This week sees the introduction of an important new global International Development Strategy, in an increasingly complex geopolitical world, it is vital to use all levers available - diplomacy, investment, trade, defence, and intelligence to deliver on foreign policy objectives. The strategy sets out the UK Government’s four updated priorities: delivering honest and reliable investment: providing women and girls with freedom they need to succeed: stepping-up our life-saving humanitarian work: taking forward our work on climate change, nature and health.
I attended the Sussex Institute of Directors Business Breakfast; it was fabulous to meet with so many leaders of vital businesses across Sussex to discuss local jobs and answering questions on subjects that are important to their success & hear their views.
I was delighted to attend the official Ground-breaking Ceremony on the site of the new Woodlands Meed College with representatives from West Sussex County Council, Woodlands Meed School Governors and Leadership and the Building Contractors. This new college has been fought for by so many over the years to ensure that the pupils have a state-of-the-art college that allows them to reach their full potential. I am looking forward to when it is completed for the students.
It was great to see so many people supporting The Orchards fundraising day for Chestnut Tree House. It was a pleasure to open this event in Haywards Heath. Thank you to all the performers that made the day special, it is clear you practiced hard and were a delight to watch. Just shy of £4000 was raised which is a brilliant achievement, congratulations to everyone involved.
At St Richard’s Church Craft Market, I met and chatted to some amazing skilled crafters. It was fantastic to talk with Fr Brady about Ric’s bench, a safe place to come for a snack and a drink and to either sit and chat or be in the company of others.
This week is Dementia Action Week, and this year’s theme is ‘diagnosis’. Many people believe that memory loss is a normal sign of aging, if you have any issues with your or a loved one’s memory, please do go and talk to your GP and get advice and support as soon as possible.