Community

Harlow MP Robert Halfon welcomes news that Harlow is a safer place to live and work

Published on 12 October 2011

LATEST figures show that Harlow is now a safer place to live, and Harlow MP Robert Halfon welcomed the falls in crime ranging from burglary to anti-social behaviour and assault. 

Overall, crime figures in Harlow for the last year have fallen by more than four per cent on the previous 12 months.

Anti-social behaviour continues to decline with an 8.96 per cent drop while violent crime is down 6.52 per cent and assault with less serious injury is down by 7.8 per cent. 

Threat and damage endangering life is down by 38.46 per cent while hate crime is down by 25.33 per cent. 

In addition, the figures show that criminal damage is down by 11.72 per cent, drug offences are down by 10.57 per cent, fraud and forgery is down by 7.41 per cent and domestic burglary is down by 16.47 per cent. Vehicle crime is down by 2.39 and theft of pedal cycles is down by 6.34 per cent. 

Mr Halfon said: "Despite the difficult economy this just proves that a strong community can keep our streets safe. 

"We should thank our hardworking police officers, staff, taxi-marshalls, the town's Safer Harlow Partnership, and volunteers - and also the street-pastors led by our local churches, who help especially in our town centre at night. 

"Government reforms will help to accelerate this trend. Elected Police and Crime Commissioners will give local people a real say over neighbourhood policing. They will also give police the tools they need to tackle alcohol-related crime and disorder in the night-time economy."

Harlow MP Robert Halfon gives his support to local organisations involved with Natwest CommunityForce project

Published on 30 September 2011

ELEVEN Harlow-based organisations are in the running to receive support through this year's Natwest CommunityForce project. 

CommunityForce is a platform that empowers local projects and charities to raise awareness of their work and make their plans a reality with the support of NatWest and their local community.

 NatWest CommunityForce sees Natwest working with local communities to support the people, projects and charities that are making a real difference to their local communities. 

Until October 23 votes can be cast on your favourite project or organisation. 

The three projects with the most votes in each CommunityForce area will win the awards.

The Harlow organisations involved this year are The Victoria Hall Performing Arts Association, St Clare Hospice, Michael Roberts Charitable Trust - Harlow Foodbank, the Canal Boat Project, Science Alive, Harlow Fields Association, 2nd Great Parndon Scout Group, Harlow Steel Band, Sheering Primary School Parent Teachers and Friends Association, Harlow Rugby Club and The Victoria Hall Community Theatre. 

Harlow MP Robert Halfon has undertaken a week of volunteering with local organisations, including Harlow Foodbank. 

He said: "The Natwest CommunityForce scheme is a great initiative, and a great way for just some of our local organisations to gain additional support. 

"I would encourage as many people as possible to go online and chose their favourite local cause from the Harlow schemes in the running this year. 

"These organisations do a great deal of good work in our local area and it would be brilliant to see their efforts, and the contributions that they are making to Harlow, rewarded." 

To find out more about the schemes, and details on how to vote, go to http://communityforce.natwest.com/

Harlow MP Robert Halfon uses Commons Break to embark on Social Action Week

Published on 20 September 2011

FROM Monday (September 26), Harlow MP Robert Halfon will be volunteering with a number of local charities and organisations in Harlow and the villages. 

Robert will be involved with a range of activities from volunteering at the Harlow Foodbank to teaching at Harlow College and helping with the Nazeing Cubs Group. 

Each day, Mr Halfon will be at a different project. 

Monday, September 26 - afternoon - Nazeing Cubs Group, Perry Hill, off Middle Street, Nazeing, EN9 2LL. Robert will be supporting the cub leaders and taking part in the activities that the group undertakes.

Tuesday, September 27 - morning - Sheering Primary School, The Street, Sheering, CM22 7LU. Robert will be on Milk Duty at the school, as part of World School Milk Day, making sure all the children receive their daily intake of milk. 

Wednesday, September 28 - morning - Harlow College, Velizy Avenue, Town Centre, Harlow, CM20 3LH. Robert will be teaching the AS Government and Politics class about how ideology of political parties has changed since the Second World War. 

Wednesday, September 28 - afternoon - St Clare Hospice Centre, Hastingwood Road, Hastingwood, CM17 9JX. Robert will be doing a shift running reception, greeting visitors and also helping run the shop.

Thursday, September 29 - morning - Harlow Foodbank, St Mary's Church Hal, Peldon Road, Harlow, CM19 4HT. Robert will work with volunteers to prepare food parcels for people in Harlow.

Thursday, September 29 - afternoon - Harlow Talking Newspaper, The Talking Newspaper for the Blind, Harlow Library, The High, Harlow, CM20 1HA. Robert will record the latest editions of newspapers and learn the process of how talking newspapers operate. 

Friday, September 30 - evening - Harlow Street Pastors, St Paul's Church, College Square , Harlow , CM20 1LP. Robert will join the Street Pastors and join in with their work whilst serving tea and toast until the early hours of the morning. 

For more information please contact Victoria Thornton on 020 7219 7223 or 07738 240183.

Harlow MP Robert Halfon encourages local sports clubs to bid for their share of £50m funding boost

Published on 20 July 2011

HARLOW MP Robert Halfon is urging local sports clubs to apply for a share of funding being made available by Sport England. 

Sport England's Inspired Facilities fund. part of the Places People Play legacy programme that is bringing the magic of a home Olympic and Paralympic Games into communities across the country, has £50m to help refurbish and improve up to 1,000 community sports clubs across the country. 

Mr Halfon said: "I would encourage sports clubs in the Harlow area to consider applying for this funding which will be available to breathe new life into tired facilities. 

"We have many marvellous local sports clubs in the area but I am sure that many of them could think of projects that could benefit from a facelift to their facilities if only the funding was available." 

There will also be money available to convert existing buildings into venues that are suitable for grassroots sport. 

At least £35m of the funding will go to community and voluntary organisations, through grants of between £20,000 and £50,000. 

The remaining money will be open to a wider group of organisations, including councils and schools, with grants of up to £150,000 available. 

Applicants whose project will benefit disadvantaged young people will also be invited to apply for funding from the Thomas Cook’s Children’s Charity from August this year. 

For full details, ring 08458 508508 or email funding@sportengland.org

Harlow MP Robert Halfon praises sculpture exhibition

Published on 16 June 2011

HARLOW MP Robert Halfon has spoken of his delight that the work of distinguished artist J W Mills has gone on show in Harlow. 

Mr Halfon was at the Gibberd Gallery at the Civic Centre for the launch of the exhibition. He said: "Having this exhibition in our town is a great honour for Harlow." 

Mr Mills is one of Britain's most famous artists and his sculptures vary far and wide.

In Downing Street there is the memorial to women at war. Other works are of Matisse smoking a cigar, William Blake and even Brian May, of Queen fame. 

Mr Halfon added: "I was asked to give a speech and mentioned not only the genius of the exhibition, but that it was a very proud moment for Harlow as a designated sculpture town 

"Harlow is also a town of scientific success with the birthplace of fibre optic communications. Science and art are not separate disciplines both are about the pinnacle of human achievement, originality and the pursuit of excellence." 

Among those attending the launch of the exhibition was Mr Mills's daughter who travelled from Switzerland for the occasion.

Harlow MP Robert Halfon supports hearing loss campaigner's call for Harlow residents to get their hearing checked

Published on 16 June 2011

HARLOW MP Robert Halfon has joined a local hearing loss campaigner’s call urging local residents to take action and get their hearing checked. 

Mr Halfon is backing a campaign by Action on Hearing Loss – formerly RNID – encouraging people to take the charity’s hearing check by visiting www.actiononhearingloss.org.uk/check or ringing 0844 800 3838.

In their new report, Hearing Matters, which was launched during the charity’s 100th birthday celebration in Parliament,

Action on Hearing Loss is warning only one in three people who could benefit from hearing aids are currently using them, leaving four million people living in the UK with an unaddressed hearing loss. 

It takes, on average, ten years for people to take action from when they start to notice a problem and unaddressed hearing loss can lead to depression, social isolation, or an early departure from the workforce. 

Mr Halfon said: “It was fantastic to find out about the great work of the charity and the importance of looking after your hearing and taking action as soon as you realise you have problems. 

"I’m supporting the call by Action on Hearing Loss urging people in Harlow and the surrounding area who are struggling to hear their friends, family or colleagues to get their hearing checked now and avoid the unnecessary negative impacts of unaddressed hearing loss in their everyday lives.” 

Action on Hearing Loss chief executive Jackie Ballard said: “It’s vital that people in Harlow take action quickly if they recognise they are having difficulty hearing so that they can get the maximum benefit from hearing aids and be less likely to finish their careers prematurely or experience unnecessary isolation, which can lead to depression.” 

Hearing Matters is supported by Action on Hearing Loss’s new partners, Specsavers. 

To see the charity’s Hearing Matters report, visit www.actiononhearingloss.org.uk/hearingmatters.

Harlow MP Robert Halfon lends his support to the 'Love Where You Live' campaign

Published on 16 June 2011

HARLOW MP Robert Halfon is supporting this year's 'Love Where You Live' campaign which will see students at Passmores School and Technology College, Harlow, taking part in a wide range of community-based projects. 

Mr Halfon and Essex County Councillor Jeremy Lucas, the cabinet member for environment and waste, will be at Passmores School and Technology College, Tendring Road, Harlow, CM18 6RW, for a photocall and interview opportunity at 8.45am on Thursday, June 23. 

The Essex County Council initiative aims to be Essex’s biggest ever community improvement campaign. 

This year’s campaign will build on the success of last year’s 'Love Where You Live Week'which saw more than 1,000 volunteers take part in 40 local clean-up events across Essex. 

Passmores students will be supporting the campaign by taking part in their annual Community Day spending the day undertaking a wide range of projects to benefit the local community. 

The students work with a wide range of local people including younger children, older residents, disabled people and community groups. 

Last year the Passmores Community Day won the competition for ‘Best Blog’ as part of Love Where You Live Week, and received £500 worth of DIY vouchers. It is a prime example of the type of activity that residents will be encouraged to organise for this year’s campaign. 

Mr Halfon said: "I am delighted to be able to support this year's 'Love Where You Live' campaign and especially the efforts of the students at Passmores School and Technology College. 

"Their efforts last year were a credit to the students themselves, their school and Harlow and it these sort of efforts which further illustrate how the 'Big Society' is alive and well in Harlow. 

"I look forward to seeing what the youngsters will be doing to benefit their community this year." From July residents will be able to visit the new Love Where You Live 2011 website www.goodforessex.org/lovewhereyoulive and register their own event. 

Everyone who does this will receive a free support pack to help them plan their activity.

Harlow MP Robert Halfon backs theatre group's bid for National Lottery funding

Published on 6 June 2011

THE Harlow-based Razed Roof performing arts group has been shortlisted for the semi-final of the National Lottery Awards 'Best Art Project' for its work 'Inclusion Through Practice'. 

The group's success in the semi-final depends on a public vote, and Mr Halfon is urging people to take a minute to back their efforts. 

Mr Halfon has been delighted to watch Razed Roof on a number of occasions most recently at Harlow Playhouse and the Harlow Fire Station Disability Day. 

Mr Halfon said: "Razed Roof is an inclusive performing arts group which is doing great work in Harlow - work which is being appreciated by a great many local people. 

"It would be fantastic if Razed Roof were to be successful in the National Lottery best arts project - but to do so they need your help." 

To support Razed Roof ring 0844 836 9672. 

Voting continues until midday on Monday, June 20. 

Razed Roof is based at Harlow Playhouse where an inclusive group of up to 40 participants work together for over six hours every Thursday with the support of an experienced team of staff. 

The group is made up of adults with specific learning difficulties and disabilities and young people from mainstream education. 

The group provides theatre skills training and opportunities for performing publicly. 

Building social skills and confidence is an integral part of the work.

Harlow MP Robert Halfon visits Harlow projects which have received Big Lottery funding

Published on 3 June 2011

HARLOW MP Robert Halfon has praised the contributions being made by Harlow organisations which have benefited from Big Lottery funding. 

Mr Halfon was joined by Sara Betsworth, Head of Region for the Big Lottery Fund, when he visited the Young Concern Trust in Harlow to see the brand new youth counselling and support centre recently opened by Joe Thomas star of the television show, the Inbetweeners. 

The scheme received Big Lottery funding totalling £50,000 in November 2009 through the People's Millions project to enable it to create a youth counselling and support centre through renovating the building the charity currently has a 20-year lease on. 

Mr Halfon said: "The Young Concern Trust provides vital counselling service for people in Harlow and thanks to the funding it has received from the lottery it will be able to continue to support young people in the Harlow area." 

Mr Halfon also visited Harlow’s Stroke Support Club which meets regularly and has a thriving social network. 

The club received £178,477 last September to allow it to continue its work. 

Mr Halfon said: "The stroke support club provides a valuable service to people recovering from stroke and also works with their families. 

"This is just yet another example of a local organisation working hard and well to support local people."

Harlow MP Robert Halfon secures promise from Government to help special needs children with Blue Badges 

Published on 30 March 2011

IN a special debate in Parliament today (Wednesday) Harlow MP Robert Halfon said we must reform the "Computer says no" culture. 

Speaking on behalf of local group, Harlow Parents of Autistic Children Together (PACT), he asked: "Why is it that children on the Autistic Spectrum, especially those with severe difficulties, are unable to get a blue badge? 

"Parents of such children struggle on a daily basis in sometimes extremely difficult situations.

"As they have told me, parking a car when a child is having a melt down can be highly dangerous. So anything that the Minister could do to nudge Local Authorities into making Blue Badges more available would be welcome."

In reply, the Government Minister said she was previously unaware of this problem, but would look into the situation immediately, together with the Department for Communities and Local Government. 

Mr Halfon also raised the concerns of other constituents, who had children with special educational needs, saying: "A constituent of mine, Jackie Stedman, has suffered a constant battle to get a good education for her two children. 

"Again and again, she has run up against problems, due to random limits on financial support, which are tied to age rather than to need, or to the potential of children to learn. 

"I accept the overall need to cut the deficit. But the sums involved are not significant, in the context of the overall budgets for in this case Essex County Council.

"The context is that Essex Council pay for home-to-school transport for Jackie’s two children, who both travel in the same car, to the same school. 

"But the council are now saying that - according to the Rules - they can pay for one child, and not the other, even though the car will have to make the journey anyway. 

"This is unaffordable for the family. It feels like 'Computer Says No' just because one of her children is now 16 years old. "I understand the need for Local Government to set criteria, but the rules can seem arbitrary, and can sometimes hurt decent families, who simply want a good education for their children."

His comments attracted strong support from other Conservative MPs, including Glamorgan MP Alun Cairns, who had called the debate. 

Mr Halfon praised Harlow Council leader Andrew Johnson and councillor Joel Charles for their work in rescuing Sam's Place, a local provider of respite care. But he also urged for a greater use of the Big Society, as many parents are willing and capable of helping to support local services, and are "used to fighting to get a fair deal for their children". 

He said: "We must make their lives easier. We must not burden them with tonnes of forms, and legal liabilities, and compliance issues. "To borrow a phrase, our public services need to 'speak human'."

Harlow MP Robert Halfon helps local organisation win its share of Government cash 

Published on 30 March 2011

HARLOW MP Robert Halfon has welcomed the news that a Harlow-based organisation has secured £60,000 in funding from the Government's Transition Fund. 

Mr Halfon has been promoting the £107m Transition Fund to all Harlow charities, to help insulate them against the cuts. Integration Support Services, based at Wych Elm, Harlow, is among the 183 organisations that have received awards. 

He said: "I am delighted that Integration Support Services has been successful and receiving a major funding boost which will enable it to continue its much valued work. 

"The organisation's mission is to support the successful integration of migrants, refugees, ethnic minority communities and groups in Essex and Hertfordshire and this injection of funding will go a long way to help it do just that." 

Mr Halfon added: "There are still tens of millions in the fund and I strongly encourage all Harlow charities that are struggling with cuts in public spending to apply."

Harlow MP Robert Halfon praises Harlow Foodbank as latest statistics reveal how more than 2,200 people have benefited from the charity 

Published on 1 March 2011

HARLOW MP Robert Halfon has given his support to Harlow Foodbank after it revealed how more than 2,200 people have received food thanks to the charity organisation.

In January Mr Halfon secured victory in his long-running campaign to let Harlow Jobcentre distribute Foodbank vouchers. 

Jobcentre Plus is working with the Trussell Trust on a pilot scheme which could see the initiative introduced nationwide. 

In its latest report, Harlow Foodbank, which continues to see an increase in the number of families, couples and individuals using its service, reveals that it has issued 1,071 vouchers between April 20, 2009 and January 31 this year, distributing food to feed 2,288 people, including 886 children. 

The charity says 43 per cent of people that have come to Foodbank for help are waiting for benefits and so hidden hunger continues to be a very real problem for many in Harlow today. 

Mr Halfon said: "These are startling figures which show how serious the situation is in Harlow, and how much the continuing work of Harlow Foodbank is appreciated by needy people in Harlow. 

"Long may their work continue, and I would encourage people to offer their support to the charity in any way possible." 

"The Harlow Foodbank is just one of many organisations in Harlow which helps makes a real difference to peoples' lives thanks to the hard work of volunteers."

Harlow MP Robert Halfon supports Harlow's Bahai community after they urge him to campaign to stop suffering in Iran 

Published on 11 January 2011

HARLOW MP Robert Halfon has tabled a parliamentary motion campaigning against the human rights abuses in Iran and the persecution of the Bahai community. 

Mr Halfon, who met with leaders of the Bahai community in Harlow at Westminster this morning, is highlighting the trial and sentencing of the Bahai leadership in Iran, after having limited access to legal counsel. 

He is urging the Government to seek guarantees from the Iran Government regarding their safety and he is calling for their immediate unconditional release. 

Mr Halfon has also voiced his "deep concern at the mounting threats and persecution of the Iranian Bahai community while also joining in the condemnation of the persecution of the Bahai faith and supporting freedom of religion as a basic human right under international law. 

Mr Halfon said: "The niece of Harlow resident Mali Vojdani was a political prisoner in Iran for many years. 

"Thank goodness she has been recently released. But there are still thousands of innocent people being persecuted by the Iranian regime, because of their faith. This includes Bahais, Jews, Christians, and many others."

Harlow MP Robert Halfon's Foodbank campaign victory highlighted by BBC 

Published on 11 January 2011

HARLOW MP Robert Halfon's campaign for a change to legislation so that Jobcentres can issue Foodbank vouchers has been highlighted by the BBC.

In an article on the BBC Politics Points East website headlined 'Yes, backbenchers can make a difference', reporter Jackie Meadows highlights Mr Halfon's "persistent lobbying" which has led to a parliamentary victory "which will make life easier for many people". 

Mr Halfon learnt of his campaign success in a letter from Employment Minister Chris Grayling. Six months of lobbying at ministerial level, with a series of meetings, saw Mr Halfon raise concerns about the current situation and campaign for changes to the legislation. 

Under current legislation Jobcentre Plus staff are not allowed to hand out vouchers for foodbank schemes. 

Now Mr Grayling has told Mr Halfon that he has asked Jobcentre Plus to work with the Trussell Trust, which includes the Harlow Foodbank, on a pilot scheme which could see the initiative being introduced nationwide.

Harlow MP Robert Halfon celebrates victory in his Foodbank vouchers campaign 

Published on 10 January 2011

HARLOW MP Robert Halfon has spoken of his delight that his long-running campaign to let Harlow Jobcentre Plus distribute Foodbank vouchers has been a success. 

Employment Minister Chris Grayling has told Mr Halfon, who fought a long campaign and raised the issue in a parliamentary motion last summer, that he has asked Jobcentre Plus to work with the Trussell Trust, which includes the Harlow Foodbank, on a pilot scheme which could see the initiative being introduced nationwide. 

Under current legislation Jobcentre Plus staff are not allowed to hand out vouchers for foodbank schemes. 

Mr Halfon has also raised his concerns and campaigned for changes to the legislation in a series of meetings at ministerial level. 

He met twice last autumn with Work and Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan-Smith and followed up the discussions at a meeting with Mr Duncan Smith's Special Advisor Philippa Stroud (former head of the Centre for Social Justice). 

Mr Halfon also had a long and detailed meeting with Employment Minister Chris Grayling last month (December) and has written several times to both Mr Grayling and Mr Duncan-Smith asking them to consider his request. 

Mr Halfon's early day motion called on the House of Commons to recognise the work of foodbanks. Harlow Foodbank works with churches, schools and care workers to provide three days of emergency food to people in times of financial crisis. 

Mr Halfon said: "This is great news and now so many more people are set to benefit from Harlow Foodbank's great work. 

"The current legislation brought in by the previous Government penalises families and has hit the poorest families in Harlow the hardest, especially those whose benefits or incomes are delayed through no fault of their own." 

Harlow Foodbank, run by the Michael Roberts Charitable Trust, is based at the Rainbow Centre, Wych Elm. 

All the food is donated by the public and is distributed using a voucher system through organisations such as Harlow Welfare Rights and the Citizens Advice Bureau.

Harlow MP Robert Halfon welcomes womens' sport boost for town 

Published on 10 January 2011

A DECISION by Sport England to give £203,172 to create opportunities to get women more active across Essex - including in Harlow and Epping Forest - has been welcomed by Harlow MP Robert Halfon. 

The project has received the money through National Lottery funding. Women’s Sporting Champions will see women’s sports groups set up in 70 of the most disadvantaged areas of Essex over the next three years. 

Nearly 2,000 women are set to benefit from the groups which will organise sports sessions and appoint a ‘champion’ to organise and lead them. 

Each group will be given a grant to support the activity and training bursaries will be available so that members can become coaches and continue to inspire more women to play sport. 

The project is one of 20 being funded by Sport England to boost women’s participation in sport, especially those who care for children or who live in disadvantaged communities because they face some of the biggest barriers to participation. 

Mr Halfon said: "The cash injection is wonderful news and I hope that women will take up the chance to get involved with any sports groups set up in Harlow as a result of this funding boost."