This week, life for so many people in Seven Sisters and beyond continues to be affected by the explosion that has shaken our community. I’ve been working with families, local residents, community groups and others. You can read a full update on the situation here.
A few days ago, the Welsh Government announced that from next Monday (July 6th), two households will be able to form a ‘social bubble’ and meet indoors. I know this will be a welcome development for many families across the constituency who have been missing their families. But it’s important to still make sure you’re familiar with the guidance: both households must stay the same – there can be no chopping and changing between different bubbles – and if one person in a household develops symptoms, then both households will need to self-isolate. Monday will also see the lifting of the five-mile travel restriction, and these changes make it even more important that we continue to practise social distancing outside our bubbles so that we don’t undo all the hard work of the past few months.
This week, I want to wish Organised Kaos the happiest 10th birthday! Over 10 years ago, the amazing and inspirational Nicola decided to convert the old Cwmamman Church Hall in Gwaen Cae Gurwen into her training HQ for Organised Kaos. Hundreds of youngsters and adults have passed through her circus training school, learning new skills, performing around the area and being provided with an important space in their own community. The skill and dedication it takes to learn is incredible and it is great to see the youngsters develop confidence in themselves and their own abilities to enable them to face whatever life throws at them with determination and resilience. I can’t wait to see you perform once this crisis has passed and I hope Organised Kaos enjoy many more birthdays in the years to come!
The Wales and West Utilities Safe and Warm Fund are accepting applications until 6 July. The £50,000 fund can be accessed by community and parish councils, not-for-profit co-operatives or community interest companies, charities and community groups. From food banks to energy efficiency, domestic abuse charities to community transport, the fund is there to support those working on the frontline to help the most vulnerable stay safe and warm. You can find more information and apply on the Wales and West Utilities website here.
This weekend on Sunday 5th July at 5pm, I will be applauding the commitment, courage, and sacrifice shown by our marvellous NHS staff on the 72nd birthday of the service. We are more grateful than ever during this pandemic for the caring and dedication of those working within its ranks and especially for the fact that it is freely available to all. This is a moment to reflect on 72 years of caring for our nation’s health and to resolve to protect the service for years to come. We are hugely grateful to all those who have worked so hard over the last few months, the doctors and nurses, the porters and cleaners, without whom we really would have been lost. You are all amazing – thank you.
As always, if you have any questions or issues and want to get in touch, please do not hesitate to drop us an email on christina.rees.mp@parliament.uk or call us on 01639 630152. My staff are working from home to comply with the social distancing measures, but, as always, we remain there should you need to get in contact with us.
I hope you stay well, enjoy the weekend and, remember – stay local, protect the NHS and save lives.