Brent governors should support the teaching unions' demands before any return to school

National press looking forward to Monday

This article is my personal view but based on my experience as a governor and former headteacher and teacher.

While the national press was trumpeting an end to lockdown last week I received notice of a meeting scheduled for Tuesday afternoon for Chairs of Governors with the Brent Strategic Director of Children and Young People 'to discuss the anticipated government announcement about the phased reopening of schools in the second half of this term.'

Following the unprecedented joint  statement by 10 teacher unions setting out conditions for re-opening I hope that phased re-opening will be delayed or extremely limited. LINK

This is because as governors we have a duty of care to our staff and must ensure that their workplace is safe. The lack of clarity from government ministers and press speculation over re-opening has taken its toll on headteachers faced with seemingly impossible demands that at the extreme may mean life or death decisions. LINK  They have to weigh up the damage to children of not attending school, including those without access to on-line learning, help from parents, space to study or access to a garden and the responsibility to ensure that their school does not become a hot spot of infection.

The NEU has sought evidence based justification for government decision making which as yet has not been answered: (Click bottom right square for full page view)

 I believe that governors should support the 5 tests put forward by the NEU that need to be met before any return to school:

Our five tests

We want to begin to reopen schools and colleges as soon as we can. But this needs to be safe for society, for children and their families and the staff who work in them.
We have these five tests which the Government should show will be met by reliable evidence, peer-reviewed science and transparent decision-making.

Test 1 : Much lower numbers of Covid-19 cases

The new case count must be much lower than it is now, with a sustained downward trend and confidence that new cases are known and counted promptly. And the Government must have extensive arrangements for testing and contact tracing to keep it that way.

Test 2 : A national plan for social distancing

The Government must have a national plan including parameters for both appropriate physical distancing and levels of social mixing in schools, as well as for appropriate PPE, which will be locally negotiated at school-by-school and local authority level.

Test 3 : Testing, testing, testing!

Comprehensive access to regular testing for children and staff to ensure our schools and colleges don’t become hot spots for Covid-19.

Test 4 : Whole school strategy

Protocols to be put in place to test a whole school or college when a case occurs and for isolation to be strictly followed.

Test 5 : Protection for the vulnerable

Vulnerable staff, and staff who live with vulnerable people, must work from home, fulfilling their professional duties to the extent that is possible. Plans must be specifically address the protection of vulnerable parents, grandparents and carers.

Plans in Brent need to take account of the local context where cases and deaths are running at one of the highest levels in London (precise figures change daily) and where the ONS (Office of National Statistics) locality statistics reveal hot spots within the borough. LINK

Latest figures are that nationally Brent is the second highest are in the country with 141.5 per 100,000 population. Second only to Newhan at 144.3.  The total number of cases in Brent (with the caveat that because of lack of testing there are probably many more) is 1405 and 52% of all recorded deaths were Covid related.

The ONS also report on the comparative incidence of death from Coronavirus in different ethnic groups. This anaylsis is quite old now and the latest suggestion is that the risk has worsened if anything:




This means that in any phased return to full school opening governing bodies should be aware that their BAME  (Black and Minority Ethnic) staff and BAME parents are at additional risk and need to take account also of the statistics within their local community.

As with the NHS this governors need to ensure that staff have access to Personal Protection Equipment (PPE).  So far, and rightly, the NHS and Care Homes have been priortised by the local authority but PPE will need to be provided to schools if they re-open.  So far schools have only received gloves and the argument has been made that masks would frighten young children. In fact with the increasing use of masks and the likely introduction of a requirement to use them on public transport, children will soon be used to them.

Although there are BAME staff at every level in our schools the numbers are higher amongst support and premises staff.  They are more likely to live within the borough and thus exposed to infection locally.  If they live a distance away from the school they are more likely as low paid workers to use public transport rather than own a car. Travelling on public transport during rush hour is also likely to expose them to infection. Should we be considering changing hours to avoid peak travel periods.

Another consideration is if children return how will schools handle the transition. Many children without access to a garden will be suffering from the side effects of lockdown and separation from their peers. and perhaps from tensions in the home caused by isolation in the family unit. Despite the best efforts of school staff to provide learning packs and on-line  education, some will lag behind more fortunate peers.  The children's mental health will be paramount and schools may well decide that a return to  formal curriculum will have to be gradual with plenty of time for outdoor learning and creative activities in the first weeks of return.

Practical considerations will be paramount.  How to organise classrooms and pupil numbers so that social distancing can be maintained in the playground as well as the classroom.  Many classrooms are small so may comfortably accommodate only 8-10 children at social distancing of 2 metres. If a Year 6 class is split into 3 or 4 classes each will require a space and staff - how practical is that?  If priority is given to children  without access to on-line resources teaches will be dealing with both the physical and virtual classroom and the interactions involved. Workload is a consideration.

There has been discussion about a phased return perhaps prioritising Years 5 and 6 and othjers returning later as well as suggestions of one week on, one week off shifts or 8.30 to 11.30, 12.30-3.30 sessions.

It will be important for schools to share what has worked for them during the partial closure when they were dealing with key worker and vulnerable children.

Governing boards will have much to discuss and plans and risk assessments to complete before any return to school. 

Brent Council's Adult Social Care teams talk about how they're responding to coronavirus

Warning that allotment BBQs risk closure of sites

Brent Council took a sensible decision to keep allotments open as a place for exercise at the beginning of the coronavirus crisis, as long as social distancing and other guidelines were kept.

The decision has led to many plots looking better than they have done for years as the result of their owners' enforced time off work.

Now that is threatened because there have been instances of 'gatherings', ignoring 2 metre social distancing, around barbeques on some sites.

A well-placed Brent Council source said that if this continues it could lead to the closure of allotments. The source emphasised that it was a minority ignoring the rules but closure would affect everyone.

Brent Council has only recently improved the management of allotments, letting vacant plots more quickly and generally taking more of an interest. If sites were to close at peak growing season plots would become overgrown with weeds  and brmables and difficult to get back under cultivation.

Two thirds of Britons believe Climate Change as serious as Coronavirus and majority want Climate prioritised in economic recovery

Recent polling by Ipsos conducted across 14 countries globally shows that 66% of Britons believe that in the long-term Climate Change is as serious a crisis as COVID-19, this compares to 71% on average across those 14 countries.

Respondents from China were the most likely to believe that in the long-term Climate Change is as serious a crisis as COVID-19 at 87%, while respondents from the USA and Australia are the least likely, but still well over half at 59% agreeing.

Globally 65% agreed that it is important that climate change is prioritised in the economic recovery after Coronavirus. In Britain, however, this is lower at only 58%.

The polling also shows that both the world and Britain are split on whether or not the government should take actions which might harm the environment to help the economy recover. Globally 44% are in favour and 48% disagree, with Britons split 46% agreeing and 43% disagreeing, meaning we edge slightly to believing that the government should help the economy recover even if that’s at the potential expense of the environment.

Kelly Beaver, Managing Director of Public Affairs Ipsos MORI said:

It is clear that while we deal with the Coronavirus crisis, Britons are still concerned with the environmental issues facing the world and the country. And whilst a majority say they want the environment prioritised in the economic recovery, people in Britain are divided (almost equally) on whether or not the government should take actions which might harm the environment to help the economy recover.

Brent Trades Council opposes lifting coronavirus restrictions too early

BRENT TRADES COUNCIL OPPOSES LIFTING CORONAVIRUS RESTRICTIONS TOO EARLY.

THIS COULD SPARK A RESURGENCE ACROSS THE GLOBE WHICH COULD BE AS CATASTROPHIC AS THE CURRENT ONE.

Workers and trade unionists must publicise the WHO 6 key demands to be included in any exit strategy:

1) Transmission under control;
2) Health services able to cope;
3) Risks in care homes minimised;
4) Preventative measures introduced in workplaces and schools;
5) Virus importation risks managed;
6) Communities able to reduce future transmissions.

STAY AT HOME, SAVE LIVES, STAY SAFE

Behind the scenes at Brent Council's food distribution depot

From Brent Council's YouTube channel

This video gives a behind-the-scenes look at Brent Council's food delivery operation at the Bridge Park Distribution Hub, where staff are working hard to package and deliver food parcels for vulnerable residents who cannot get access to food because of coronavirus.

Thanks to everyone who has donated food or supplies to the Bridge Park Distribution Hub. We have plenty of fresh food, but are always looking for non-perishable food donations, so if you’re thinking of making a non-perishable food donation, please call 020 8937 6792.

Carry on Brent - new arrangements for the continuation of Brent Council business during Covid-19 crisis

Annoucement from the Brent Council website

New regulations to relax some rules around local authority meetings until 7 May 2021 have now come into force.

Under the changes, which are part of the Coronavirus Act 2020, the requirement for Brent Council to hold an annual meeting, which was scheduled for May, has been removed.

Where replacement appointments would have been made at that meeting - including who will be Mayor – existing appointments will automatically be continued until the next annual meeting, although the new rules allow the council to change this at a Full Council meeting before then if it chooses.

The new rules also remove the need for councillors to be in one room, face-to-face, when making decisions.

This will allow for meetings to be held remotely and the council will be putting new protocols and a suitable video conferencing system in place later this month, enabling members of the press and the public to attend and where they have a right to do so, take part.

All papers for these meetings will be available online, and there is no longer a requirement to make printed copies available.

Cllr Muhammed Butt, Leader of Brent Council, said:

At a time when there is so much disruption to all our lives, councils like Brent have been asking for these changes and I am sure that they will help us to continue to keep the show on the road and carry out more of the council’s business as usual, in a way that is safe for everyone.

We’re putting in place a video conferencing facility and protocols that will continue to ensure a robust decision-making process with appropriate public participation to avoid delays on important decisions being taken.

Ensuring that decisions can still be made is something to be welcomed, as this will help ease any delays to projects, schemes and the wider impact on our local economy as we come out on the other side of the pandemic.

Changes to upcoming meetings:

15 April – Planning Committee – rescheduled to 6 May
20 April - Audit and Standards Advisory Committee – rescheduled to 5 May
21 April – Resources & Public Realm Scrutiny Committee - cancelled
22 April – Community & Wellbeing Scrutiny Committee - cancelled
27 April – Health & Wellbeing Board – cancelled    

Now online! The Bobby Moore Bridge tile murals at Wembley Park

1. The Olympic torch relay mural.

Guest post by Philip Grant, in a personal capacity.

 

If you have been a regular reader of “Wembley Matters” over the past year, you will know that these tile murals, celebrating Wembley Park’s sports and entertainment heritage, are a subject close to my heart. I have recently been putting together a detailed document about them, for the “local history articles” collection at Brent Archives, and this is now available for anyone to access online. If you are interested, you can find it here.

After a brief introduction about the origin of the tile murals, the article goes on to provide information and photographs of nearly all of the mural scenes included in this important public artwork. There are just a few, on the west wall of the subway, which I have not been able to find any good photographs of.

The illustrations show many scenes, like the one above, which you are not able to see at the moment. They also include the photograph below, of one of the original scenes, most of which has sadly been “lost”.

                                2. The full Stadium Pop Concerts mural scene, before 2006.

My article then gives details of how the murals have been covered up since 2013, apart from one put back on public display in 2019, and three displayed for a short time at the beginning of this year. 

It concludes with some encouraging words from Brent Council and Quintain at the temporary "reveal" of three mural scenes in January, which are evidence that they now acknowledge the importance of the tile murals. That gives some grounds for hope that their previous disregard for this heritage asset may be a thing of the past. At least they cannot pretend, when decisions about the Bobby Moore Bridge have to be made in future, that they did not realise the murals were there!

To bring us up to date below are scenes at Wembley in support of the NHS during the Coronavirus crisis. 

Philip Grant

3. Bobby Moore Bridge Says 'Thank you NHS' (Credit: Wembley Park)

 4. Bobby Moore Bridge supporting 'London Together' (Credit: Amanda Rose)

Residents identified by NHS as 'highest risk' should expect a call from Brent Council

From Brent Council website today

We are currently making calls to residents who the NHS have identified as being at highest risk from coronavirus (COVID-19).

These individuals will have received a letter from the NHS instructing them to self-isolate for a period of 12 weeks, so we will be contacting them as we receive their details to ensure that they are aware of how to access support if they need it.

We want to make sure that we put necessary support in place as fast as possible, so we will be making these calls as we receive new data from the NHS.

Staying safe

This might mean you receive a call from us outside of normal office hours. It's important to stay safe at this challenging time. You can be reassured that calls are genuine as long as they begin with the 0208 937 prefix. We will never ask for your bank details and you should never share your PIN with anyone, or invite someone you don't know into your home.

If you are unsure, you can  call back on our helping on 0208 937 1234 from Monday-Friday 9am-5pm.

Brent keeps allotments open for fresh air and exercise

Brent Council is keeping its allotments open for plot-holders' fresh air and exercise and has posted notices closely following the advice drawn up by the National Allotment Society. LINK

I applaud the Council's sensible decision.

Brent Council sets up Covid-19 Steering Group and Emergency Fund

Using her powers Carolyn Downs, the CEO of Brent Council, in consultation with the lead member, has set up a steering group framework of voluntary and community organisations to shape Brent's response to the Covid 19 (Coronavirus) crisis. The response includes the setting up of an Emergency Fund.

As can be seen above the  lead organisations in two vital areas have yet to be decided.

The report states:


The intention of our proposals is that these groups would be able to seek support from the CVS and we will fund the CVS accordingly.

1.  That the Chief Exec:
• Approve the establishment of a Steering Group made up of lead voluntary sector providers overseeing implementation of the new approach.
• Approve the setting up of thematic groups for the areas detailed in this report co-ordinated by the CVS.
• Approve the administration of small grants of up to £500 and the mapping/monitoring of the thematic groups activity across the borough by CVS Brent.
• Approve the adoption of a two-phased approach to this work.
• Approve the establishment of emergency funds.
• Agree that the council takes a more flexible approach to how it manages currently grant-funded projects.

On the Mutual Aid Groups that were set up a week ago and now serve most of the wards in Brent the report states:

Many residents have self-organised across the borough to create local groups to help support mutual aid for those communities that have been or are likely to become vulnerable. Whilst these are self-organised groups and the council would not expect to manage their activity the council has created the thematic lead to act as key conduits for sign posting, intelligence gathering and disseminating to support the activities of these self-organised groups.

John Healy of Brent Advicacy Concern commented:

Brent Council have identified 7 key groups and have already found leads for 4 of them. Unfortunately they cannot find anyone to take the lead for 'people with disabilities' or for 'older people'.  

If my charity Brent Advocacy Concerns was still in operation mode, I am sure we would have offered to take the lead for disabled people but after closing down last November, this is no longer possible.

And ironically, we had to close down because we could not afford the rent and now the council are offering to pay the rent for charities and community organisations to remain open in order to meet the challenges that we are all facing.

Also the council have issued an emergency number for vulnerable people to contact them but it is only available Mon-Friday.

The Full Report is below (Click bottom right for full page)

Covid-19 closes Preston Community Library

Thanks to everyone at Preston Community Library for the above and wishing them well during this difficult time.

NEU's proposals to PM re schools and coronavirus

The National Education Union has written to the Prime Minister Boris Johnson, calling for the Government to close schools and colleges and protect vulnerable educators or those caring for at risk family members.

We are also calling on the Government to fund and plan limited school opening for the children of key workers, those on free school meals and other children in need.

Letter to the Prime Minister Boris Johnson

The Rt Hon Boris Johnson
10 Downing Street
London
SW1A 2AA
17 March 2020

Dear Prime Minister

We write again following your announcements yesterday and our letter of Saturday.

In that letter we pointed to an apparent contradiction between bans on large gatherings and a refusal to close schools.

We also said we thought that it was important to engage with all the science and appealed for more information to be released on the modelling and on the effects on vulnerable school and college teachers, other staff and parents.

We have not yet seen that further information.

You announced yesterday that vulnerable people are to confine themselves for 12 weeks from this weekend.

On our understanding this includes:

• pregnant women.

and those who are suffering from:

• chronic (long-term) respiratory diseases, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema or bronchitis;
• chronic heart disease, such as heart failure;
• chronic kidney disease;
• chronic liver disease, such as hepatitis;
• chronic neurological conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease, motor neurone disease, multiple sclerosis (MS), a learning disability or cerebral palsy;
• diabetes;
• problems with their spleen – for example, sickle cell disease or if they have had their spleen removed;
• a weakened immune system as the result of conditions such as HIV and AIDS, or medicines such as steroid tablets or chemotherapy;
• being seriously overweight (a BMI of 40 or above).

We assume that on this basis teachers and other school and college staff who have these conditions or who are caring for people with those conditions, or who are over 70 should self-isolate.

We intend to advise all our members in these categories or caring for people in them to stop attending schools and colleges from next Monday at the latest. Some will do so earlier.

We also assume that the children of parents with those conditions should also avoid school or college.
This will make the running of schools all the more complicated.

Given your failure to release modelling comparing different scenarios of school closures, we are now forced to call on you to close schools, at least for some time and at least in some areas.

We know that very many of our members who aren’t in the categories of heightened risk would be willing to volunteer to play a role in helping our society get through this crisis.

We suggest during a period of full school closure that teachers and school leaders could work on plans for more limited opening to:

• ensure that we can look after the children of parents who must do the work our society needs - including NHS staff, food and distribution workers, police, prison and fire brigade staff and those who are working to produce medical equipment, including hopefully industries being re purposed to produce ventilators; 
• ensure that children on free school meals or otherwise in food poverty can eat nutritious meals;
• support other children in need.

Of course, this could not be a full opening and it would mean substantial changes from the way schools are normally run - but we believe schools could be important community hubs. This in turn requires that SATs are abandoned and that you produce proposals on the inevitable widespread disruption to GCSE and A -level exams.

Supply teachers would also be willing to help in such ways and in any event need your support during school closure or self-isolation.

We look forward to your engagement with these ideas and we remain, as before, ready to meet with you and the Secretary of State for education.

Given the number of staff and pupils that will now be off school, teachers and leaders will simply have to exercise their professional discretion about whether schools and colleges open and what work is undertaken - and they should do so with your approval.

We will support them in so doing.

Yours sincerely,

Kevin Courtney and Mary Bousted, joint general secretaries, National Education Union

NEUBorisJohnsonletter 17March2020.docx

Brent Council Leader's message on Coronavirus situation

From Cllr Muhammed Butt, Leader of Brent Council

I know many of us will be understandably worried about the current coronavirus pandemic that is dominating our daily lives right now.

I can assure you that we continue to provide all council services as normal – although some council events have been postponed, or cancelled, so we can focus on meeting the challenge of coronavirus.

I also want to say right from the beginning that this is not a political statement. I do not intend to talk about the many debates about the rights and wrongs of the Government’s response but instead update you on the proactive action the council is taking.   

New national guidance means everyone should be minimising their social contact, reducing unnecessary travel and staying at home if you, or anyone in your household, has any symptoms. Please follow the daily guidance coming from the government and take extra care if you are over 70, if you are pregnant or have underlying health conditions: www.nhs.uk/coronavirus

It is now clear that the coronavirus pandemic is set to challenge us all in ways we have never experienced before. What we face is without precedent in living memory and will test our collective mettle like never before. With all the uncertainty one thing is for sure, we will need to work together and help each other wherever and whenever we can.

As a council, we are taking every step to prepare for the expected increase in confirmed cases of the virus and we will ensure that the vital services that you rely on from the council will continue during this difficult time.

Our services, including social care, waste and children’s services, have well developed plans that will ensure our most vulnerable residents get the support they need in the coming weeks and months.

We are working closely with our partners in the NHS, Police as well as community and voluntary groups to ensure Brent is as prepared as we can be for the further spread of the virus.

Our primary aim is to ensure that everyone who needs it is supported – especially the most vulnerable. Our top priority is to ensure that no one is left behind.

So what does this mean in practice? This is a rapidly changing situation and the Government guidance is changing on a daily basis but our current plans set out to:

1. Protect the health and wellbeing of Brent residents, working in partnership with our amazing colleagues in the NHS.
2. Keep vital council services running – even if they have to be delivered in a different way.
3. Target help to the people who will need it the most if they contract coronavirus. This includes elderly people and those with pre-existing health conditions.
4. Target support to other vulnerable people who are self-isolating for example rough sleepers, people who use food banks and those with existing multiple and complex needs. We are working closely with providers and voluntary organisations on this.
5. Support our businesses – we recognise that we are a borough of small local businesses whose local economy may be effected in the long term. The council is looking to see what part it can play to support our local economy by relieving some of this burden. We are checking national guidelines and hope to be able to update as soon as we are clearer on impact and other issues.
6. We will ensure no council tenant loses their home because they are affected by coronavirus.
7. We will support and encourage the huge community spirit that exists in Brent to ensure people who want to volunteer can do so through established charities and organisations. We are working closely with voluntary organisations to explore the best way to do this and will announce the details of how to get involved shortly.

We have a special coronavirus web page that is updated daily here: www.brent.gov.uk/coronavirus

Some of you may need extra support at this time, and it is important that everyone is aware of what additional support you can apply for and know where to find it.

Our website lists all the support available for residents who may be experiencing hardship:

• If you know people who are struggling the council can offer Local Welfare Assistance.
• Discretionary Housing Payments may be available to top-up housing-related benefit for a limited time to cover housing costs such as rent.
• If residents are experiencing exceptional hardship they may be able to claim a discretionary reduction in Council Tax. Visit our website to find out if you qualify.
• You have the right to pay your council tax over 12 months instead of 10 months, you must advise the council in advance. Contact the council by clicking here for more information.
• We have the Council tax support scheme in place for residents on low income, more information can be found here.

We have also been notified by the Government that money will be provided to councils to support vulnerable residents. We will provide further information on this when we know more.

This is a rapidly changing situation so we will be using our email newsletters, such as this one, and digital communications channels to share information with you swiftly so please do encourage your friends and neighbours, who aren’t signed up yet, to do so here: www.brent.gov.uk/stayconnected

Whatever happens Brent’s response will be defined by kindness and tried and tested plans. Brent is one of the best places to live on earth and we will rise to this challenge together and deliver a response for weeks, months, however long it takes. With this in mind, our commitment is to keep you updated at all times.

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Please follow Government advice to stop spreading the virus

The government's latest advice is that people who have developed a cough or fever should self-isolate at home for 14 days to avoid further spread of the virus. Their families and those living with them should do the same.

The latest NHS advice is here: www.nhs.uk/coronavirus

The NHS stay at home advice is here: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/self-isolation-advice/

Residents are also advised to work from home when possible, avoid any unnecessary travel and social interactions, as well as going to pubs, cinemas, theatres or clubs.

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What to do if you feel unwell

If you think you’re experiencing symptoms of coronavirus, do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy, or hospital. Visit the NHS Website for further information.

All residents are encouraged to take the following steps to avoid catching and spreading the virus:

• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue if you cough or sneeze 
• Put used tissues into the bin immediately 
• Wash your hands with soap and water often 
• Use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available 
• Wash your hands when you arrive into work and return home 
• Try to avoid close contact with unwell people 

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Schools

At present Government advice is that schools should stay open if they can. This may change and parents will be updated through your child’s school as soon as information is available.

Sufra's Coronavirus Emergency Appeal: 'The situation is dire'

From  Rajesh and the team at Sufra Foodbank,

“It’s like being in a war zone,” remarked one of our guests. “No bombs or guns, but widespread panic and confusion – plus the fear that some of our nearest and dearest may not survive.” It’s going to be tough, but Sufra plans to stay open throughout this crisis to ensure that emergency food and support is available to the most vulnerable – yet again, they are the ones who will suffer most. But I won’t lie: the situation is dire.  Supermarket shelves are empty. Whilst some fight over the last toilet roll in the store, the donations we rely on to keep the Food Bank open are dwindling and we are struggling to source and buy the huge amount of food we distribute every week. For the first time ever, we are reducing how much we pack in our food parcels to ensure that our stocks can last the duration of the pandemic. We’re also re-organising our services to protect our vulnerable guests (not to mention volunteers and staff) from infection. Last Friday, rather than welcoming our guests inside to enjoy a community meal with us, staff and guests were left heartbroken when we were forced to provide our freshly cooked meal in a takeaway container. Similarly, during Food Bank we are having to hand-out smaller food parcels at the entrance, rather than inviting people in to pick their own fresh fruit and vegetables and speak to our volunteer advisors. This is a fast-changing situation and we are holding emergency meetings every couple of days to make sure we are doing everything we can to support those who rely on us for food, toiletries and support. Every day we are asking ourselves: How long will our stocks last? What do we do when we can’t buy more food or toiletries for our guests? How will we provide food and support when staff and volunteers start to self-isolate?  Coronavirus Emergency Appeal  This is the biggest crisis Sufra has ever faced. The year 2020 already brought with it the highest demand for the Food Bank in our history and the Coronavirus is now exacerbating the situation. The families we support simply can’t afford to panic buy and hoard food; they’re already knocking on our door in search of basic supplies. But this is just the tip of the iceberg… The UK is on the precipice of a recession, which means financial donations to Sufra will decline, while poverty and inequality increase even further. Add to this Universal Credit, low wages, unaffordable rent and the impact of Brexit on food prices, and you can see why this really is such a toxic environment for a food bank like Sufra and the people who depend on us. Support Our Guests Today That’s why we launched a Coronavirus Emergency Appeal last week to ask for your support during this extraordinary period of crisis. We know from our experience that when we unite as a community, we can always find a way to support those in need. Click here to donate. Every £25 you give will provide an emergency food parcel to two people in desperate need, while £50 will feed a family of four. This includes nappies, milk and nutritious food for babies – essential needs for a family with children.  But what we desperately need in the period ahead is long-term support. Please consider setting up a monthly standing order through this page so that we can continue to address the most pressing needs of those who walk through our doors. Alternatively, you can send us food items through an online shop – find out how here. At the time of writing, supermarkets are struggling online too, so please get in touch with us if you’d like to discuss a safe arrangement for a drop-off at our centre.

Write to Your MP! Food banks shouldn’t exist in one of the world’s richest countries – they are a sign of gross injustice and contravene the basic human right to food. When a crisis like Covid-19 hits the UK, it should be clear to everyone why comprehensive and effective safety nets need to be in place to protect the most vulnerable in society. Not just now, but always. If enough people demand something, governments are forced to listen.   So please consider asking your MP to urgently address the root causes of the poverty driving people to food banks. You can find out how to do that here thanks to the Independent Food Aid Network (IFAN). Sufra is one of IFAN’s founding partners and we are working with them to support their advocacy and campaigning work, including urging the government to mitigate the effects of the Coronavirus on children’s nutrition – especially those who rely on free school meals. Read more here.