Labour MP for Birmingham Ladywood, Shabana Mahmood, is calling on local residents to share some of the many examples of “kindness and compassion” that have typified the response to COVID-19 in her constituency. During National Volunteers’ Week next week, Shabana is seeking to promote the work of local individuals, clubs, businesses, and community groups who have been going above and beyond to help others.

Earlier in the lockdown, Shabana began highlighting some of the fantastic examples of the community spirited efforts people across Birmingham Ladywood have made to help others in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

From the herculean efforts of the team at Aston and Nechells Food Bank, to the local For The Love Of Scrubs volunteers making vital personal protective equipment, the network of support from across different communities has been significant. Through her social media feeds, Shabana is seeking to shine a light on those people who have formed the backbone of the local response to this crisis in Birmingham. As lockdown restrictions begin to be gradually eased, she is keen to ensure the “Love from Ladywood” doesn’t go unrecognised.

Birmingham Ladywood MP, Shabana Mahmood, said:

“I’ve been truly overwhelmed, yet unsurprised, by the resilience and compassion local residents in Birmingham Ladywood have shown since this pandemic began. The past eight weeks have been deeply unsettling for all of us yet every day I hear of more and more examples of the amazing work individuals, community groups, and local businesses are doing to support others. Ahead of National Volunteers’ Week, I want constituents to get in touch to let me know about local community champions who deserve recognition for their efforts.

“Over the past few weeks, I’ve heard about so many examples of generosity, kindness, and sheer selflessness in the face of this terrible virus. People have been supporting their friends and neighbours who have been shielding and making sure that those who are less well off have the supplies they need. Crucially, they’ve also been ensuring that our local NHS and social care heroes have the vital PPE they require to do their jobs safely. We clap for carers on every Thursday evening to show our appreciation for our carers and key workers but this is just the tip of the iceberg. I’m so proud of how our city has risen to this unprecedented challenge.

“The rainbows on our windows show how united we all are during this incredibly difficult period. But I have no doubt that we’ll see even more examples of “Love from Ladywood” in the weeks and months ahead as we steer towards the “new normal””.

If you know of an individual, community group, or business who has been doing great work to support their wider community in Birmingham Ladywood, please email details to shabana.mahmood.mp@parliament.uk.

Constituents can access Shabana’s social media feeds via:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/shabanamahmoodforladywood

Twitter: www.twitter.com/shabanamahmood

ENDS

NOTES TO EDITORS

1. National Volunteers’ Week is running until this Sunday, 7 June 2020.
2. For further information or comment, please contact Luke Holland on 07447008098 // luke@cathoddu.com