I welcomed a £1.17 million funding boost for Heart of Worcestershire (HoW) College, with significant investment directed to the Redditch campus. The funding, part of the Government’s FE College Condition Allocation, will upgrade digital connectivity and accelerate the transition to net-zero infrastructure. I secured the investment to ensure students learn in a modern, sustainable environment equipped for future careers. This is about more than bricks and mortar - it’s about i

I recently visited Carers Careline to highlight the extraordinary work of unpaid carers in the community. Meeting with Chief Officer Erica Gibson Di Meo, I discussed the immense pressures carers face - from financial strain to mental health challenges. I praised the charity for providing essential advice and emotional support to those balancing care for loved ones with work and family life. Unpaid carers are the backbone of our communities. They often work tirelessly behind t

I pledged urgent support for the Redditch Local History Museum after trustees received a three-month eviction notice. With the deadline looming in July, I warned that the town’s heritage could be lost without swift action. My office is working closely with Redditch Borough Council to identify vacant town-centre premises for the museum’s 7,000-strong collection. Our history matters. If we are serious about our Town of Culture 2028 bid, we must preserve and celebrate our herita

I hailed Ribbons – Cancer for All as a lifeline for the community. During a visit to the group’s new venue, I met founder Kerry Hillier, who created the initiative after experiencing a lack of inclusive support during her own cancer journey. Ribbons offers a welcoming, barrier-free space for anyone affected by cancer to connect over tea and cake. Cancer can be an incredibly lonely journey. Groups like Ribbons change that - they are more than just meet-ups. Kerry’s courage has

I recently attended the Kerala Cultural Association (KCA) Redditch’s vibrant Vishu and Easter celebration at Trinity High School. The event united local families for a day of traditional music, dance and food, showcasing the Malayali community’s rich cultural heritage. I praised the community’s immense contributions, particularly in health and social care and celebrated the diversity that strengthens the area. Events like this remind us what makes Redditch and the Villages so

I recently rolled up my sleeves to help 1st Redditch Scout Group volunteers clear up a community garden in Greenlands. At the Scout Hut off Hadlow Close, I worked alongside Scouts and local residents to tidy the outdoor space. I also met with young people and leaders to discuss scouting’s vital role in fostering confidence, teamwork and community spirit. It was fantastic to see such brilliant community spirit in action. Scouting helps young people give back, and efforts like

I visited the Redditch Community Shed at the Kingfisher Centre to celebrate its £20,000 National Lottery grant. During the visit, I met members (including 95-year-old Terry) and saw firsthand how the Shed combats loneliness by bringing people together to share skills. The funding will support the group’s projects for the next two years, securing its future as a vital hub for local wellbeing. Groups like this are a cornerstone of our community. This funding is a fantastic achi

I recently visited Bee Lighting to discuss the future of the town’s manufacturing sector. Meeting with Operations Director Colin Fulford, I heard firsthand about the challenges posed by rising energy costs, regulatory pressures and the growing reliance on imports. As a cornerstone of Redditch’s industrial heritage, Bee Lighting underscored the need for policies that safeguard local jobs and supply chains. Manufacturers like this are the backbone of our local economy. Redditch

I recently visited Clifford Springs to highlight the town’s world-class spring-making industry and discuss the future of local manufacturing. Meeting with Director John Clifford, I saw how the family-run business blends heritage with innovation to export high-quality products worldwide. On the shop floor, witnessed the team’s precision craftsmanship, including expert welding, and praised the multi-skilled workforce for creating valuable career opportunities. Clifford Springs

I have taken local frustrations over driving test delays directly to DVSA Chief Executive Beverley Warmington. I highlighted how a broken booking system (exploited by bots and scammers) is blocking opportunities for residents. With theory tests expiring before practical slots become available, many face unnecessary delays in securing jobs and independence. Warm words won’t get people behind the wheel. I demanded immediate action: more test slots, a crackdown on inflated resal

I have written to global superstar Harry Styles, urging his support for Redditch’s bid to become UK Town of Culture 2028. In my letter, I described the bid as a once-in-a-generation opportunity to celebrate Redditch’s unique heritage - from its needle-making history to its musical legacy as the birthplace of Styles and Led Zeppelin’s John Bonham. I highlighted local assets like the Palace Theatre and Arrow Valley Park and called on Styles to inspire young people and put Reddi

I unveiled WELCOME , a new community‑led art installation at Alexandra Hospital celebrating care, compassion and connection. Created by Neith Art & Sculpture and funded by Arts Council England, the sculpture features eight oak hands based on hospital staff, engraved with designs developed through workshops with staff and the Woodrow community. From a distance the hands appear separate but up close they form a circle of care, symbolising teamwork and community spirit. I praise

I officially opened a new trim trail at Holyoakes Field First School, praising it as a brilliant addition that will boost pupils’ health, confidence and outdoor learning. Funded by a £6,000 donation from Persimmon Homes, the equipment encourages active play and helps children build strength, balance and coordination. During the visit, I met staff and pupils to see the trail in action and hear about its impact. Facilities like this make a genuine difference and I thanked Persi

I praised local campaigners, police and community leaders following a moving knife crime awareness event at Redditch Baptist Church. The event featured Adam, speaking publicly for the first time about surviving a knife attack fifteen years ago and Peter Martin, founder of Redditch Self‑Defence and Youth Engagement, who has dedicated his life to educating young people on the dangers of knives. I described their stories as a powerful reminder of the devastating reality of knife

I am encouraging residents, schools and community groups to visit Between Life and Death: Stories of Rescue during the Holocaust, on display at Redditch Library until 18 March 2026. The international exhibition, previously shown across Europe, Japan and at the United Nations, shares powerful stories of individuals who risked their lives to help persecuted Jews during the Second World War. It is a tremendous honour for Redditch to host the exhibition and I urge people to atten

I visited Primark in Redditch town centre to discuss tackling retail crime and supporting local businesses. Meeting Assistant Store Manager Emma Shaw, I heard about the challenges retailers face, including shop theft and anti-social behaviour and the steps being taken to protect staff and customers. I welcomed the Government-backed Winter of Action initiative, boosting police visibility and enforcement. I highlighted the vital role retailers play in supporting jobs and drivin

I visited Tudor Grange Academy Redditch to meet students from the school’s Treetops autism base and discuss democracy, Parliament and the role of an MP. Invited as part of the Raising Aspirations programme, I delivered sessions for Years 7 to 11, answering thoughtful questions about politics and public service. I praised the students’ engagement and thanked staff for their warm welcome, describing the Treetops team as doing fantastic work. School visits help young people unde

I visited the Redditch campus of Heart of Worcestershire College during Colleges Week 2026, celebrating the national “Skills for All” campaign and the vital role of further education in transforming lives. Meeting students and staff, I heard directly about young people’s ambitions and discussed careers, skills and future opportunities. I praised the college for changing lives in Redditch and supporting learners of all ages. Highlighting the importance of lifelong learning, I

I visited the Woodrow Hub to meet volunteers supporting families and pet owners facing cost-of-living pressures. met organisers from Inspire Baby Bank and Animal FoodBank UK, which provide essentials such as nappies, clothing and pet food to those in need. I heard about growing demand and praised volunteers, local residents and businesses including Tesco for their donations. I said these grassroots initiatives show the very best of Redditch and the Villages, with neighbours

I visited Redditch Hale & Hearties at Oakenshaw Community Centre to meet members of the long-running cardiac rehabilitation group, which has supported patients since 1997. Joining a supervised session, I saw first-hand how the programme helps people recover from heart attacks and surgery through exercise and peer support. Welcomed by Deputy Mayor David Munro, I praised the group as a lifeline for so many. I reaffirmed my commitment to working with NHS leaders to protect cardi