This week I was in the constituency, I popped into New Hartley First School and had a chat with the Head Teacher and the School Business Manager to support them in looking at different options for further wrap around care for pupils. The team were kind enough to show me around the school and the newly renovated Key Stage 1 area which looks fantastic.
I also spoke with the Shannon trust about the work they do for our local community in teaching offenders the skills they need to complete qualifications in prisons. This service completely transforms lives, latest statistics show that 50% of those in prison cannot read. The Shannon Trust are there to break that cycle and give offenders a chance at leaving prison with qualifications and enable them to apply for jobs once released. Their vision is to expand their support and look for new contracts within the prisons and local community.
The previous week I had attended an event in support of the Mavin and Lapworth families following the tragic loss of their teenage sons just before Christmas last year. I have committed to supporting their campaign to toughen the sentences for drivers who have taken drugs or drank alcohol above the legal limit who cause death by dangerous driving. I met with members of the Mavin family and talked through their case with them. Following this I have requested a meeting with the Justice Minister for Sentencing, Gareth Bacon, along with his officials. I will use this meeting to bring forward the concerns of our residents of Blyth Valley. Over 5000 residents have signed the petition, therefore the strength of feeling is very clear. Whether it be in meetings like this or using my voice in the chamber, I will support these families and other victims. This was a needless loss of life and my heart breaks for all involved.
On Thursday evening, it was an honour to be invited to the HMS Blyth Ship's Bell Presentation at Bede Academy where Commodore Tom Knowles, Royal Navy ADC, presented the bell of the decommissioned HMS Blyth to the town of Blyth. The bell was presented to the Mayor, Cllr Warren Taylor and there was a fantastic performance by the Royal Marine Band Service and a fascinating presentation from the Navy about protecting our seas. Events like these are fantastic for our community and I am looking forward to seeing the bell and other historical artefacts on public display in the near future.
On Friday I had the pleasure to attend a Boccia sporting competition at Concordia Leisure Centre organised by SMILE Through Sport, which was founded by Paralympian, Stephen Miller MBE. Stephen and his team run lots of events in the North East aiming to make sport accessible to people with special educational needs and disabilities. It was inspiring to hear about Stephen’s love of sport, and we spoke about the positive impact taking part in sport and being a part of a team has on mental and physical wellbeing. The charity was launched in 2016 and this particular competition is the biggest open Boccia competition in the UK. Children from schools across the region were competing in teams to win a Panathlon Challenge medal. It is a great opportunity for the students to learn the game, improve their skills, meet new people and socialise. There was a brilliant atmosphere, good sporting spirit and many happy faces. Stephen and his team run lots of high-quality sporting events both indoor and outdoor, he also does school visits to talk about the importance of sport for young people.
I then had a meeting with Inspector Jon Caisley, who leads the Blyth and Cramlington Neighbourhood Policing Team to have an update on local issues and recent crime in Blyth Valley. I was pleased to hear that the newly implemented Designated Motorbike Team are seeing big results with their coordinated efforts to tackle anti-social behaviour on motorbikes. Eight vehicles have already been seized – including five motorcycles, two quad bikes and a stolen car. The team also organise community engagement events to inform residents about why these vehicles are not safe and how important it is to receive community intelligence in order to target hot spot areas.
In the afternoon, I had my constituency surgeries, constituents can book an appointment to come along to the Workspace in Blyth and discuss an issue whether it be personal or policy.
In the evening I spoke at the annual Ramadan Iftar Dialogue Dinner organised by Dialogue Society North East Branch in partnership with North East Diversity, Heart of Blyth Project, Blyth Town Council, Education and Solidarity, Buffalo Community Centre, Madina Masjed and Community Centre. This community event brought people together from different backgrounds and faiths to discuss peace and unity. A celebration of the holy month of Ramadan and additionally, to celebrate Easter, Nowruz, the Hindu Holi, the Jewish Passover, the Sikh Vaisakhi, the Jain Mahavir Jayanti, the Baha’i Ridvan, and the Buddhist Theravada New Year, which all occur during March and April. The success of this event speaks volumes about our collective dedication to fostering peace and unity in our society.
At the weekend I spent valuable time with family and friends. As always should you wish to contact me about an upcoming community event or discuss an issue important to you and your family please email me at [email protected] or call 01670 338435.