by Abigail Beresford
In her recent victory in the local elections, Councillor Hilary Fryer said she intends to continue with her crucial focus on the welfare and mental health of children and adults, following the coronavirus pandemic.
Cllr Fryer was elected as the Quorn and Sileby West representative following the recent local elections with 1,952 votes, allowing her to continue her service after being previously elected in the 2017 local elections.
“I have won county council twice and was elected to the borough council back in 2003. I was first a borough councillor when I was 28, when I lived back in Surrey, as well,” said Cllr Fryer.
In accordance with the current issues that the community face as a consequence of the coronavirus pandemic, Ms Fryer said she is determined to help the local community to the best of her ability.
“One of the main things we plan to do is recover from the coronavirus. This has had a huge personal impact,” said Cllr Fryer.
“We won’t know the full impact of the 15-month isolation for another six months, or possibly a year.”
Leicester saw itself in the longest lockdown in the country,
The lack of social interaction has proved to pose an issue in alignment with mental health issues, Cllr Fryer said, and pledged it would be a focus of her party to ensure it helps the community.
“The impact of the 15-month isolation may have an effect on adult social care,” said Ms Fryer.
“A gentleman who lives next door to me who has been socially isolated for 15-months, due to his shielding. Over the months, his health is deteriorating.”
“However, we don’t know whether this will also have a knock-on effect for children.”
Alongside her responsibilities within the Leicestershire County Council, Ms Fryer is the Chairman of the Children and Families Service, ensuring her support in helping children transition back into normality.
“Children have not had regulated organised education for a year, which will have a large impact on learning and social development. Learning how to socially adapt with their peers will be a very big challenge for them.”
With the easing of lockdown restrictions coming week-by-week, Cllr Fryer said she and the Leicestershire County Council are hoping to provide support for the community in this transition period.
