Mayor Linda Bird's Blog: February 2021
Read the full article...
I want to begin with a huge thank you to the whole community of the Royal Borough of Greenwich.
The news of the death of my dear partner, Tom Backelin, on 26 January, produced a wave of wonderful messages, cards, flowers, and condolences from so many individuals and organisations. I was moved beyond words and am trying to say thank you to all of you. Such an outpouring of sincere love and support has meant that myself, Tom's daughter and my family, have all felt we can face our loss with more strength.
We are not the only family in this dreadful situation. My only hope is that those facing the same challenges receive support and do not feel alone.
Thank you everyone.
Situation Lockdown!
February is traditionally a difficult month. At this time of year, the weather is against us and we are less mobile because of snow and ice. This February is no exception; we have the usual bad weather, coupled with the isolation COVID-19 brings. It’s a double whammy!
So, what can we do to keep warm, cheerful, and as positive as possible? That’s the BIG question.
I think we need to share our time with each other, using the telephone, FaceTime, WhatsApp, email, and other communication platforms to keep in touch.
In particular, our fantastic Community Volunteer Hub is there for all of us.
And let's remember we ARE all in the same situation.
Home Schooling
I was a teacher for 45 years, a headteacher, and of course I thought that helping to home school my three grandsons was going to be an absolute breeze – a chance to use all my skills and theories to the full. Well, not exactly! We have had our difficulties, so parents please note: YOU ARE DOING AN AMAZING JOB. My three have taught me so much.
Here’s what we find works:
-
A proper timetable, with breaks every 20 minutes.
-
We made a banner to advertise our school at home.
I also asked two of my grandsons their opinion (dangerous?) to put into this blog: one is nine years old, and one is seven. I asked the following three questions:
-
How is home schooling working for me?
“It is irritating for me doing the same subject and sometimes I find it tricky”
“It is sort of OK because at least I get to see another member of my family – my gran”
-
What is the best thing about lockdown?
“Having my gran around”
“The first thing I would like to share with you is I really enjoyed Christmas and spending time with my family”
-
What is the worst thing about lockdown?
“I am missing my friends, and the prime minister has to take some responsibility for this Covid 19”
“We never get to see our friends and the second bad thing is the news”
Clearly, it's all about friends and people and hearing bad news.
I wanted to share this with everyone, as I realise this is a snapshot of primary aged children.
Older children and young adults will also bring their own responses to the three questions, and I am looking forward to meeting with a group this week to hear their views.
Project Hope
Looking after each other is important, so thank you to the people and businesses who have contributed to Project Hope and supported the wellbeing of our staff at Queen Elizabeth Hospital. I know the nurses and doctors in Ward Three enjoyed their treats – they cared for Tom when I could not be there.
Volunteers
I can't say too many times how amazing the community of the Royal Borough of Greenwich is when it comes to stepping up to volunteer. Thank you to all volunteers at our vaccination centres, volunteers for Project Hope, and those at our Community Hub.
Contact and meetings
I was privileged to connect with Sally Jones, the Deputy Head of service for Bromley, Lewisham and Greenwich MIND. We spoke on 29 January, and Sally was able to share some of the organisation’s valuable work. I was particularly amazed to hear of the success of MINDLine, the six-week programme of crisis support, and the availability of Culturally Specific counsellors.
On 29 January, I also met with Alan Robinson and Jamie Ginn of the Greenwich Foodbank.
Jamie will be taking over from Alan as CEO, who, far from retiring, is moving to the foodbank’s Board of Directors. It was great to welcome Jamie to his post and talk about the continuing partnership between the Trussell Trust and the Council. The foodbank is also an organisation dependent on the amazing army of willing volunteers and drivers.
Full Council
I chaired our Full Council meeting on 27 January, which was a personal challenge following Tom's death. However, I commend our Council Officers who helped me to prepare in detail, and our Council Members across both parties for their amazing support. It made me proud to be the Mayor of the Royal Borough of Greenwich.
Vaccination
I had my first vaccination on 23 January and look forward to my second dose which will build up proper protection against this virus. Please do take up the vaccination when you are called.
What fantastic news that those aged 70 and over no longer need to wait to be asked, but can make an appointment to receive their first vaccination.
…And finally
Staying safe is incredibly important. There are a lot of people out there waiting to take advantage of us as we are at home more. Telephone scams, fraudulent bank calls, untrustworthy contractors – the reality is they are all out there.
Let's not give them oxygen – there is information to guard against such scams on the Royal Borough of Greenwich website.
Stay safe and look after each other.