Local Watford MP Dean Russell was joined by The Rt Hon Steve Barclay MP, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Chief of Staff to the Prime Minister, on a visit to charity ‘Hand on Heart’ for a tour of their premises and to lead a roundtable discussion in which local representatives were able to discuss current challenges with the senior Minister.
Hand on Heart provides support to the vulnerable in different parts of the UK through a number of programmes and initiatives. Established in 2007 to serve rough sleepers, vulnerable groups and the disadvantaged by providing lunch parcels, the organisation has since evolved and now provides essential items and vital services to vulnerable groups across England, from winter warmer packs for the homeless, to stationery-filled backpacks to disadvantaged children.
Speaking after the visit Dean Russell said “I was delighted to welcome Steve Barclay MP to Watford for him to learn how well our community works together. I was really pleased that Hand on Heart were able to speak about current challenges that they are facing, particularly around the cost of living, as well as share details of the fantastic work that they do.”
Trustee and co-founder of Hand on Heart Afzal Pradhan BEM commented: “We were grateful for the opportunity to meet Steve Barclay MP and show him how Hand on Heart recognises the importance of supporting those in poverty and hardship on our doorstep here in the UK.
“During the pandemic, we developed an approach to help thousands of vulnerable people. It was through collaboration with other charities and the support given to us by our dedicated volunteers in Watford and surrounding areas to build a community of support and togetherness.”
Regarding the increasing challenges of various vulnerable groups, Afzal added, “Today, we all know the cost of living is soaring. We are bracing ourselves for a new wave of people looking for help. With our partners, Beta Charitable Trust, we are ready to receive the rise in numbers. At the same time, we proactively adapt to emergency appeals like we face today in Ukraine and will support refugees as they arrive in the UK.”
