This week Kieran returned as a volunteer to support our NHS front line during the Parliamentary recess. As such he has asked us as a team to manage his enquiries and write his newsletter this week.
The Government are continuing to rollout the vaccine safely and effectively across the UK and we have now administered nearly 17 million vaccines. The Government is on track to deliver its aim of offering a vaccine to all priority cohorts 1 to 9 by May and all adults by September.
Applications for National Lottery Grants for Heritage have been reopened this week to provide additional support to heritage groups. Kieran has continued to encourage any struggling heritage groups to apply for this grant and make use of this support.
Finally, the Government have released updated shielding guidance for those who are clinically extremely vulnerable. The Government have decided to extend the shielding guidance until 31 March 2021 and has also added more people to the shielding list where new data has found more at risk groups.
Kieran’s office are continuing to operate as normal so if you have any problems or concerns please do get in contact at kieran.mullan.mp@parliament.uk
The Office of Dr Kieran Mullan MP
VACCINE UPDATE
The UK have administered nearly 17 million vaccines, as the Government aim to offer a vaccine to all priority cohorts 1 to 9 by May and all adults by September. We are now averaging more than 2.5 million doses a week and we have vaccinated nearly 1 in 3 adults in the UK.
The vaccine has been offered to everyone in the top four priority groups as we move towards vaccinating the next two priority groups.
All care home residents and staff, health and social care workers, people aged 70 and over, and the clinically extremely vulnerable should now have been offered a vaccine. These groups account for 88 per cent of deaths from coronavirus, meaning potentially tens of thousands of lives will be saved. If you are in these groups and haven't been offered a vaccine let us know.
Additionally, this week the Government also announced £18.5 million in funding to help tackle the lasting effects of long COVID, by funding new research to help us better understand the causes, symptoms and treatment of the condition.
MEETING WITH BOMBARDIER
This week before a late shift Kieran met with Bombardier apprentices to discuss their experiences and to find out more about the benefits of doing an apprenticeship.
Bombardier has a large site in Crewe refurbishing trains and has a number of talented apprentices who are learning on the job and are gaining valuable experience as a result.
Last week was National Apprenticeship Week, which gives businesses the opportunity to shine a light on the work done by apprenticeships and employers. Kieran found the meeting incredibly engaging and found it very helpful discussing the benefits of apprenticeships with those who are currently doing them.
Last week Kieran also met with the Bentley Motors apprentices to hear about their experience of doing an apprenticeship at one of Crewe and Nantwich’s biggest local employers.
NATIONAL LOTTERY GRANTS
Applications for National Lottery Grants for Heritage have been reopened. We would really encourage any Heritage groups in Crewe and Nantwich to apply and make use of this grant.
This past year has been very difficult for Heritage groups across the country and Kieran fully supports the additional grants being provided to those who need it the most.
For more details on how to apply, click the following link: https://www.heritagefund.org.uk/funding/national-lottery-grants-heritage-2021-22?fbclid=IwAR2rXuMd0-NDKHZVCngQPFcamjdiz9viVQ5My_WL6i36yN4MyxIyxB_l-QE
As always if you need any help with your application or have any concerns please contact Kieran at kieran.mullan.mp@parliament.uk and we will try and help in any way we can.
SHEILDING UPDATE
This week the Government updated the guidance for those who are clinically extremely vulnerable and are therefore shielding.
The Government have decided to extend the shielding guidance until 31 March 2021. Those on the Shielded Patient List will receive a letter to inform them of the extension.
The full shielding guidance can be found on the Government website:
If you are unsure about your status or unclear what the new guidance means for you, please do get in touch.
TRAFFIC REPORT
The following are the road closures for the week ahead as reported by Cheshire East.
Tower Way
Pyms Lane
Mill Lane - 22nd February until 25th February
London Road (Between Anions Lane and Newman's Lane) - until 26th February
Second Dig Lane - Until 28th February