Pandemic has had a big impact on the work of child contact centre

THE pandemic has had a very significant impact on the work of Burton Child Contact Centre - especially as we were closed from March until the end of September last year and then again for January and February this year.

Last year’s closure meant that many children who had got used to seeing a parent at the centre were suddenly denied the opportunity to do so and, because the lockdown was so long, there were many who did not resume contact when we opened again in October.

I’d like to think that these families were able to make other arrangements - we know that was so in one case because the parents told us it was. In other cases we just don’t know.

As always it’s the kids who lose out in all this. I would hope that some people have managed to arrange contact virtually but it’s not really the same.

Within the centre there are toys to play with and young children in particular can enjoy the physical closeness that they need, including, when appropriate, a bit of rough and tumble.

We also see how relationships between parent and child are built up, so that a child who was initially uncertain about seeing dad changes into one who can’t wait to rush down the corridor and into his arms.

And we see confidence build up for the resident parents as they see how much their child looks forward to seeing the other parent.

God willing, this will be the last lockdown [The centre, in Stapenhill, is reopening this month].

Ray Mills, Chairman, Burton Child Contact Centre

Are you ready to give up chocolate this month for charity?

THIS March, the British Heart Foundation is encouraging the British public to take on their Dechox challenge and give up chocolate and other sugary snacks for the month of March.

Dechox Warriors will help to raise life saving funds for the 7.6 million people in the UK living with heart and circulatory diseases.

A recent survey carried out by the BHF revealed that biscuits were the UK’S favourite sugary snack (42%), closely followed by chocolate (41%).

With the findings demonstrating just how important biscuits and chocolate are to us, giving them up will be no easy feat.

Covid-19 has cut our future research funding in half, so we need your donations to carry on funding medical breakthroughs into heart and circulatory diseases such as heart attacks, strokes, diabetes and vascular dementia.

Please join the thousands of other people across the UK who have already signed up to Dechox and say no to chocolate for the month of March: www.bhf.org.uk/dechox Emma Day, Head of Dechox

Disappointment that retail staff will not be given jab priority

THE union Usdaw is deeply disappointed that retail staff will not be prioritised for the coronavirus vaccine, despite clear evidence they are at higher risk.

We have consistently campaigned for shopworkers to be prioritised for vaccination, so the union is deeply disappointed that the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has rejected prioritisation by occupation.

In January the Office for National Statistics released evidence on Covid death rates by occupation, which showed that many key workers are at a higher risk.

Our members in the food supply industry, including those in processing plants, distribution, essential retail and grocery delivery, are deeply disappointed by today’s news that they will not be prioritised for vaccination. The Office for National Statistics demonstrated that many key workers, who are providing essential services during the pandemic, have an elevated Covid-19 related death rate. It is clear that close proximity to the public and other workers, as well as an indoor working environment are key factors in the spread of coronavirus infection.

Usdaw has consistently campaigned for vulnerable occupations to be prioritised in the second phase of the vaccine rollout, reflecting the risks they face. They have worked throughout the pandemic to keep the country supplied with essentials and deserved to be prioritised.

Paddy Lillis, Usdaw general secretary

Clear guidance needed for the roadmap out of lockdown and children

WE’VE heard some harrowing stories about how children are being treated out in public, with some being verbally abused, denied entrance to shops and libraries, and pulled away from other children.

While this isn’t anyone’s fault, it is a serious side effect of unclear guidance during this crisis.

Young children are extremely vulnerable to both the short and longterm consequences of the pandemic because of the critical stage they are at in their development, and inconsistent messaging is undoubtedly causing them further harm.

With the Government’s roadmap out of lockdown, it is crucial they provide clear information about transmission rates between the 0-5 age group and between this group and adults – and much clearer communication on this age group moving forward – so that we can make informed choices that protect our children and their futures.

Maccs Pescatore, Montessori Centre International

Nurses need a pay rise and a medal for all the work they have done

WHEN I think of our wonderful NHS staff, who have been working flat out on 15-hour shifts on Covid wards with aprons on and masks, they deserve a medal.

Let us only hope that our Government rewards these NHS workers when this is all over with a decent pay rise.

Mike Hotter

Slow and steady is key - there is no need to rush back to normality

GIVEN that the vaccine is working and being rolled out at a good pace, there is no need to rush into action.

The economy may have taken a hit but it can bounce back. What can’t bounce back are innocent lives lost through careless errors in easing too quickly and against scientific and medical advice.

So may the Lord richly bless our Prime Minister and Home Secretary, and to those wanting a faster easing, keep calm and be patient, please.

Geoffrey Brooking