In Lewisham East and across the country, people have taken part in ‘Clap for Carers’ to show their appreciation for the efforts of key workers during this emergency.

As a former care and social care worker myself, I understand acutely the situation currently being faced by care homes in particular. It is vital now, and in the coming weeks and months, that testing is upscaled and that all health professionals and frontline staff have access to the appropriate PPE to keep them safe.

I have written to every care home in Lewisham East to pay tribute to their work and reassure them that they have not been forgotten in this fight.

Letter from Janet Daby MP to Care Homes:

Dear Colleagues

I wanted to write to you to thank you and your team for everything you are doing at this crucial time to look after those in your care, and to offer you my support.

We are right in the middle of navigating an unprecedented crisis together. Many have lost loved ones, and many more have lost their income and the ability simply to get by.

Yet from the response on the NHS front line and in our care homes through to emergency financial support, volunteering, food banks, and help for the isolated, I am inspired that so many in our communities and local authorities are coming together like never before.

You and your teams stand on the front line of that response. I know that you are operating in the most difficult situation imaginable, and that you may be doing so without the support and protection you should have been provided with. Please know that I am continuing to argue as forcefully as I can with Government, as your local MP, for that added support and protection.

In the coming days and weeks, please do let me know if I can be of any help whatsoever to you and your team as you carry out your vital work, especially if there are obstacles you encounter where my voice could assist.

My office continues to operate virtually with my team working from home, and we are currently helping hundreds of constituents, business and charities across Lewisham. You can reach me at janet.daby.mp@parliament.uk.

We are in the most difficult of moments, and there is more still to bear. But I am convinced that better times will come, and I know that when they do, it will be because of the remarkably brave work that you, your team, and others like you are doing.

Yours sincerely,

Janet Daby MP
Member of Parliament for Lewisham East