REINFORCING THE SAFETY NET THROUGH THE WINTER Christmas and New Year is a special time for families, friends and loved ones to come together to spend time and have fun. However, the holiday season can also be a lonely time for anyone without friends or family nearby so please remember to look out for anyone who may need a kind word or helping hand this winter. With fears over the rising cost of living across the country and the ongoing COVID 19 pandemic, many families are facing a difficult time. As the council recognises that many hardworking people are struggling to make ends meet, we have put in place a special package of support called the Residents’ Support Fund. Do not be afraid to ask for help if you have money worries, as you may be eligible for interest free loans or a grant. More details are available on page12. The council is also providing free school meals to children, who would otherwise face holiday hunger, during the Christmas holidays. The council’s ‘winter preparedness’ plan is also in place with our fleet of electric hybrid gritters on standby ready to grit the roads and keep the borough moving if another cold snap hits. You can read more on page 37 – including the number to call if you see someone sleeping rough in freezing weather. In this edition you will also find details of Brent’s first ever Climate Festival which took place as world leaders met in Glasgow at COP26. The council is committed to doing everything we can locally to tackle the climate emergency and make Brent a carbon neutral borough by 2030. Finally, women’s safety and, more specifically, ending male violence against women is rightly a major focus for the council and the Police. We are working hard to end all forms of violence and abuse as part of our tackling Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) initiative, which you can read more about on page 14. I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a safe, happy and peaceful New Year!
Cllr Muhammed Butt Leader of Brent Council
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YOUR BRENT | WINTER 2021 Cllr Muhammed Butt
Leader of Brent Council
‘Protect yourself from COVID this winter’ warns doctor As a new variant of COVID 19 ‘Omicron’ spreads, Brent’s Director of Public Health is advising residents to follow some practical steps to keep the virus at bay this winter. Wearing a face covering in shops and on public transport is now mandatory, unless you are exempt. Masks block up to 80% of the virus spreading into the air from infected people and protects wearers from breathing in up to 50% of particles, according to research. At the time of going to press, all contacts of suspected Omicron cases must self-isolate, regardless of their vaccination status or age. “We’re still learning about this new variant but the best line of defence against COVID is to get vaccinated,” said Dr Melanie Smith. “Get all three jabs to ensure maximum protection for you and your loved ones.” “Testing yourself for the virus is also vital – especially before you meet older or more vulnerable people or if you plan to mix with people you
Dr Melanie Smith
don’t live with. Tests are still free and can be ordered online or collected from pharmacies. Opening windows to let in fresh air, wearing a facemask and washing your hands, all help to stop you unwittingly passing the virus on if you are infected with the virus but don’t have symptoms.” The Government is set to review the current rules the week before Christmas. For the latest information visit: www.brent.gov.uk/coronavirus
Happy 100th birthday Bettina Congratulations to Willesden resident, Mrs Bettina Brown who celebrated her 100th birthday on 12 October. Bettina arrived from Jamaica in 1954 and made Brent her home. Originally, a dressmaker in Jamaica, she worked at
Bettina with one of her sons
Biro Swan in Park Royal, later moving to Drings sausage factory, near the old Wembley Stadium in 1965. Her husband of 60 years, children, grandchildren and even great grandchildren helped her celebrate her special day.
