same. Our clinically vulnerable friends and family and staff across the country who are regularly exposed to the public have not been listened to and for some of them, there are very significant risks from rising levels of the virus. So go easy, stay safe and please wear a face mask while supporting a Harrow business.

While I and well over half of Harrow have been fully vaccinated, we still need people to get their doses when they are called. It remains the best line of defence.

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.

✈️ Green, Amber and Red Lists for Travelling Abroad  ✈️

In May, 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. Last Month, the Transport Secretary announced a green “watch list” to be updated every three weeks, with countries on the list kept under review, responding “to emerging evidence, with a particular focus on variants of concern”.

The Government state they will update and potentially amend the list every three weeks to avoid excess disruption, but a decision can be made immediately, as seen with France over the weekend. It is unfortunate that immediate travel changes (due to fears of a Beta variant spread) are not met with alterations to the overall national unlocking.

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

The current green list countries:

Arrivals from green list countries need to take a pre-departure test as well as a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test on or before day two of their arrival back into the UK.

However, they do not need to quarantine on return (unless they receive a positive result) or take any additional tests.

The countries on the green list as of 4.00am on 19 July are:

• Anguilla (Green watchlist)
• Antarctica/British Antarctic Territory (Green watchlist)
• Antigua and Barbuda (Green watchlist)
• Australia
• Barbados (Green Watchlist)
• Bermuda (Green Watchlist)
• British Indian Ocean Territory (Green Watchlist)
• Brunei
• Bulgaria
• Cayman Islands (Green Watchlist)
• Croatia (Green watchlist)
• Dominica (Green Watchlist)
• Falkland Islands
• Faroe Islands
• Gibraltar
• Grenada (Green Watchlist)
• Hong Kong
• Iceland
• Israel and Jerusalem (Green Watchlist)
• Madeira (Green Watchlist) – Mainland Portugal and the Azores are on the amber list.
• Malta
• Montserrat (Green Watchlist)
• New Zealand
• Pitcairn, Henderson, Ducie and Oeno Islands (Green Watchlist)
• Singapore
• South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands
• St Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha
• Taiwan (Green Watchlist)
• Turks and Caicos Islands (Green Watchlist)

   

   

  The most recent travel review was on the 14^th July and another will be expected later this month.
  
  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

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 month and, since then, hundreds of workers and local residents have signed my petition   ⬇️

✍️ 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 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 through out 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.

E-mail: [email protected]

Made in Harrow

Celebrate Harrow this Sunday, 25th of July with me and many of Harrow’s excellent local businesses and charities. 'Made in Harrow' is expected to be 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.

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

A reminder to get a regular test in a rapid test centre - about 1 in 3 people with COVID-19 do not have symptoms but can still infect others. The NHS advice is to do a rapid test twice a week (every 3 to 4 days) to check if you have the virus. If people test positive and self-isolate, it helps stop the virus spreading. Even if you’re vaccinated, there’s still a chance you can pass COVID-19 on, so you should keep getting tested regularly.   

You can test at sites across Harrow, including at many pharmacies, open 7 days a week. 

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 open. All those aged 18 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/

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.

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