By Simon Fell, Barrow MP

We've had a rough couple of weeks in Barrow.

We've been unjustly attacked in the press.

And now tensions are high for other reasons.

There is an ongoing police investigation and so I am not able comment on the case itself.

However, I want to ask four things of you.

First, be kind. We are in a tinder box, in many cases locked in at home.

There is at least one victim in this case.

But there are also families and friends who are affected too.

What you write online, what you share, and what you say will have consequences.

Words matter a great deal.

In mental health awareness week, we should all take a moment to think about others before we act, and try to be kind.

Second, don't hold back information if you think you know something.

If you think that you have evidence of child sexual exploitation, grooming or any other crime, reach out.

You can tell the Police (999 for emergencies, 101 non-emergency). Or you can alert Crimestoppers (0800 555 111), or approach Women's Community Matters in Barrow (01229 311 102).

Third, please remember that there is an ongoing police investigation into these matters.

That very fact means that not every piece of information is in the public domain.

It is your right to ask questions, but please do not do anything which may jeopardise that investigation.

I am closely monitoring this case and will do everything in my power to ensure that victims are protected, and that justice is done.

Fourth, the past two months have shown that what makes this community great is that it stands together.

Whether in the face of a global pandemic, rallying for the Bluebirds to be promoted, or looking out for those on our streets who are most vulnerable, Barrow and Furness is blessed with an excess of people who don't only say they care, but demonstrate it.

Right now, when tensions are high, it is easy to scapegoat.

But to do that would be wrong.

Doing that risks tarring innocent people and opening a box which is very difficult to close.

So, please - no matter how hard it may be - I urge you to exercise calm.

We all want justice for the victims, the truth to come out, and the guilty to be punished. And we all have a role to play in ensuring that the proper process is followed and that this is allowed to happen.

So please, remain calm, stay safe, and look after yourselves.

Mental Health Week

This last week has been Mental Health Awareness Week.

The world has changed thanks to coronavirus. And I don’t just mean the impact of the virus itself, but rather the legacy that isolation and shielding will bring.

For some, being locked away at home, alone or with your family is a joy. For others, it brings challenges which might not be visible, and which may not be fully expressed until after the lockdown eases substantially.

I miss those daily interactions that I didn’t even really think of before as they were so much a part of normal life.

And now, so reliant on the internet and social media for engagement with others, people’s words do sometimes weigh heavier than they might normally.

The theme of this Mental Health Awareness Week is to be kind.

We could all do to follow that advice. Especially now.

There are a good number of fantastic local organisations who exist to help and support people who are experiencing mental health challenges.

I want to say a huge thank you to all of the staff and volunteers from these fantastic organisations for the work that they’re doing to help to protect people’s mental wellbeing.

I launched a guide to mental health this week (available on my www.simonfell.org) to make sure that people know how to get in touch with these organisations when they need to.

Mental and physical health go hand in hand, so I’d urge people to get your exercise and clear your head when you can. You’ll feel better for it, and you may just remember to be kinder as a result.