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I hope you find it useful and informative.
I am always looking for different ways to keep in touch with you. This is one way that I hope you will enjoy, and please do come back regularly. I represent your interests and concerns in the House of Commons, considering and proposing new laws, and contacting ministers with your concerns. If you want to get in touch, click on the contact button above.
In the Constituency
I hold regular surgeries where you can come along to discuss any matters that concern you. I also visit schools and businesses and generally try to meet as many people as possible. This gives me further insight and context into issues I wish to raise in Westminster. If you want to book a surgery date call 01752 365617.
August 2008
Alison visits the Mount Batten Centre to view its latest facility.
Brain Waves, which will open next month, is Plymouth’s second centre for the national project Playing for Success, which aims to help underachieving pupils with a programme of after-school study support.
Alison went afloat with a group of young sailors who were enjoying an RYA training week at Mount Batten. Alison also visited the centre’s climbing facility and joined a group on a climbing and abseiling adventure day.
Alison said “it’s amazing how much skill and confidence these young people have after only one week of sailing” and after taking part in the activities she highlighted the potential benefits of the scheme.
Brian Waves, based in part of the Mount Batten Centre, will offer after-school development opportunities, encouraging learning by linking technology and outdoor activities.
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National Play Day 2008
Alison Seabeck MP was delighted to lend her support to Plymouth’s celebration of National Play Day. Alison joined the Lord Mayor and Mayoress and really entered the spirit of the event. Alison said,” Play, and understanding risk in play, is vital to childrens’ development. It was great to be able to join in the fun and learning and I’d like to congratulate all those involved in organising this event and in running the numerous play schemes across our City. I’m sure we were all delighted that the rain stayed
away and that many hundreds of children enjoyed what was on offer.”
National Play Day is organised locally by Plymouth City Council and is supported by the National Lottery, Plymouth Play Association and other community organisations providing services for children and young people.
Joy Davenport, Plymouth City Council Play Officer said: "Our 12th celebration of children's right to play was once again a huge success. The theme this year "Give us a go" let us explore the benefits of children and young people taking risks through play. They had the chance to sample some bushcraft activities, sailing and climbing along with all the other things you would see at a fun day face painting bouncy castles etc. I would like to thank all of the organisations that gave up their time to make this event such a wonderful free day of play for the children and young people of Plymouth."
WHAT'S PLAYDAY?
Playday is the annual celebration of children's right to play. Playday 2008 was on Wednesday 6 August.
On Playday and throughout the summer of 2008, thousands of children, young people and communities will get out and play at hundreds of locally organised events across the UK. This year's Playday campaign theme, Give us a go! calls for children to be allowed challenging and adventurous play opportunities and aims to shake off the 'cotton wool' culture that can limit children’s play.
World in the Park – an amazing day of multicultural entertainment
North Prospect held a festival to celebrate their, and the City’s diversity. Local residents listened to music and dance from Kurdish, Greek and Thai communities, with performances from Senegalese band Lolou, Dance Devonport, Street Factory, Irish rockers Mad Dog McRea, Cristel, Oh Oh 7, the Livingstone Baptist Choir and Weapons of Sound.
Residents were also able to enjoy food from around the world, have a henna tattoo or visit the exhibition on the housing stock option to see the new kitchen and bathroom designs. There was juggling, uni-cycling and the brave could even try limbo dancing.
Alison said “It was great to have such a fusion of cultures in one place and I hope it will go from strength to strength and be back again next year”. Co-organiser Martin Clay said “the day was a great improvement on a similar effort last year and he had ordered good weather for the day”.
Minister sees first hand the benefits of back to work initiatives
July 11th 2008
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James Purnell, Secretary of State for the Department of Work and Pensions spent the day in Plymouth, with Alison meeting up with people who find it difficult to access work as well as those organisations who offer support, training and advice in the area.
We visited PLUSS at Southway, in my constituency, listening to people with a range of disabilities talk about the barriers they have to cross in order to work. James saw first hand the excellent facilities at PLUSS which help prepare people for the world of work and met with those who have secured employment.
James Purnell and Alison at the PLUSS Factory
Later, the Minister joined a group of young people who have had a difficult time at home or who have .jpg)
been in care. He saw the work of “Tomorrow’s People” and joined in one of the lively and challenging sessions designed to build confidence in these young people.
For many people the Charity’s work has been a lifeline, James spoke with one of the youngsters who has recently finished the course and now has a home, a job and new found confidence.
Pluss offers a range of training and recruitment services, and also direct employment in their own manufacturing and mobility equipment businesses.
They have recently signed up to Jobcentre Plus new Local Employment Partnership Agreement.
Visit their website www.pluss.org.uk where you can download leaflets, find out more or simply give them a call on 01752 306630.
Alison praises “first class” Derriford Hospital staff heroes after sharing a day in the life of ward nurse Penny Thompson
Photograph courtesy of the Plymouth Evening Herald 8 July 2008
The Devonport MP rolled up her sleeves to gain first-hand experience of life on Lynher ward as part of events to mark the NHS' 60th year. She shadowed junior sister Penny Thompson on Friday afternoon, finding out about the work of a nurse in today's NHS and offering a hand with activities such as bed-making.
Mrs Seabeck said she was “very impressed” with the ward's organisation and cleanliness as well as the professionalism of staff.
“It was a fascinating experience, not least because all my family are nurses,” she said.
“My mum became a nurse in the 1950s, not long after the NHS was set up. So I had a feel for what was involved but it was very interesting actually standing in the ward and watching just how non-stop a nurse's job is. “There's constant movement and a constant drawing of information from patients and their families which all has to be communicated through the ward team. “I was very impressed with them all.”
Mrs Seabeck also praised the work being done in the ward to prevent the spread of infections. The MP worked in sleeveless clothes to support the hospital's Bare Below the Elbows policy – part of a host of anti-infection measures.
She said: “It was really encouraging to see patients' families coming in and all gelling up their hands as they came into the ward. “There seems to be an increased awareness among visitors of infection-control, partly because of improved signs throughout the hospital.”
Plastic surgery ward Lynher recently underwent change to include maxillo-facial and other patients. Mrs Seabeck said: “Penny Thompson talked me through new systems that have been introduced into the ward since its amalgamation. “She said it's working really well and is much more efficient than what was in place before.”
The MP added: “The other thing that was interesting was talking to relatives and patients. “They said their treatment has been first class and they couldn't praise enough the quality of the care they'd received from doctors and nurses.
“I was very grateful to the ward for finding time to show me what they do
Plymouth Veterans Day 27th June 2008
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Alison was honoured to be a Patron for this year’s Veterans Day and .jpg)
celebrate the contribution made by veterans to the life of the nation during their time in the armed forces and the continuation of this service in civilian life. A Veterans Centre was established in the Guildhall and opened to the public on Friday and Saturday to allow them to meet some of the many organisations supporting veterans and their families.
Alison met with members of the British Legion who are in the process or re-organising their Poppy Appeal operation in Plymouth. During Remembrance tide each year, members of the public have been known to say “you can never find a Poppy in Plymouth” The legion are currently appealing for more organisers, serving and former members of HM Armed Forces are desirable but not essential and if you think you can help contact the Royal British Legion on 01392 273111 or email JPentreath@britishlegion.org.uk
Alison also enjoyed the presentation by BLESMA (The British Limbless Ex-Service Men’s Association) and if you would like further information on how to become a member or find out more visit their website www.blesma.org
Alison invites Home Office Minister to Honicknowle June 2008
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I was delighted to welcome Meg Hillier MP, a Home Officer Minister, to Honicknowle Green to talk to local people and meet police community support officers Mark Boswell and Kate Stanley, along with neighbourhood team leader Inspector Gary Neeves.
The PCSOs hold regular “street briefings” with local people to find out their concerns and simply knock on doors where there is a particular problem. Insp Neeves told the Minister that only a small number of people caused the majority of problems with alcohol. Alison said “it was important to get young people to engage with the wider community to find solutions that will work for everybody”.
Visit to the I CAN Centre at Southway Primary School - June 2008
Alison visited the I CAN Centre at Southway Primary School this week to meet with the staff and pupils at the nursery and gained valuable insight into how Early Talk works as a ‘glue’ between children’s services and health services, ensuring the best possible support for all children, with a special focus on those with a speech, language and communication disability.
The centre is set up to meet the educational and speech and language therapy needs of 20 children from across the Plymouth city area and has its own room for individual and group work. The children all work toward achieving the National Early Learning Outcomes. 49 children attend each session at the nursery, 10 of whom will be part of the I CAN Early Years Centre at Southway.
For more information on I CAN at Southway Primary contact:
ICAN at Southway Primary School
Foundation stage unit,
Bampfylde Way,
Pymouth
PL6 6SR
CGrant@southway-pri.plymouth.sch.uk
JLowe@southway-pri.plymouth.sch.uk
Make Chatter Matter is I CAN’s UK-wide awareness-raising campaign to highlight the importance of children’s communication development as the foundation for learning and development. To find out more about Make Chatter Matter go to www.ican.org.uk/makechattermatter
In Parliament
Alison welcomes community hero Maisie to Commons Celebration
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Alison Seabeck MP nominated Maisie Pullyblank, who yesterday at the House of Commons was awarded a certificate in recognition of her outstanding efforts in the Community. Maisie has worked tirelessly for over 20 years to keep up the Leigham Community Hall, after it was vacated by the Church in 1982, and voluntarily took on the task of looking after the building.
Alison said “ I was delighted to welcome Maisie and present her with the certificate - the hall is at the heart of the community with over 400 people using the facilities weekly and despite many setbacks she and her husband have kept this important facility running. She has won the respect and affection of the community for all that she has done.”
The event is organised by the Experience Corps who invite Members of Parliament to nominate a chosen hero for their services to the Community. Guests are then served with afternoon tea and meet community heroes from all over the UK, unsung heroes who devote their time and effort voluntarily to make a difference in their community.
When Richard met Gordon (thanks to Alison)
Alison said, “ I was delighted to welcome local business man Richard George to the Entrepreneurs reception at No 10 Downing Street. The evening was an opportunity for the Prime Minister to congratulate those, who through hard work and determination, have built successful businesses and in turn created employment opportunities for the local community.
It gave entrepreneurs from all over the UK the chance to get together and share ideas on how the business community can work together to drive forward economic growth and boost the enterprise culture. And for me it was a pleasure to meet top entrepreneurial talent and share their mood of optimism and creativity.”
NHS Breast Screening Programme 20th Anniversary
Alison joined forces with the UK’s leading breast cancer charity, Breakthrough Breast Cancer and the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Breast Cancer at their annual Westminster reception to congratulate the NHS Breast Screening Programme on its 20th anniversary - and to highlight a key challenge that lies ahead for the Screening Programme with the effective roll out of digital mammography.
Alison said:
“I am delighted to continue to support Breakthrough Breast Cancer’s Screening Saves Lives campaign and wholeheartedly congratulate the NHS Breast Screening Programme for its work over the last 20 years.
“The move towards digital mammography for all breast screening units is to be welcomed but we need to ensure that there is appropriate support and infrastructure to make this a reality as swiftly as possible. Breast cancer is now the most common cancer in the UK, with over 44,000 women diagnosed each year. The earlier breast cancer is detected, the better the chances of successful treatment and the NHS Breast Screening Programme has been instrumental in ensuring more women than ever are surviving a disease that will affect one in nine women in their lifetime.”
1. Breakthrough Breast Cancer is a charity committed to fighting breast cancer through research and education and has established the UK’s first dedicated breast cancer research centre. The Breakthrough Toby Robins Breast Cancer Research Centre is situated at the Institute of Cancer Research.
Breakthrough promotes education and awareness of breast cancer amongst the public, policy makers, health professionals and the media. For further information about Breakthrough or breast cancer visit www.breakthrough.org.uk or call the charity’s free telephone number on 08080 100 200.
2. Breakthrough Breast Cancer launched Screening Saves Lives in 2006, a campaign to promote awareness of breast screening and increase attendance, ensure that intervals between screening appointments are no longer than three years and that there is enough capacity within the UK's screening programme to cope with extra demand on the service in the future.
Supporting National Thrombosis Week
Alison joined forces with Interior Designer, Linda Barker, at the launch of “The National Clottery” campaign in parliament, aimed at raising awareness of the risks of hospital-acquired deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
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Alison welcomed news that every primary school will have a "maths Champion" within 10 years, who will act as a mentor and coach.
Ed Balls and Andrew Adonis today accepted the recommendations of the Williams Review – a major independent review of maths in primary schools and early-years settings – and announced plans to train more than 1,000 specialist maths teachers a year over the next 10 years.
• £24 million will be invested over the next three years to set up and begin implementing a major training programme for 13,000 existing primary school teachers. Specialist maths teachers will be paid up to £8,000 in incentive payments and rewards to train towards gaining a Masters in maths teaching.
• In his review Sir Peter Williams calls for an urgent shift to reverse the "can't do attitude" to maths , saying today that he wants every pupil to leave primary school "without a fear of maths".