From today (24th April) all essential workers in England and their family members who live with them will be able to get a test for coronavirus if they are showing symptoms, which is something I have been pushing for. Essential workers who are self-isolating can now book a test on the Government’s website. Here is the link: self-referral.test-for-coronavirus.service.gov.uk. There is also further guidance on the process and who can be tested via this link: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-getting-tested . The test involves taking a swab of the nose and the back of the throat. This can be done either by ourselves at home or by someone else at a testing site. There are five main ways that we can get tested. These are as follows:
• Regional testing sites
• Home testing
• Mobile testing units
• Satellite centres
• NHS facilities
This has been made possible due to the substantially increased testing capacity. A new network of diagnostic laboratories has been completed in five weeks, which has enhanced our national testing capability.
Earlier in the week I spoke to Robert Ashford, CEO at Middle Street Resource Centre. Since April 2015, Beeston Community Resource has managed Middle Street Resource Centre. Their core aim is to offer support to those with experience of mental health difficulties. The support they normally offer includes one to one therapeutic sessions, mental health wellbeing groups and they provide volunteering opportunities. On average, they record over 4000 people accessing their centre per month. This is a service doing vital work at the best of times but during this pandemic it is essential. In line with Government’s advice on social distancing they ceased all community-based operations at the Centre, but they are offering a daily duty worker system based at the Centre. Their staff are also working remotely from home and staying in contact with over 200 vulnerable adults by providing telephone support. They are delivering fresh cooked meals three days per week to 24 local residents who are at risk of self-neglect. Public Health England recently launched its dedicated mental health page, which has a wide range of practical support to help us manage our mental health during COVID-19. Here is the link to the page: nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters
As I have written in my updates before micro and small business are the backbone of our economy here in Broxtowe and many businesses have had to adapt their practices and ways of working to deal with new challenges. Many are doing an excellent job. As you can see in the video attached to this update, Lewis Winter of Trinity Farm, Awsworth Lane, Cossall, has had to adapt the business model to serve more customers. The farm has been an organic farm for 30 years here in Broxtowe and normally serves 140 regulars with their local produce but since the Government introduced COVID-19 restrictions that has increased to 900. What a marvellous achievement that is and Lewis is very modest, but I wish to give the team at Trinity Farm the recognition they deserve.
I am planning to hold a joint business-focused virtual surgery with the East Midlands Chamber (Chamber of Commerce) to assist local businesses in Broxtowe. I have been in contact with Chris Hobson, Director of Policy and External Affairs, and he said: “Small businesses are the lifeblood of Broxtowe’s economy and the Council has made a good start in administering the Government’s business grant scheme. This funding is vital to help businesses cover costs whilst in lockdown, ensuring they can hit the ground running when the economy restarts. It is now crucial that payments continue to reach the businesses that qualify as smoothly and as quickly as possible in order to further protect jobs and livelihoods.” I am working hard to ensure that all businesses including the self-employed here in Broxtowe are supported throughout this pandemic. Therefore, I will be holding a business-focused virtual surgery. If you would like more information about this surgery or you would like to book your place on one of my regular online surgeries please contact me via my email address: darren.henry.mp@parliament.uk. I look forward to hearing from you as I am here to serve you.
This is a difficult time for everyone and if you are struggling there is support available via this link: gov.uk/find-coronavirus-support #StayhomeSavelives
Darren