 David, a local resident, was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes 70 years ago - shortly after our beloved NHS was founded.
Today I was delighted to attend St George's Hospital and present David with a medal honouring his achievement. It was great to spend time with David, his wife Ann, the team, and guide dog Jules. We also made sure to recognise David's contribution to the community, where he worked until he was 75. He's a real inspiration.
0 Comments
 Today I had an inspiring meeting with Mount Carmel, an alcohol treatment centre.
The team here provide a safe and supportive environment for men and women with serious alcohol problems, including residential programmes, day programmes, and detox management. With cuts hitting our public services, treatment centres across the UK closing at an alarming rate, and need increasing, accessing support for alcoholism is all the more difficult. I am looking forward to supporting their incredible work - watch this space.  Today I had the real honour of officially declaring the new Chestnut Grove Academy buildings open.
Having recently undergone a multi-million pound building programme, students and teachers will now reap the rewards of a super modern building and facilities, complete with an outstanding sports hall. Chestnut Grove is a shining example of a school that puts its pupils and families first - this week we were all "PROUD".  You may remember, back in May I raised the case of Sarah, a Tooting resident, in Parliament.
Today, Sarah tweeted: "We've done it! Thanks to @DrRosena's tenacity and passion my wheelchair went on order yesterday and I will be receiving it in approximately 6 weeks! I will be getting my independence back and I can't tell you how much this means to me. #HappyFriday" I am so pleased that I was able to resolve Sarah's wheelchair issues. Fantastic news. Happy Friday indeed!  I am standing in solidarity with all the hard-working Mitie employees who have taken the tough decision to go on strike.
GMB Union members at St George's Hospital - who are employed by Mitie - have voted overwhelmingly for strike action. Mitie management can avert a strike by committing to protect patient safety, GMB members' jobs and hours, and negotiate in good faith to resolve this dispute. You have an ally in me. I will be on the picket line with you. It is vital now that Mitie make an acceptable offer to avert a strike - meeting to come soon.  The suffering of the world's most vulnerable is palpable. And now, because of climate change, they face even greater threats.
In May 2019, Parliament declared a climate emergency. Today I asked the Government how they will provide assistance to the most vulnerable people on the planet. You can see the video here: twitter.com/i/status/1151496826849284096  In my capacity as Shadow Sports Minister, it was fantastic to meet with Everton in the Community and Everton Football Club today. We discussed at length their planned move from Goodison Park to the Bramley-Moore Dock. It is a very impressive project that focuses on leaving a legacy for the community. This is the way it should be done, and I cannot wait to see the finished result.  As progressives, we are united in solidarity with Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Ilhan Omar, Ayanna Pressley and Rashida Tlaib.
Though we may be separated by an ocean, we are united in our desire for a world which opens its arms to everyone - without prejudice. Read my piece for The Independent here: www.independent.co.uk/voices/trump-aoc-tweets-ilhan-omar-racism-ocasio-cortez-democrats-a9005386.html  We all had a wonderful afternoon at the Tooting Primary Summer Fair.
There were a lot of happy families and teachers. The TPA should be super proud of themselves for a job well done.  Today I had an amazing time at the BATCA Fun Day. This is such a warm, welcoming and inclusive event that brings everyone from Tooting and Balham together. I mean, where else can you round up a group of strangers - now friends - for a game of cricket in your heels? It was great to spend time with everyone today. Thank you to everyone who came along, and to all the organisers who made it happen. |