We’re still here, working hard to support you!
Due to the Coronavirus pandemic, we’ve had to change how we operate as an office. Both my constituency office in Whitchurch and my Parliamentary office in London are closed and my team and I are remote working.
I am immensely grateful to my team who continue to work long hours trying to be as helpful as possible, answering the many emails, facebook messages and phone calls from constituents, as well as coordinating volunteers at this deeply worrying time for all.
Obviously our main focus has been providing advice about the virus, answering queries and supporting constituents and their businesses. That has included everything from repatriating constituents overseas, supporting businesses and individuals to access financial help and seeking clarification on the ever-changing situation and what that means for constituents’ individual circumstances.
My team and I have daily video-conferences to keep in touch on the casework coming in and these are an opportunity to update my team on the video-conferences I’ve had with Welsh Government, Shadow Government Ministers, the Health Board, Cardiff Council and South Wales Police. Where individuals have raised problems – such as over access to PPE, ventilators and social distancing rules – I endeavour to raise this with ministers and the appropriate authorities.
Above all, we have tried to ensure Cardiff North is up-to-date with advice. I’ve set up a Facebook group – Cardiff North Coronavirus Response– where we post updates from Government as well as coordinate volunteers to ensure the most vulnerable have access to the essentials.
Given the sheer volume of Coronavirus casework and the devastating consequences it has had, we’ve had to put less immediate issues to one side for now. We will review this policy regularly and I’d like to thank you for your patience at this unprecedented time, if you’ve sent in correspondence that is not related to COVID 19.
My team and I will continue to do our best to support everyone in Cardiff North, whether through individual advice, regular updates, through the support group or holding the Government to account to ensure people don’t fall through the gaps of Government programmes.
If you have any concerns, please do not hesitate to get in touch. Please take care and stay safe!
Anna