Every fortnight Kevin writes a "Kev's Column" for the Torbay Weekly and you can read the latest edition (Published on Thursday 24th March 2022) below:
Ukraine
Tens of Thousands have signed up to record their interest in being part of the Home for Ukraine Scheme, with thousands of visas already granted under it.
Phase One of the scheme, which opened last week, allows sponsors in the UK to nominate a named Ukrainian (or family) to stay with them in their home or in a separate property. Charities, faith groups and local community organisations are also helping to facilitate connections in Ukraine for potential sponsors who do not have a named contact. Applicants will be vetted and undergo security checks, whilst sponsors will also be checked for safeguarding purposes given the vulnerability of those involved.
This scheme aims to give those fleeing the conflict refuge, but without a repeat of the issues which have affected the scheme for those evacuated from Afghanistan, where many are sadly still living in hotels as insufficient offers of permanent housing have come forward from local Councils over the last 6 months. Homes for Ukraine therefore allows people to get involved directly, with the results so far showing the advantages of this rather than insisting those wanting to make an offer go through their local council or a community group.
I know not everyone will be able to sponsor someone, it is a significant commitment, yet from meeting those who have been part of previous resettlement schemes it can be a uniquely rewarding experience.
Mental Healthcare
Since being elected I have been keen to focus on improving our mental health services, with a major new facility for our bay now set to open in June.
The new £12.5m in-patient mental health ward at Torbay Hospital, which is currently under construction, will help tackle a shortage of beds for mental health patients across Devon. It will provide a range of facilities, including treatment and therapy rooms, a family room and 16 en-suite bedrooms.
Too often when I was first elected, I would deal with cases where local patients needing mental health treatment were being sent hundreds of miles away from their family to the nearest available bed, just at the time their support could be needed the most. This would never have been accepted for routine care for physical conditions and should not be considered acceptable in mental healthcare either, hence this unit cannot open a moment too soon.
Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe
At a time when there are many dark clouds over the world, the release of Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe was a welcome piece of light.
After the long campaign for her release from Iranian Custody, it was great to see her family reunited at last.
Surgery Times
My next surgeries are on: Friday 25th March 3pm till 5pm at 5-7 East St, Torquay, TQ2 5SD and Saturday 2nd April 11am till 1pm at Preston Baptist Church, 62 Old Torquay Rd, Paignton TQ3 2RB.
For an appointment you can either email me at [email protected] or leave a message on 01803 214989, surgeries are for personal queries from residents they would like me to help them with, such as housing or welfare, rather than a wider policy debate. There are also drop-in sessions at my office 5-7 East St, Torquay, TQ2 5SD between 10am & 1pm Monday to Friday where a member of my team will be available to help with any queries.
