Gillian Keegan

MP for Chichester

Iwanted to start this week by thanking all of you who have signed the petition to save our local radio station Spirit FM. We are now over 8,000 signatures – I encourage all of you to go online and add your names to save our local station: www.change.org/p/bauer-media-save-spirit-fm

It’s easy to support our local radio station when you learn what Spirit FM does to support our community.

Ten per cent of Spirit’s airtime is given to support local charities, good causes and non-profit making companies.

They are embedded at the heart of the community, hosting the annual Local Hero Awards, which is approaching its 14th year of recognising the huge contribution so many local people make for others.

Many of you will be aware of their fundraising activities, their Tonne of Tins brought in 5.5 tonnes of tinned goods and their recent virtual event raised £7,000 which helped food banks support those most in need throughout the coronavirus pandemic.

The huge impact of their work is spread far and wide across our community and during these very difficult times their community spirit and practical support has been a lifeline for many.

This week is national carers week, and I wanted to say a big thank you to everyone in the care sector who have been working tirelessly to support those most vulnerable during the coronavirus outbreak.

Our carers have never been more important – as they are also filling in for loved ones who are unable to visit.

Last week I held a roundtable summit with care providers from across the Chichester district, supported by West Sussex County Council (WSCC).

Even though our care homes are facing huge challenges brought on by this pandemic, every single provider has managed to put in place the necessary measures to protect their residents.

A further £600million has been allocated to help care homes put in place extra infection control measures specific to their needs.

I also want to thank Catherine and Debbie, from WSCC adult social care team, who joined the call and have stood beside the industry every step of the way; explaining the rapidly evolving guidance and helping them navigate new demands like securing extra PPE and access to testing for Covid-19.

My grandmother needed dementia care in a home so I fully appreciate the work carers do to support those they care for and their families.

I will continue to work with the sector to help support them through this challenging time – we all owe them a big debt of gratitude.