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The annual United Nations led campaign is an international awareness initiative aimed at ending the harmful practice of FGM. Globally, the UN estimates that at least 200 million girls and women alive today have undergone some form of FGM. Although numbers of cases in Barnet are relatively low, FGM is thought to be an underreported issue and raising awareness is important.

The annual ceremony was held on the 28 January in the Rickett Quadrangle at Middlesex University’s campus in The Burroughs, Hendon. This year, the theme of Holocaust Memorial Day was the “power of words”. The speakers this year included Det Chief Superintendent Simon Rose – Met Police Barnet Borough Commander, Professor Tim Blackman – Vice Chancellor Middlesex University, Mr Simon Bentley – Chair of Yad Vashem UK Foundation. Students from Woodhouse 6th Form College who visited Auschwitz were also in attendance and made the Barnet Statement of Commitment.

As the colder months set in, Barnet Council is reminding residents to keep warm, well and safe this winter. There are a number of small and effective things you can do to help yourself, your family and your neighbours this season such as:

Residents are asked to remain calm but also vigilant of any suspicious activity. Those that see anything that causes concern or raises suspicions should call the Anti-Terrorist Hotline confidentially on 0800 789 321. In an emergency, always dial 999. Police are appealing to anyone with any photos or video of the incident in Westminster to upload them at: www.ukpoliceimageappeal.co.uk

Three simultaneous raids by the council’s Trading Standards team* on shops in Golders Green, North Finchley and a house in another part of London revealed a treasure trove of suspected fake high-end merchandise. The haul included handbags sporting top designer labels such as Chanel, Prada and Louis Vuitton, all of which are thought to be counterfeit. In total, officers took away around 130 evidence bags filled with seized goods after carrying out the co-ordinated operation on 7 December with support from the police and a specialist brand expert.

They earned their place after topping their group in the qualifiers at Harrow Leisure Centre on Saturday 9 February. Winners of the tournament in 2011, Barnet had to battle hard to secure their ticket to Lord’s. After a victorious opener against fourth seeds Haringey, they lost out to Richmond 83-85 in a nail biting match. But a 68-65 win against Newham was enough to secure a top of the table finish on run rate.

The Tarling Road Community Hub will replace the Old Barn community centre and create a brand new facility which will provide a shared space for local community groups. Plans also include new play facilities, improvements to the green space and flexibility for nursery provision. Once built, one of the community groups which will use the new centre will be the Somali Bravanese Welfare Association (SBWA).

The policy was passed at a full meeting of the authority in Hendon Town Hall last night (Tuesday, 31 July). Under the policy, Council Tax relief will be offered to care leavers up to age 25 for their first two years of independent living. Care leavers experiencing financial difficulties after the initial period will also be eligible for relief. Financial help would be available to care leavers living outside of Barnet.

This week the temperature is expected to rise further to potentially make it the hottest period of this summer so far. Although most of us welcome the summer sun, high temperatures can be harmful to your health. Try to avoid spending extended periods in the sun this week. Also, be aware that vulnerable people are at increased risk of health issues. See our advice here: Tips for coping in hot weather

We share the national condemnation for the acts of atrocity committed in the heart of London on Wednesday 22nd March 2017.    We are determined that Barnet will remain a special place where residents get on well together and that our diverse cultural communities continue to live and work peacefully alongside one another.   We are justly proud of our diversity and community cohesion and will stand united in keeping Barnet a great place to live, work and study.