We are well and truly in the midst of the Christmas season but so far I’ve had no chance to sit down and enjoy a mince pie as recent weeks have been inundated with Ministerial engagements, Swindon visits and important Parliamentary votes – which quite rightly many residents have wanted to hear my full position on.
Last week I was fortunate to visit Foxes Academy, a residential educational and vocational training college for young people with a range of disabilities that is also run as a fully functioning hotel open to the public. The hotel was featured on channel 5 to highlight the excellent work that they have done to help young disabled people get the training they need to have fully independent lives.
Foxes is playing a key role in supporting the Government’s ambition to halve the disability employment gap and get 1 million more disabled people into work. It was fantastic to meet all of the students who are exceptionally motivated, talented and eager for a chance to show businesses what they are capable of. I was delighted that my visit coincided with a pledge made by Hilton Hotels to create a partnership to offer work opportunities to Foxes graduates. This will go a long way in helping to build on the excellent 86% record of Foxes graduates who go on to find employment.
Elsewhere, I spent a large part of the week in television studios as I was on duty to represent the Government on Watchdog and the Politics Show, as well as the national BBC news. On Watchdog I was discussing the important issue of disability access – something that I have been pushing for across all sectors of society. On the Politics Show, the discussion revolved around the introduction of Universal Credit and the Government’s aim to transition us from a high-welfare, high-tax state to a low-welfare, low-tax state. It is still very daunting to do all of the media that is involved with my role, but at least my mother appreciates the TV appearances!
Back in Swindon I have been busily delivering my Christmas cards to residents. This year I tasked the students at Uplands Educational Trust to design the front cover. In the end, all of the designs were so impressive that I couldn’t decide! As a result, I have ended up with a Christmas collage made up of eight different designs. The Uplands Trust provides learning, working and living opportunities for young people who have severe or profound multiple learning difficulties. It is a truly inspiring charity and I wanted to take this opportunity to say a big thank you to all of the pupils who took the time to design card – they are certainly helping to spread some festive cheer this season.
