I really was pleased to join University Technical College South Durham in Newton Aycliffe for their 10th anniversary celebrations.
The UTC does incredible work providing high-quality technical education to hundreds of young people, helping them develop the skills and experience they need to progress into further education, apprenticeships and careers. It was great to join former Education Secretary Lord Baker, whose vision helped create the college, alongside current and former students to celebrate this anniversary. I’m always proud to support their work.
I really enjoyed meeting the Options group again at the Pioneering Care Centre in Newton Aycliffe. Options is a fun and engaging group for adults with learning and physical difficulties, led by the members themselves. It was great to see everyone thriving and taking part in an interesting range of activities.
I also caught up with Carol, the dynamic chief executive of the Pioneering Care Partnership, to hear about the brilliant work they are doing across the region to improve health and wellbeing. The PCP have a really good range of facilities, including a walking group, hydrotherapy pool and community café. Please drop in the centre and support their work.
It was great to go back to Woodham Burn Primary School to talk to all of the pupils in assembly about Parliament and my work as our MP. I also met with the school council to hear their brilliant ideas for our area and answer their questions.
Thank you to the volunteers at Neville Community Centre who host a popular coffee morning every week. I really enjoyed popping in to chat to local residents and thoroughly recommend the bacon sandwiches! While I was there, I picked up a number of local issues and was pleased to help residents with a number of individual matters.
Alongside this work in our communities, I have also been dealing with important issues in Parliament. I voted against the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill because I did not believe the safeguards were strong enough to provide the necessary protections for vulnerable people.
I had previously voted against the legislation for the same reason, following the concerns that had been raised with me by constituents, medical professionals and organisations working in the hospice and palliative care sector. When the same Bill was put forward again, those concerns remained and I therefore voted against it again.
I understand this is a sensitive topic, with strongly held views on both sides. I want to thank everyone who contacted me and took the time to share their views.
Please look out online for details of my regular coffee mornings and MP advice surgeries across our constituency. You can also sign up to my email newsletter.
If I can help you or your family with an issue, please get in touch.