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A message from Cllr Michael Wilson, Leader of Havant Borough Council
Christmas is traditionally a time for celebration and as we come to the end of a second national lockdown, I sincerely hope you will be able to enjoy time with family and friends.
This time last year, no one could have predicted the months ahead: this has been a turbulent and surprising year, affecting all aspects of our lives.
There has been tragedy for those who have lost loved ones, but there have also been extraordinary acts of public spirit and kindness as the nation has pulled together to help one another come through the pandemic.
In the borough we were overwhelmed with the support groups and volunteers who have kept our community sustained.
As a council, we are determined to continue to support you and our businesses to survive and rebuild over the coming months.
May I wish you a Happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year.
Coronavirus: help is at hand
If you need food or medicine, and you don’t have friends or family to rely on, you can call the Hampshire Coronavirus Support and Helpline on 0333 370 4000.
The helpline is open 9am to 5pm Monday to Thursday and until 4.30pm on Fridays.
A lot of work has gone in to making sure everybody is looked after and no one is left without the support they need.
More information can be found on our website: www.havant.gov.uk/vulnerable-people
How to contact us over Christmas
From midday Thursday 24 December to Monday 4 January please contact 023 9244 6019 or visit www.havant.gov.uk/outofhours for emergencies relating to Havant Borough Council services.
If you need Hampshire County Council's adult services call 0300 555 1386, children’s services is on 0300 555 1384 or the county council's out of hours service is 0300 555 1373.
A message from the Mayor
I would like to start in the only place that is appropriate, by extending the most heartfelt thanks to every single volunteer, business, charity and organisation that has stepped up during the lockdown to support others when they most needed it.
Having created and led the voluntary group Waterlooville Helping Hands, being joined by a team of more than 100 amazing volunteers, I saw first hand the goodwill and empathy of so many which was abundant across the borough.
As we all know our keyworkers have been an inspiration to us all, enabling us to continue our way of life in the toughest of times, you are all incredible. Across Havant, we have adhered to government guidelines and done all we can to help protect those we love and care for, we have to continue and persevere in this same way so that we can defeat this virus together.
As we head into the Christmas period, I urge you to stay safe, follow the guidance and to continue the fight against this virus together as one.
Cllr Prad Bains, Mayor of Havant