I have been truly overwhelmed by the number of local organisations and individuals who are playing their part to help our communities defeat COVID-19. I want to celebrate kindness and good deeds in these difficult times and am immensely pleased to be launching ‘Rutland and Melton’s Unsung Heroes’, where I will highlight the outstanding local contributions that are bolstering our reaction to the pandemic.
The first organisation to be rightly recognised for simply outstanding national spirit are Rutland Plastics whose plastic injection moulding company is producing medical equipment which will be used in the Nightingale Ward Hospital at the Excel.
An enormous thank you to this week’s Heroes: Oakham School’s Design and Technology Team headed up by Tim Weston who have already created 150 face shields for NHS staff in Peterborough Hospital’s ICU.
So, a huge thank you to everyone at Rutland Plastics and Oakham School’s DT Department whose hard work will literally help save lives. You are a credit to your families, our community and our country.
In such an uncertain time, it is truly uplifting to be reminded of the unwavering strength of our communities, so if you know of a person or organisation working to help our community who deserves recognition, send me an email! All those recognised will be invited to a thank you celebration later in the year and receive a certificate of thanks.
Over the last few weeks many residents have been left facing unparalleled uncertainty about their livelihoods, family and friends, and our country’s health. I am hopeful that the Government’s unprecedented support has reassured residents. However, I am aware that a small number of fraudsters have quickly shifted their malign tactics to exploit the anxious and vulnerable, and profit from peoples’ fears.
I am urging residents to be more vigilant than ever and take extra precautions to protect the precious assets that you have worked so hard for.
It goes without saying that you should never give out personal information such as your bank details, address, passwords, or existing insurance, pension or investment details as this can be used to impersonate and defraud you.
It has come to my attention that criminals are using Government branding, such as the HMRC logo, to make counterfeit offers of financial support through unsolicited emails and text messages. If you are unsure whether a communication from HMRC is legitimate, you can forward emails to [email protected] and text messages to 60599.
Scammers are cunning, so please know that there is no shame in being deceived. You should never be embarrassed to report it because by doing so, you will make it more difficult for them to deceive others! If you spot a scam or have been scammed, contact Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.
Please be extremely cautious and do not click on links or open attachments from senders you do not know or feel might be suspicious. Equally do not give details out over the phone or even to those on the doorstep. If in doubt, check the company’s name on the Financial Conduct Authority’s Financial Service Register or ring Rutland Borough Council to check it’s them. It is also crucial for you to trust your instincts – if something seems too good to be true, it probably is! Always insist on time to get independent or legal advice or to contact Rutland County Council.
With that being said, thank you to everyone who is doing all they can to adhere to Government guidelines. Each of us can, and will, save lives, by simply staying home.
