September means back to school for students and MPs alike. I would like to offer a hearty congratulations to Bath’s students for their recent results.
They have worked hard and overcome significant challenges imposed by the pandemic.
My thanks also to the teachers and school staff for their hard work supporting our young people, and of course the families of our students for their encouragement and support at home.
Of course, a new school year means a rush to organise new shoes, uniforms, stationery – the list goes on. That’s why I’m pleased to support Marks & Spencer’s Back-to-School “Shwopping” initiative, in conjunction with eBay and Oxfam, to make school uniforms more sustainable and affordable.
You can donate any item of used school uniform and receive a 20% off voucher for children’s clothes. With both climate and the cost of living in a state of crisis, recycling school uniform items is a simple way to help families and the environment at one stroke.
Everywhere I turn, I see more examples of inspiring efforts to promote sustainable and affordable solutions to local needs. I am particularly fond of the bustling Share and Repair Shop on George Street, the first of its kind on a high street in England.
Its enthusiastic staff and volunteers are passionate about helping local people save money – and our planet. You can borrow everyday things for a very modest sum from their “library” of over 700 items, from hedge trimmers to carpet cleaners and tents.
As your MP, it is a privilege to see the hard work that goes into promoting community involvement in Bath.
Recently, I had a very rewarding visit to The Carers’ Centre, where I spoke with carers of all ages, from young carers to those looking after loved ones in the later years of their life.
The Carers’ Centre is a hugely important service supporting these unpaid carers and I was touched and impressed by the compassion and dedication of its staff and volunteers.
I recently visited Alice Park Nursery in Larkhall and had great fun joining in their learning through plan activities. For the past 15 years, Alice Park Nursery has supported children under 5 years old, an age when it is particularly vital for children to have access to a nurturing, stimulating environment in which to learn and grow.
It is a tremendous local asset and Early Years educators should be recognised for their key contribution to childrens’ development, with adequate funding and support.
I am heartened to see so many people coming together to support the more vulnerable in our community, from the very young, to those on low incomes, to those in the later years of life.
It is vital that such services are recognised for the absolutely crucial work that they do, and supplied with adequate funding.
As your MP, I will continue to campaign for local services to receive the funding they need to keep helping people and our planet.