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National suicide rates are increasing. The latest local data suggest that, between 2016 and 2019, Barnet lost eighty-nine people to suicide: on average one person every sixteen days.  There is no conclusive data yet nationally or locally, but it is possible that effects of the pandemic and social restrictions will have longer-term impact on mental health and wellbeing.

Barnet’s ward boundaries are changing for 2022, so our polling arrangements and where residents will go to vote also have to change in many parts of the borough.

Barnet Council marked Clean Air Day yesterday, (16 June), with an educational initiative at All Saints School in Whetstone. Councillors attended a special assembly to promote the London-wide anti-idling campaign and raise awareness among pupils and parents of the impact it can have on the air we breathe.

The event, which takes place on Saturday 25 June, will include inflatables, music, food, sports demonstrations, competitions, giveaways and much more. It will run from 12noon-4pm across all three of the popular parks. Councillor Alan Schneiderman, Chair of the Environment and Climate Change Committee, said: “We can’t wait to welcome everyone to this fun-packed and exciting event. There will be something for everyone to enjoy – whether you’re bringing the family, coming with your friends, or just strolling through.

The pledges can be simple and small changes that will help them towards the national and local ‘net zero’ target of sustainable living. Barnet Council’s employees have already started making their pledges, which include:

London’s Deputy Mayor Sophie Linden visited Barnet Council’s offices for an update on the council’s pioneering pilot scheme to tackle domestic abuse in the borough, along with its partners at the neighbouring councils of Brent and Enfield. Called the ‘Culturally Integrated Family Approach’ (CIFA), the wide-reaching scheme provides tailored services that recognise differences in cultures and ethnicities to improve the support available to those experiencing domestic abuse.

The London Borough of Barnet has marked Armed Forces Day (25 June) with a parade and flag raising ceremony in partnership with the RAF Museum, to pay tribute to the Armed Forces, Cadets Services, veterans, and their families in the borough.

Barnet’s population is the second largest of London’s borough’s, with Croydon recording the highest number of residents. The Census data shows the population is split into 188,400 (48.4%) males and 200,900 (51.6%) females.

Following the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic small businesses are particularly vulnerable with supply chain issues affecting 54% or 2.1 million across the UK in the last 12 months. Micro-businesses are the engine of Barnet’s economy making up 94% of the borough’s 25,840 active enterprises.

Local organisation BOOST helped 387 Barnet borough’s residents into work during 2021-22, the most people ever achieved in a single year since the project’s launch in 2015, according to the latest figures published. The Barnet Council-backed employment, benefit advice, skills and wellbeing project which helps Barnet residents, supported 16,300 locals with employment issues, and 9,222 individuals who needed financial help with housing and benefits.