Swindon Advertiser Weekly Article - 22nd May

I have now spent just over a week in my new role as the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Disabled People. It has been thoroughly hectic with lots of late night reading, however it is clear that I have been presented with a unique opportunity to challenge negative attitudes to disability in order to improve quality of life. 

This involves supporting disabled people into employment, raising aspirations, encouraging entrepreneurship and most importantly, offering disabled people the same opportunities to reach their goals as non-disabled people.

Friday saw my first official day of Ministerial visits and I was determined that they would take place in Swindon. Having supported and visited a number of fantastic local charities and organisations over the years, I was extremely keen to re-visit them and show off the wonderful people that work so hard to support others.

The day started with a visit to staff and pupils at Uplands School, where I was given the opportunity to hear about the challenges facing those catering for pupils with Special Educational Needs. I built on this with a later visit to the Chalet School which caters for younger students who require provision beyond mainstream education.

Both were incredibly inspiring and compassionate places which we are exceptionally lucky to have here in Swindon. I will certainly be taking their example with me as I travel across the Country as part of my role. 

Up next was a return to SEQOL's Enterprise Works, a truly great local business which produces high-quality timber products; all the while helping to build confidence and provide opportunities by helping people with a disability to get back into work.

Meetings with organisations including Swindon Mind and the Swindon Carers Centre also offered insight into issues including mental health (which the Government is now aiming to focus on and bring in line with physical health), and supporting carers who look after disabled friends or family. 

We also made it a compulsory port of call to drop by for lunch at the Olive Tree Cafe, which introduces people who have suffered/are suffering from a mental health condition, back into a working environment. I had my usual ham, egg and chips, whilst hearing the delightful news that two members of the team had gone on to find full-time employment.

The day was rounded off by a final visit to the fantastic Swindon Therapy Centre for people with Multiple Sclerosis, where I chatted to members and met the new centre manager. I even bumped into a couple of Swindon Town players who were providing funds to the centre by using the oxygen tank as part of their preparation for Sunday - let’s hope that it has helped!  I'll be there at Wembley, we just need one last push... Come on you Reds!