HearFromYourMP

Previous message | Messages for this constituency | Next message

Weekly newsletter

Posted by Brandon Lewis, MP for Great Yarmouth, at 10:56, Mon 21 November 2011:

To view this newsletter with images and formatting click here: http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?llr=vadh5ieab&v=001aYDP54lNfT8iXcda-Kl9ooMfqFYa237frlgn9uQpe1161nxGaEQFSxyFKnHl1osJvJnhcY3mn0YvY6CVFHl1uqV21J-yY4hMzB8MT6y7f6L7Hjq-jfaRYGsuNm9r1qPG

Text version is below:

There was a large crowd at the official Remembrance Day service in Great Yarmouth, according to members from the Royal British Legion this is the largest turnout in the town for a decade. There has always been great pride in our armed forces and the sacrifices they and their families make for our country and us. In recent years this pride and respect has increasingly been displayed publicly, as epitomised by the crowds lining the streets of Royal Wootton Bassett, on the return of a fallen hero. These very public displays of support are reflected in the record-breaking donations to the annual Poppy Appeal.

It is encouraging that as each year the horrors of two World Wars recede, there is renewed commemoration that bridges the generations. Those that have lost their lives for others, whether in the trenches of Flanders or the modern-day battlefields of Afghanistan are remembered.

In This Issue: Working for you New health visitors New community service Gorleston Pier Public Meeting Charity Spotlight Working for you in Great Yarmouth and Westminster

Since my last e-newsletter, amongst other things I have:

Voted for the Localism Bill, during its final stages in Parliament, before becoming law. It will devolve enormous powers away from government in London to local councils and communities. Along with fellow Norfolk MPs met with the Norfolk Primary Care Trust to discuss a wide range of local health issues affecting our constituents. Welcomed representatives from Seajacks Ltd to the House of Commons. This Great Yarmouth based company leads the way in providing vessels for the installation and maintenance of offshore wind turbines. Discussed with the producer, from BBC Radio Norfolk, his plans for the station and the challenges facing local radio. Had a meeting with the NHS regulator, Monitor, to discuss the recent problems at the James Paget Hospital. Attended the regular Work and Pensions Select Committee, where we had an opportunity to question rigorously the Secretary of State, Iain Duncan-Smith, on a wide range of policy and departmental issues. During a debate on border controls, I tackled Labour's home affairs spokesperson about her party's record on immigration when they were in government. Played rugby at Twickenham, as part of the House of Commons Rugby Team, during a charity match for The Prince's Trust. Visited Great Yarmouth College for one of my regular question and answer sessions with local students. Attended the Civic Remembrance Day service in St George's Park followed by the march past in the Market Place. Following this, I attended the service on the seafront to remember the Prisoners of War in the Far East during the Second World War. New health visitors for local Sure Start centres

Anyone flicking through last week's Great Yarmouth Mercury would be forgiven for missing a small article about health visitors. However, the news that young families throughout Great Yarmouth will receive extra advice and support from a new team of health visitors is important.

Recent research shows that the first few years of life play a significant role in shaping peoples health, wealth and future happiness. Health visitors have an invaluable part to play during this period; they are experts in public health and are responsible for ensuring that children get all the usual health and developmental checks. Not only are they an early warning system for any child health problems but they provide vital support for new parents.

Thirteen newly recruited health visitors are commencing their training in our community. This is the largest group ever recruited in this area. These are new health visitors for local Sure Start centres, which the desperate Labour scaremongers claimed would all be closed by a Conservative government. Instead, Conservatives are continuing to back these centres that provide support for young families.

Helping people back into work - helping our local community

This week the Government launched a new programme for 'sustainable employment'. The Community Service Scheme will see long term unemployed people in our area enrol onto a scheme that will deliver voluntary work programmes. The Government is dedicated to getting those who can work back into employment via the Work Programme. However, this new announcement goes further and outlines the need for those who are fit for work to carry out community work or face losing their benefits.

As a Member of Parliament in one of the pilot regions, I recognise the significance of this initiative to get residents of Great Yarmouth, and neighbouring constituencies, into the habit of routine work whilst providing those enrolled with a plethora of key skills in administrative, manual and skilled areas of employment.

Gorleston Pier public meeting submit your questions now

Those attending the public meeting to discuss the Gorleston Pier are asked to submit questions in advance to Anne Edwards, the Editor of the Great Yarmouth Mercury. This will allow representatives from Great Yarmouth Borough Council and Norfolk County Council to provide detailed answers on the night. Mrs Edwards will select all questions on the evening independently.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Anne for agreeing to chair the meeting. The Mercury has been superb at giving local people a voice on this issue and for ensuring we had the right council people there on the night. I appreciate her giving up her own time to take the Chair next Monday, as we all should.

To ask your question, send your name and address to Great Yarmouth Mercury, 169 King Street, Yarmouth, NR30 2PA.

Alternatively, email your questions with your name and address to anne.edwards@archant.co.uk

Charity Spotlight - Localgiving.com Localgiving.com is an online community that encourages local people to support local charities. It gives charities and community groups tools to help them promote their work and receive donations (as well as Gift Aid) online. The website provides a platform for charities to raise awareness, boost support through fundraising, post for volunteers and engage with donors.

At the moment, funding for small charities is under serious pressure; Localgiving.com offers an alternative and sustainable source of income for local charities who may be unknown to many, but who make a big difference in their community.

The partnership between the website and UK Community Foundations (including Norfolk Community Foundation) uniquely enables Localgiving.com to offer their fundraising services to the smallest charities and community groups that are too small to be registered with the Charity Commission and are often highly dependent on grants.

Learn about and support local Norfolk charities at Localgiving.com

Registering with Localgiving.com is easy and affordable, just contact the Localgiving.com Help Desk on 0300 111 2340 or email help@localgiving.com