'Just pick up the phone': MP urges people to stay in contact with family over Christmas
An MP is urging people to pick up the phone to family, friends and neighbours, saying it could make their day over the Christmas holidays.
The north Shropshire MP Owen Paterson says he is deeply conscious of the effects of isolation and its effects on mental health, particularly among elderly people as the pandemic carries on into the New Year.
He has pledged to campaign for more funding for mental health and suicide prevention charities, following the death of his wife Rose earlier this year.
And, in a Christmas statement Mr Paterson, said: “This year has been an incredibly difficult one for our family.
“Rose’s suicide in June has had a terrible impact on us all and I don’t think we have even begun to come to terms with her loss. The many thoughtful messages, letters and cards that were sent have been of immense comfort to us. We are all hugely grateful for them.
“In recent months I have been learning more about mental health and suicide prevention. I plan to become much more involved in this work from now on; if I can stop one single family going through the extreme anguish that we are, I will have done something worthwhile.
“I am particularly conscious of the effects of isolation and its effects on mental health, particularly among elderly people.
“I urge everyone to do their best to connect with friends, family and neighbours – just picking up the phone might well make their day over the Christmas holidays.”
He also urged everyone to help the local economy by buying local and said: “Nearly everything on the Christmas dinner plate can be sourced from Shropshire.
“The support we give to local shops, farmers, food producers and hospitality venues will make all the difference as they plan their economic recovery after an extremely difficult year.”
The MP said it had been an extremely busy year for his office and, despite Covid, progress continued on many local campaigns.
“It is great that serious studies are now underway on the Pant-Llanymynech bypass and I continue to raise the issue of dualling the A5 with the relevant agencies,” he said.
“Poor mobile phone and broadband provision continue to be a huge frustration and it remains a top priority to improve this for all my constituents.
"New campaigns under way this year are to re-establish a railway service between Oswestry and Gobowen and improve disabled access across Whitchurch station.
“Whilst the campaign to stop HS2 has been lost, I will ensure that mitigations are put in place to protect constituents in Woore.
“The pandemic means that many of us have been kept away from our friends and loved ones. Many thousands of people have lost their lives across the country and each of these deaths is a tragedy for those left behind but it is heartening to know that the vaccine is now being delivered across the country.
“I wish all my constituents a merry Christmas and a happy New Year."
If you have been affected by this article, you can call the Samaritans on 116123 or visit Samaritans.org
