One of my priorities is creating opportunities for Islanders of all ages and stages in their working life.
That is why I hosted a jobs and careers fair in Sandown last week to give people the chance to speak directly with local employers, industry groups, and training providers, including the NHS, police, IW Chamber of Commerce, Visit Isle of Wight, and the Isle of Wight College.
I was pleased to see so many inspiring conversations taking place, including qualified nurses looking to return to work after a career break.
We know we have a particular shortage of key workers on the Island, so it was great to be able to help those conversations take place.
I was recently appointed as a commissioner to the Centre for Social Justice think tank’s "Midlife Commission", which is aiming to get more people in midlife back into the workplace.
There are now over two million people of working age in receipt of out-of-work benefits.
Many want to work but are lacking the retraining opportunities or support more readily available to young people looking for their first job.
That is why I wanted to ensure this event appropriately covered all ages.
Following the positive feedback, I hope to do a similar event in the future, and my thanks go to all those who attended.
Prior to my being elected as an MP, I worked for Dementia UK and saw first-hand the impact which Admiral Nurses had on the lives of those impacted by dementia.
Dementia has become the biggest cause of death in the UK, and I know how tough it can be for families.
Together with local campaigner Sally Grylls, I hosted a dementia question-and-answer event with a panel including Chief Admiral Nurse Hilda Hayo, Chair of Dementia UK and Healthwatch England Professor David Croisdale-Appleby, and Executive Manager of Parklands Dementia Resource Centre Donna White.
The session was well-attended, with input from audience members and the opportunity to speak to the panel members following the Q&A.
As the Isle of Wight Council local elections approach, candidate literature is starting to arrive through the doors.
Taking place on May 7, these elections come at a time of great uncertainty and a time when the local authority are struggling financially.
I am backing local Conservative candidates who will provide the strong leadership that our council so desperately needs, but whoever you vote for, please cast your vote for candidates who are focused on our Island.
Our local elections are not about who governs Britain or who wants to be the next prime minister.
They are about securing our Island’s future for the next generation.
Share