It’s Conference recess and political parties have been getting together discussing and tackling various issues & reflecting on the challenges and opportunities ahead. It’s a fantastic chance to speak to, and hear from, lots of charities, organisations and groups about various local matters, as we reflect on the work this Government has done over the last year and look ahead to a brighter future.
Last week’s major announcement was the new £500 million Household Support Fund, which will assist those who are at risk of struggling to keep up with their bills this winter – if you require support, please contact your local council. This bolsters the support already available, including the Warm Home Discount and Cold Weather Payment, and will ensure vulnerable families across the country won’t have to worry about meeting their essential costs this winter.
Additionally, we had a double boost for the NHS and care, with a further £388 million being provided to support for care workers and care home residents, to prevent the spread of infection this winter – helping with testing, infection control measures, as well as Covid and flu vaccines for care workers. This comes alongside the establishing of 40 new Community Diagnostic Centres, including one near the Amex Stadium, providing a full range of tests to patients to catch illnesses at the earliest signs – increasing NHS capacity and saving lives as more patients seek treatment for non-Covid related health problems.
Locally, I joined Angela Gill and her team at Bio Productions in Burgess Hill. A wonderful company who’ve been producing award winning, environmentally friendly cleaning products for 25 years. It was great to see these products being produced and sent all over the globe with a Burgess Hill production label. This is a great example of the effective and alternative cleaning solutions to conventional chemicals, as we continue to push to be greener.
Huge thank you to everyone who ran or attended a MacMillan coffee morning during September, this is a great charity that offers amazing support to those diagnosed with cancer. I was delighted to attend the Good Oaks Home Care’s Macmillan coffee morning last Thursday - with a fantastic total of £560 being raised. Massive congratulations also to all constituents who ran in the London Marathon on Sunday – an incredible achievement!
On the 30th October, three members of staff at the Burrell Arms in Haywards Heath have signed up to get a ‘very close’ buzzcut, to try to double their fundraising amount in aid of MacMillan Cancer Support, as well as give support to those impacted by the side effects of cancer treatment. Please do support Adam, Josh and Marcus if you can by contacting the Burrell Arms directly on 01444 453214.