Author: W4MP Editor

DVLA Coronavirus (COVID-19) update

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The DVLA is experiencing delays with paper applications owing to a large number of enquiries and also staffing issues relating to the COVID-19 pandemic.

As a result, MPs offices have received a lot of complaints from constituents worried about their applications and whether or not they are still permitted to drive whilst they are waiting for them to be processed.

The DVLA has a useful page which shows their processing times and contains information about eligibility to drive here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/dvla-coronavirus-covid-19-update This page is updated weekly.

MPs have access to a hotline, the details of which can be found on the Hotlines List on the intranet. Further information here: https://w4mp.org/w4mp/w4mp/hotline-numbers-for-mps-meps-msps-ams-and-their-staff/

East Region Roadshow

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Calling all Office Managers in the East Region.

MST is hosting the launch event for the roadshow on Teams on 25 January at 13.30.

Its super important that as many people as possible come from this region to vote for what they would like at the roadshow.

Everyone has been emailed an invitation, so if you could help to encourage people to come along, including your teams, it would be appreciated.

Forthcoming HOC Library Talks

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The Commons Library is running a series of weekly talks starting 13th January covering topical issues, constituency casework, and statistics.

Their expert staff will cover:

and more.

There are also talks from the National Audit Office (NAO) on

You can browse and book all upcoming talks and watch previous talks on Act. Any questions please email [email protected]

Important – have you completed the update to the latest version of Windows 10 yet?

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If you have a parliamentary PC or laptop which has the Windows 10 operating system, you must update to the latest version of Windows 10 as soon as possible.

Go to the Software Center on your computer (click in the search box and type in ‘software center’ and it will find it for you.) Then click on ‘Operating Systems’ in the left menu and then click on the update in the main window.

The update process is very simple, but takes around three hours. Your computer can be left unattended once it has properly started, so it might be best to set it running at the end of your work day.

The deadline for completing the update is 25 February 2022. Please contact the support desk (0207 219 2001) if you are unable to get into your offices to update your computers.

Working Mind Six Week Online Mindfulness Course – starts 20 January

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As we approach the new year, many of us will be looking ahead at the next 12 months, setting new year’s resolutions, and vowing to make positive changes in our lives. This new year, why not resolve to be more mindful for 2022?

Mindfulness promotes resilience and wellbeing. It can help us to manage change and uncertainty, which will be particularly valuable as we navigate the unknowns of the new year.

We invite you to take part in the Working Mind six-week mindfulness course, open to members’ staff of either House. Sessions will take place every Thursday 12-1pm from 20 January to 24 February. Book your place via ACTor email [email protected]

The six-week course is an opportunity to experience the principles and practices of mindfulness, and explore how mindfulness can help you thrive inside and outside of the workplace. The course will be delivered by Awaris and will take place online via Zoom.

Not sure if mindfulness is for you? A Mindfulness Taster session will take place on Wednesday 12 January, 9.30-10am. This workshop will introduce you to mindfulness as a way of reclaiming your attention and developing greater focus, clarity and wellbeing. It is suitable both as a stand-alone session, and as a taster for those interested in signing up for one of our longer mindfulness courses. Book your place.

For further details about the mindfulness course, please email [email protected]

Managing your Money Worries Webinar -18 January

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At this time of year, it is not unusual for many of us to experience financial anxiety or the “January blues”. After all, our spending often goes up during the festive season which can lead to increased financial pressures in the new year. Our finances underpin most areas of our lives and money problems can cause serious issues— even affecting our mental health…

Join us for a financial wellbeing workshop on Tuesday 18 January, 2-3pm. Book your place on the Health & Wellbeing learning hub on ACT or email [email protected]

The session will offer expert, non-judgemental advice on how to manage your money worries. You will learn how financial wellbeing and mental wellbeing are linked—and how to improve both in one fell swoop. The session will also cover:

  • Key facts behind financial wellbeing, and the ways they affect our mental health
  • The emotional impact of money worries, as well as the physical toll
  • Practical tips and advice on managing money, using credit wisely, and being financially aware

The session will be delivered by Joy Whitehead from Health Assured, our EAP provider. If you have any questions about the session email [email protected]

Laughter Workshop – Monday 17 January

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Laugh away the January Blues with a laughter workshop, hosted by Lotte Mikkelsen.

You have probably heard the saying that “laughter is the best medicine” – but its more than an old wives tale – laughing can really benefit your health and wellbeing. By laughing we release natural feel-good chemicals into our body, which lower our stress levels and put us in a much more positive frame of mind.

Join us for a laughter workshop on Monday 17 January, 12-12.30pm. You are guaranteed to leave the session feeling reenergised and ready to take on Blue Monday with a smile!  Book your place on the H&W learning hub or email [email protected]

The session will be hosted by Lotte Mikklesen, leading laughter yoga expert. Lotte has worked with clients such as Google, Barclays and the NHS, and has also featured several times on ITV

Elizabeth Tower: from construction to conservation

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Online talk – 11:00 – 30 December 2021

Shrouded in scaffolding since 2017, the Elizabeth Tower is under repair from the gilt cross and orb at its tip, to the bottom of its 334-step staircase. These monthly talks explore the story of the clock tower from its beginnings, to the most complex conservation project in its history.

Discover how and why the Elizabeth Tower, the Great Clock and the Great Bell, Big Ben, were built and learn about the enormous task of restoring the tower to its former glory, as it is modernised to make it fit for the 21st century. This vital conservation work will ensure that this iconic building, situated on a UNESCO World Heritage site, is safeguarded for future generations to visit and enjoy.

At the end of the talk, 15 minutes are available for you to ask questions.

This is an online event and will be hosted on Microsoft Teams Live Events which you can access through web browsers like Chrome, Firefox or Microsoft Edge. Safari is not currently supported. You do not need a Microsoft account to join the event. We will send full details of how to join the event online following registration.

https://ukparliament.seetickets.com/timeslot/elizabeth-tower-from-construction-to-conservation

Meet the people behind Big Ben: The Cumbria Clock Company

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Online talk – 18:00 – 20 January 2022

Join this talk by Keith Scobie-Youngs, director and co-founder of The Cumbria Clock Company, to find out about the recent conservation of the Great Clock of Westminster. Keith and his team, along with UK Parliament’s clock mechanics, painstakingly cleaned, repaired, and restored more than 1,000 components at their workshop in the village of Dacre near Penrith.

This was the first time that the entire mechanism had been removed from its home in the Elizabeth Tower. Keith will discuss much of the work including designing and making the temporary clock hands and drive units, removing the clock movement, fitting the original clock hands, and installing the going train and getting it ticking for 2022.

At the end of the talk, 20 minutes are available for you to ask questions.

This is an online event and will be hosted on Microsoft Teams Live Events which you can access through web browsers like Chrome, Firefox, or Microsoft Edge. Safari is not currently supported. You do not need a Microsoft account to join the event. We will send full details of how to join the event online following registration.

For further information and booking, please see here: https://ukparliament.seetickets.com/event/people-behind-big-ben/online/2179504