West Yorkshire PCC statement - “One year on, a time to reflect and look forward”
23rd March 2021
Today (Tue 23/03) marks a year since we all watched the broadcast and heard how we would need to stay home, protect the NHS and save lives.
We suspected it was coming, but the actual reality of it was still very difficult to hear and digest and I doubt none of us ever expected to be here in a similar place a year later.
Whatever you have faced, whether it’s battling loneliness and depression, balancing childcare, had your wedding cancelled, missed friends and family beyond measure, or regretfully, suffered bereavement - as a collective community, we’ve never known loss or restrictions to our day to day lives like it.
It’s important that we all reflect upon these issues and support each other however we can, that’s why I am backing the Marie Curie Day of Reflection today. I will be observing a minute’s silence at mid-day and I would encourage everyone to take some time out, reach out to someone who may be having a tough time, or just take stock of your own wellbeing. To find out more about the day visit https://www.mariecurie.org.uk/get-involved/day-of-reflection
As we all know though, not everyone could or can stay home and I’d like to again place on record my thanks and appreciation to all key workers, from the police, NHS, fire service, teachers, shop/delivery/refuse workers and all of those brave members of our communities who volunteered to help vulnerable and isolated people.
I have been impressed with the response from West Yorkshire Police, who in extremely challenging circumstances, have taken a proportionate view throughout and followed the approach of Engage, Explain, Encourage with Enforcement used as a last resort or for blatant wilful breaches. This approach will remain and I will continue to monitor things closely with the Chief Constable.
On that note, and to finish, it’s truly awe-inspiring how our NHS and volunteers have rolled out the vaccine programme. However, we all continue to have a real responsibility to abide by the restrictions, to do the right thing by our communities, and to honour the memories of those who sadly are no longer with us.
Let’s all continue to work together, towards the brighter future just on the horizon.