Barnet’s residents are being called on to recognise the work of the borough’s estimated 32,256 unpaid carers of all ages during this week’s annual Carers Week.

The service will be delivered through Community Barnet and Mind in Barnet. Residents will be able to access social and practical support and information as well as accessing immediate emotional support and bereavement counselling. The bereavement support and counselling service is available to adults who live, work or study in Barnet and are struggling with bereavement.

"These events have also led me to reflect on racism at home, as well as abroad, and how proud I am to represent Barnet – a borough made so much better and more interesting thanks to its rich diversity. All citizens should be treated equally and fairly, no matter their background, belief or orientation – there is no place for racism or hatred in any society.

At the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, Barnet Council and Volunteering Barnet, part of the Barnet Together partnership, set up Barnet’s Community Response Volunteer platform to help voluntary groups recruit volunteers, enable residents to volunteer safely and help Barnet residents and communities to work together and support each other during the COVID-19 crisis.

Following a very busy period of religious festivals where families and communities throughout Barnet have sacrificed coming together to observe religious customs and celebrations due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The video provides encouragement and motivation to Barnet’s faith communities, fellow residents and leaders to continue working together to stay safe during this time.

There are parents who have the best intention of being there physically, emotionally and financially for their children. However, it’s simply not possible for them to accommodate to the level required for their impressionable young ones. This could be for many reasons such as drug and/or alcohol addiction, mental health conditions and/or financial limitations. Fostering gives a child the opportunity to have some home-life stability, which is crucial for their development – allowing them the opportunity to thrive as they get older.

Live Unlimited, the charity set up by Barnet Council two years ago, experienced overwhelming support for its Give A Dongle campaign.

We have over 320 children in foster care in Barnet, so it’s incredibly important we raise awareness and show our support for this essential part of our community. With only a few days left, join us in showcasing the honourable commitment of foster carers in the local area by using the hashtag #ThisIsFostering on social media.

Firstly, schools have worked extremely hard during the COVID-19 crisis to keep open when possible, providing places for the children of keyworkers and vulnerable children. It is to the credit of our dedicated school staff that we have been able to continue to support students, as well as offering a range of virtual lessons for most pupils.

While we must remain alert to the threat of the virus, we can do more outdoors than previous restrictions allowed.