Category Archives: Family

Catch-up with Browns Community Services

On Friday, I met with Angeline Gore (pictured) and Charlotte Waldron from the inspirational not-for-profit social enterprise Browns Community Services.

Ms Gore, the Chief Executive, briefed me on how the organisation provides bespoke social care for vulnerable adults across Surrey and Berkshire, including here in Elmbridge. Browns works with individuals – from young victims of grooming to ex-offenders – to build-up their confidence, help them to address any substance abuse or personal challenges and support them back into work and training.

The group runs a number of programmes, including the ‘Rebuild Project’, which supports families by providing vulnerable children, teenagers and adults with a 26-week course of counselling. It also operates the ‘4Es to Employment Course’, which has an impressive 98% success rate for getting ex-offenders and the long-term unemployed into one of paid work, volunteering or education. The Rebuild Project has recently won financial backing from the National Lottery Fund, which has enabled Browns to appoint a dedicated Rebuild Child Exploitation Parent Support Worker to work one-to-one with families.

Ms Gore also introduced me to a local resident who has benefited from the Rebuild Project. She told me first-hand about the invaluable support she and her family had received from Browns.

You can find out more information about Browns here.

Combating Loneliness in Elmbridge

This afternoon, I went along to Walton Community Centre to meet with representatives from Elmbridge Borough Council (EBC), the Department of Culture Media and Sport (DCMS) and a number of great local charities which are all doing their bit to help combat loneliness in Elmbridge.

The aim of the visit, which I co-ordinated with Ruth Lyon and Melanie Bussicot from EBC, was to highlight the work that the Council is doing, in partnership with local charities, to combat isolation and loneliness in the community. Elmbridge has 69 voluntary groups working to support those who suffer from isolation and loneliness. Together, these groups offer support for all age groups – ranging from HomeStart Elmbridge, which works with young mothers, to Concern and Help for East Elmbridge Retired (CHEER), which works with some of the more isolated among the elderly. These groups work in a variety ways, including providing transport to help people get out to the shops, running gardening clubs and helping to adapt and make secure the homes of those who still wish to live independently.

I was delighted that Jon Martlew from DCMS was able to come and see the varied and positive approach Elmbridge is taking to combat isolation and loneliness, and the impact it is having on the wider community. We may be able to benefit from future opportunities to pilot new initiatives with support from the DCMS team.

Neighbourhood Food Collection

Earlier this month, I dropped in to check out the annual Neighbourhood Food Collection at Tesco, in West Molesey. The event is a collective partnership between Tesco, the Trussell Trust and FareShare and is part of an ongoing effort to encourage customers to donate long-life food to charity to help those most in need.

Since it started in 2012, the Neighbourhood Food Collection has donated over 41 million meals to support people in need across the UK. Christmas can be a difficult time for individuals and families, who are already managing on tight budgets, but with team-work and these generous donations, it’s possible to help provide support to those who are struggling.

 

Walton Heritage Day

Despite the rain, Walton Heritage Day went ahead today. I went along to join the community spirit. As usual, we had music from the Ember Big Band, a dog show, hog roast, boat rides and much more besides.

Joanna Gordon (from Walton-on-Thames Trading Alliance) was marshalling the organisation brilliantly. I dropped by a few of the stalls, including the Walton Conservatives (photo, below, right). I also chatted to Mike and Zena who live in Cobham and have set up an organic dog treats business, Huxley Hounds, which is just taking off (photo, below, left). Walton Heritage Day is a great way to bring together local business, civic groups and the whole community.

 

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Streets Apart Project

Today, away from the noisy leadership contest dominating Westminster, I got stuck into a range of important local issues. I joined the Elmbridge Community Fund for their latest panel meeting, looking at our efforts to raise a community endowment to support local neighbourhoods or projects in need.

I visited Surrey County Council to talk through the local plan for secondary school places – factoring in the two new Free Schools that are in the pipeline (subject, of course, to various approvals).

I also caught up with Emily Pentland (pictured above) who is leading the Streets Apart project in Elmbridge, a multi-agency program to support families and youngsters, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Emily updated me on a range of housing, training and youth initiatives. We also discussed efforts to make better use of Lower Green Community Association for young families in that area – an objective I fully support.

 

Claygate Village WI

Last week, I joined a meeting of the Claygate Village WI, at the invitation of their president Pat Whiffin, at the village hall. Claygate Village WI have an important role in the local community, organising activities from bridge to bowls, and regular outings. Their interests span from Morris dancing, to supporting Chelsea pensioners, and preserving local history.

During the meeting, I talked briefly about my role as an MP, championing more local school places, and supporting lower business rates, to help our local economy. I also outlined some of the government’s achievements in narrowing the gender pay gap, and extending childcare for 3 and 4 year olds to 30 hours a week.

Afterwards we had an engaging question and answers session, where we discussed topics including the junior doctors’ contracts and next month’s EU referendum. It was great to meet with such a vibrant local group, and I had a fabulous evening.

Dropping in on the Esher CAB Team

Today, I dopped by Esher Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) to talk to their Manager Linda Wheatley, (new) Deputy Manager Sarah Waite, and meet some of the client advisers (as pictured, with Michelle and David, below).

I have huge admiration and respect for the role and dedication of our local CABs, as early warning radars for local social problems, and I know the period before and immediately after Christmas can lead to a spike in demand for their services.

The team briefed me on a few of their concerns, including social housing – and particularly the lack of available and affordable housing stock for elderly people looking to downsize. We discussed local court reforms, and access to justice. I pointed to the positives from this week’s Spending Review, including investment in housing, and very high local levels of employment. We also discussed debt and related financial issues. I was very grateful to Linda and her team for taking the time.

Merry Christmas & A Very Happy New Year!

The blog’s been a bit quiet for a couple of weeks, so I just wanted to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas, and a peaceful and prosperous year in 2015.
The reason for this unprecedented blog inactivity is that, on the 11th, Erika and I were blessed with the arrival of our second son, Joshua (pictured below). Mum and son are both doing very well – and suffice to say this will be a very special Christmas for our family. Normal service will be resumed in January.

Walton Digital Work Hub

Earlier this year, I visited The Digital Work Hub, a flexible co-working space in Walton-on-Thames set up by Alec Grant. Its focus is on providing hot desks, meeting rooms and event space for home workers, micro-businesses, startups and entrepreneurs – ideal for local businesses, or those who want to try a middle ground between literally working from home and commuting. The Hub also runs workshops, training events and business surgeries. It’s a great idea, and Alec has worked hard with his team to get the idea off the ground.

Throughout the summer, they will be offering new clients a discounted rate on any of their hot desk and meeting room packages. You can check out their website here for offers and events over the next few months.

Alec meets up with Sarah-Jane Shellard and the Walton Business Group …

… and inside the Digital Work Hub in Walton town centre.