I visited Acts of Kindness (Redditch Foodbank) on Church Green East to support this year’s Christmas Toy Appeal. I met Wellbeing Project Manager Nancy Deakin and volunteers, seeing gift-wrapping sessions and hearing how the team is ensuring children from families facing hardship receive presents this Christmas. I praised the charity’s year-round work and said no child should wake up without a gift. I encouraged residents and local businesses to donate new, unwrapped toys, vol

Thank you to everyone who has got in touch regrading the private planning application to turn Hotel Rafiya into a 51 unit house of multiple occupancy. I have shared my objections as a local stakeholder, and you can too. I do not believe that this is a suitable site for such a rapid increase in residents, and without upgrading local provision and infrastructure, this would put an unnecessary straight on local services. I also have concerns about the quality of the proposed hou

I took part in Mitzvah Day at Alexandra Hospital, joining volunteers from the Worcestershire Interfaith Forum, NHS staff and community members to serve refreshments to patients, staff and visitors. Mitzvah Day is the UK’s largest faith-led day of social action, promoting unity and compassion. I praised the spirit of the event, highlighting how acts of kindness bring people together and strengthen the community. I thanked the Worcestershire Interfaith Forum and all volunteers

I joined residents, veterans, schoolchildren and emergency service workers for Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day ceremonies in Redditch and Astwood Bank. I marched in Astwood Bank and laid wreaths in both communities, joining the silence at the eleventh hour to honour those who served and sacrificed. I praised the dedication of volunteers and the Royal British Legion for making the events possible. I highlighted the importance of young people’s involvement and the values o

I joined residents and local businesses in supporting a relief effort for St Elizabeth Parish, Jamaica, following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa. Redditch, twinned with St Elizabeth since 2006, is rallying to collect essential supplies such as food, hygiene products and batteries. The appeal is led by Damian Simpson of D&D Roofing Supplies, with donations accepted until 15 November. I praised the community’s compassion and leadership, highlighting Redditch’s long

I congratulated the team at Asda Redditch on their 10th anniversary, marking a decade of service to the local community. Since opening in 2015, Asda has supported local jobs, provided essential goods and contributed to the town’s wellbeing through community initiatives and fundraising. The store celebrated its milestone with in-store events, bringing together staff and shoppers. I praised Asda’s ongoing commitment to local families and good causes, thanking the team for their

I visited The Old Needleworks Foundation to see how its partnership with FareShare UK is tackling food waste and supporting families in Redditch. The initiative redistributes surplus food from supermarkets and suppliers to local charities, ensuring nutritious meals reach those in need. I praised the dedication of staff and volunteers, highlighting how their work strengthens community resilience and combats hunger. I thanked FareShare UK and The Old Needleworks Foundation for

I visited Tesco Extra, Redditch to support Usdaw’s ‘Freedom From Fear’ campaign, standing up for shopworkers facing violence and abuse. I met with union representatives and staff, highlighting the alarming rise in incidents and backing calls for stronger protections. I praised shopworkers for their vital role in the community and supported new laws making assaults on retail workers a standalone offence. I also backed efforts to remove the £200 shoplifting threshold and implem

I visited Batchley First and Nursery School to meet pupils, staff and governors, celebrating the school’s inclusive ethos and community spirit. I toured classrooms, enjoyed a game of Connect Four on the playground and was shown the new library by enthusiastic pupils. I praised the school’s commitment to kindness, respect and supporting children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. I highlighted the positive atmosphere and the dedication of staff and governors, tha

I visited Astwood Bank Primary School to meet staff and pupils and learn about their work supporting children’s education and wellbeing. I praised the dedication of teachers and staff, emphasising how the school encourages children to thrive academically, creatively, and socially. I highlighted the importance of ongoing investment in primary education and pledged to continue working in Parliament to secure resources for schools like Astwood Bank. My visit is part of my ongoi

I visited Holly Trees Family Hub to welcome new government funding that will expand early years and family support for Redditch. The hub, part of the local Best Start network, provides vital parenting advice, early development support and outreach roadshows for families with young children. I praised the team’s work giving children the best possible start in life and said the new funding will help reach more families across the town. I reaffirmed my commitment to championing

I met YMCA Worcestershire and local tradesman Simon Bicknell to discuss a new youth employment initiative based at Gordon Anstis House in Redditch. The programme connects young people with employers, training and mentors in the construction sector, aiming to help overcome barriers to work and build lasting careers. It is part of a national effort to create 15,000 job opportunities for youth across England and Wales. I praised the initiative’s impact and committed to supportin

I joined residents and volunteers at the Winyates Green Residents Association’s annual Halloween Community Event, celebrating the strong community spirit in Winyates Green. The family-friendly afternoon featured fancy dress, games, stalls and a cake-decorating competition between me and Cllr Jen Snape. I praised the committee’s hard work, highlighting how events like these strengthen local ties and bring neighbours together. I thanked the volunteers for creating a welcoming a

I visited CSDB Ltd, a leading Redditch events and exhibitions company, to discuss the impact of the recent Jaguar Land Rover cyber-attack. The disruption has affected local suppliers, forcing CSDB to initiate short-time working and pause investments. I praised the company’s global achievements and called for government support to reach small businesses affected by the attack. I highlighted the importance of protecting skilled jobs and innovation in Redditch and the West Midla

I marked British Beauty Week by visiting Bella Sophia Hair Salon in the Kingfisher Shopping Centre, celebrating the vital role of the beauty industry in Redditch and the UK. I met owner Emi Dizdari and praised the sector’s contribution to the economy, which supports nearly 700,000 jobs and brings vibrancy to high streets. I highlighted how businesses like Bella Sophia create jobs, foster community and empower individuals. I thanked Emi and her team for their dedication and pl

I visited Abbeywood First School to engage with pupils, staff and school leaders on topics ranging from democracy and leadership to local challenges. Pupils asked thoughtful and light-hearted questions, sparking lively conversations about civic responsibility and Redditch’s history. I praised the school’s enthusiasm for learning and its vibrant community approach. I also discussed the importance of supporting schools and thanked staff for their dedication. This visit is part

I visited Redditch Nightstop to learn about the charity’s life-changing work supporting young people at risk of homelessness. I met with staff and volunteers, hearing about the rising demand for emergency accommodation and the need for more affordable housing and local support. I praised Nightstop’s community-focused approach and called for greater investment and better coordination across agencies. I stressed that every young person deserves a safe home and fair chance at in

I visited Webheath Dental Practice to discuss the growing crisis in NHS dentistry impacting Redditch and the Villages. Meeting with Dr Thegan Moodley, I learned about recruitment difficulties, funding shortfalls and long waits of up to 12 months for children’s treatment. Dr Moodley called NHS dental contracts “not fit for purpose,” with many dentists leaving NHS work. I emphasised the need for urgent contract reform, fair funding and improved access, especially for children a

I celebrated the official opening of Birchensale Middle School’s new extension, marking a dramatic turnaround from an ‘Inadequate’ to a ‘Good’ Ofsted rating. The new facilities include six classrooms, an enlarged sports hall and improved play areas. I praised the leadership, staff and school community for their dedication and teamwork, highlighting the significant investment in education for Redditch. I said the transformation is a source of pride and demonstrates what can be

I announced that Greenlands and Woodrow will receive £20 million over the next decade through the Government’s Pride in Place programme. This funding, described as a once-in-a-generation opportunity, will be used to improve community spaces, youth services, skills training and wellbeing projects. Decisions will be guided by a Neighbourhood Board made up of local residents, ensuring that priorities reflect the needs of the community. I stressed that this investment puts local