I’ve spoken in Parliament on behalf of residents in East Grinstead, Uckfield, and the villages on multiple topics including HIV testing in A&Es and in Westminster Hall on private school fee VAT. This’ll have a negative impact on both the independent and state sectors due to class sizes, increased pressure on local SEND provision and unavailability of places mid-year. I urge this Government to reconsider its approach, putting all children's needs first and act in a way which supports all children and communities.
I’d a brilliant week locally visiting Worth and Handcross School discussing private school fee VAT, Handcross Park School for the opening of their newly expanded and refurbished boarding house, as well as visiting Condale Plastics in East Grinstead and Woodgate Sustainable Housing in Pease Pottage. I also had the pleasure of joining the “Ukrainian Voices” Choir Concert in Lindfield, performing a mix of traditional and modern Ukrainian songs.
Thursday 10th October was World Mental Health Day with this year's theme-Workplace Mental Health. We must come together and discuss mental health and wellbeing, showing everyone’s mental health matters. Talking about our mental health helps us cope with life’s ups and downs, of which there are so many. We never know what people are going through and it's crucial we remember this and always be kind.
I joined Women in Sports 40th birthday celebrations in Parliament. Sport plays a vital role in staying healthy-not only physically, but also crucially mentally too. It was a pleasure to meet Becky Adlington and Tessa Sanderson to hear about the work they're doing to ensure no woman or girl is excluded from the joy of sport and their hard work on closing the gender play gap.
Local unpaid carers provide essential support to family members and friends, often without any respite breaks or support. I pledge to always stand up for carers in Parliament, ensuring unpaid they’re connected to the right support and getting the recognition they deserve. As a former carer myself, I back calls for action in support of unpaid carers, including the development of a new National Carers Strategy.
