Not a place for conflict or hatred

I WANTED to contact you to add my voice to the doubtless huge numbers of those who are shocked, outraged, and heartbroken by the killings in the Forbury Gardens on Saturday. Reading was my home for 21 years.

It is where my children did most of their growing up and went to school. I still hold the town in great affection.

Reading has never been a place for conflict and hatred, nor is it now.

I stand with the families and loved ones of the three men whose lives were taken from them last Saturday.

I stand against the peddlers of hate.

Gay Lives Matter.

All Lives Matter.

Jane Griffiths

MP for Reading East 1997-2005

Khujand, Tajikistan

Emotional support for all

Although lockdown is finally beginning to ease, everyone is still grappling with the continuing challenges of Covid-19 and many of us could use some additional practical help or emotional support from time to time.

Since the beginning of the Pandemic, the charity Family Action’s FamilyLine service has done just that, helping more than 2000 people and their families.

FamilyLine is a free, confidential advice and support service on family issues for family members over the age of 18.

We provide a listening ear, answer particular parenting questions or help with guidance around more complex family issues.

Our trained volunteers can help via phone, text, email and web chat.

If you need help or advice, please get in touch, Monday to Friday, 9am to 9pm by telephone: 0808 802 6666, text message: 07537 404 282, email: familyline@family-action.org.uk or by live web chat.

You can find out more on our website www.family-action.org.uk/familyline.

David Holmes CBE, CEO Family Action

34 Wharf Road, London, N1 7GR