Politically speaking: Morley and Outwood MP Andrea Jenkyns praises those on the frontline and community volunteers,

“In these difficult times, community celebrations such as Easter, St George’s Day and the Queen’s birthday have been honoured in a more domestic setting,” writes Andrea Jenkyns.
Clap for Heroes at Pinderfields Hospital. Picture Scott MerryleesClap for Heroes at Pinderfields Hospital. Picture Scott Merrylees
Clap for Heroes at Pinderfields Hospital. Picture Scott Merrylees

“We are getting used to this new normal, which hopefully won’t last forever and Parliament has reopened with the help of technology.

We have seen this in the way households across our local area have taken to following the new rules and restrictions. I would like to thank everyone who is staying at home wherever possible in order to help fight this virus. The greatest gratitude goes to those who are working to save lives, to keep us safe and to produce, deliver and distribute food and essential items. Nurses, doctors, the police, transport workers, shopkeepers, cleaners and many others are the backbone of the country in this crisis.

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We have now been in lockdown for more than a month and we are all feeling its impact, including the loss of many loved ones to Covid-19. I pray for them and their families and I invite you to remember them by lighting a candle every night at 9pm.

Every Thursday at 8pm, people across Morley and Outwood have joined with others up and down the country to demonstrate their support for the NHS on the doorstep. This simple gesture, to Clap for Carers, is a powerful display of support for those on the frontline.

Over at Pinderfields Hospital, banners have been placed by well-wishers to show their support to workers as they drive in each day.

A key issue is an upsurge in global demand for personal protective equipment (PPE). Without this gear, those on the frontline would not be able to do their jobs. Having reached out to those with a particular need, I am pleased to say that a number of local businesses have stepped forward to help ease that supply with generous donations. I have personally contacted all the care homes in my constituency to ask about their need and concerns, feeding back to the relevant authorities and delivering PPE with a group of volunteers.

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With people isolated in their homes, it was only inevitable that we would have less of an idea about what is going on in their communities. I have been astounded by the great response to my call for Covid-19 volunteers to help to make a difference for those in particular need.

Often, volunteers are helping in the simplest of ways. Many of those at great risk from coronavirus were struggling to get hold of day-to-day essentials. In response, I’ve coordinated a united response with volunteers delivering food and medicine to those unable to leave home.

Volunteers even phone the lonely to ensure they have at least some contact. The large number of volunteers across our, and all, communities, should comfort us in these uncertain times.

With a daily bulletin, I send out updates on the latest news and which local businesses are open - often offering delivery services to your door. It’s crucial that we support companies across the area at this time.

If you would like to be added to my email list or need my help in any other way, email [email protected]. God bless, and stay safe everyone.”