Recently, we have sadly seen the passing of Bernard Bateman MBE and Margaret Atkinson, both hugely committed councillors and community campaigners. Both had dedicated so much time and effort to North Yorkshire. Our thoughts and prayers are with their families.
Separately, Julian has been out and about in the Masham and Fountains area to canvass with Brooke Hull, who is running in the upcoming local by-election.
In Westminster, Julian met with Ben Adams, a history teacher from The Skipton Academy and Wendy Hamilton, Head of Humanities at South Craven School. Julian spoke to both of them about the UK Parliament Teacher Ambassador Programme, which is a 3-day training experience in the Houses of Parliament.
The programme gives teachers the opportunity to hear from Members and colleagues across Parliament, explore democracy and to network with teachers from across the UK. Julian said ‘ It was very good to hear about the UK Parliament Teacher Ambassador Programme, engaging with the work of the UK Parliament is crucial to developing students’ understanding of democracy.’
Applications are now open for the UK Parliament Teacher Ambassador Programme in June 2023, apply via https://learning.parliament.uk/en/teachers-institute-application/.
Julian met with Meg Munn the chair of PeerTalk, which is a national charity that provides weekly volunteer facilitated peer support groups for people living with depression, anxiety and other emotional distress.
PeerTalk aims to raise awareness about depression and the stigma associated. The charity provides information to community groups, supporting those with mental health and signposting to other services if needed, whilst supporting family and friends. As 1 in 4 of us experience mental health problems in any given year, conversations around this help those struggling to feel less isolated.
There is much going on across the constituency, with applications for The Sutton Trust UK Summer Schools and Apprenticeship Summer School open. This helps high-achieving year 12 students from less advantaged backgrounds to help grow their confidence, to help them progress to higher education and the workplace. There are a range of universities and subjects on offer at https://summerschools.suttontrust.com/.
Moreover, Harrogate Borough Council’s Community defibrillator grant fund scheme is open for applications. This will support communities across the district to purchase a life-saving Public Access Defibrillator to help when a cardiac arrest is suspected. Applications can be completed here, https://www.harrogate.gov.uk/grants/community-defibrillator-grant-funding.
Julian was pleased to see that 150 new projects across the country have been announced to support mental health crisis response and urgent mental health care, with a view to ease pressures on NHS emergency care. Julian said ‘ It is good to see that Airedale Centre for Mental Health will be receiving funds as part of this package to improve their place of safety suites.’
This month has seen concerns and worries amongst households who have an off-grid or shared energy supply as there has been a delay to the Energy Bills Support Scheme Alternative Funding. As we head into February, Julian has been paying close attention to the matters and continues to represent all constituents concerns to the highest levels of Government. The gov.uk portal to apply for this funding is expected to be open the on the 27th February.
Finally, if you are in need of free, confidential and impartial advice and information, Citizens Advice North Yorkshire has resumed a drop-in service in Skipton. Which is held every Tuesday 10 am – 1 pm at the Craven council offices. Ripon Library hosts in person appointments and video appointments available on the first Tuesday of each month as part of Citizens Advice outreach services. Contact Ripon Library to book https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/ripon-library.
Julian continues to hold surgeries on a regular basis and has held surgeries across the constituency. To book a surgery appointment please email or call the office, including the details of the matters you wish to raise.
