MP says its a Sure Start for Sandiacre Children's Centre
  
Photograph:  Morgan Edwards who helps to paint the caterpillar watched by Liz Blackman MP and Eleanor Dewar Manager of Sandiacre Children's Centre with Angelina Stankovic, Emily Cox.

Liz Visits Working Links  

MP Liz Blackman recently visited Working Links in Derby to see for herself the work the organisation does across the County including Erewash.

It particularly supports people back into work who have been out of the labour market for some time.

‘The clients I met really impressed me’ said the MP.  They were confident and eager to return to work having been helped to produce CVs, perform well in interviews and gain new skills.  It is difficult at the moment but there are jobs out there and it is important people have the best possible help to access them.’

To find out more ring 0800 917 9262 or visit the website: www.workinglinks.co.uk

In the photograph Liz Blackman MP is pictured with Emma Parker, Anthony Richards, Leslie Haddon from Working Links

MP Raises the Flag at Brackensfield School

Liz Blackman MP joined Phil Ormerod, Headteacher and Cllr. Longden to raise a flag celebrating the school becoming a Specialist College of Cognition and Learning.

Brackensfield is based in Long Eaton and supports children with moderate learning difficulties from a wide catchment area including South Derbyshire and Amber Valley, as well as Erewash.

'It is an impressive school,' said the MP.  'Brackensfield has two aims for its pupils, inclusion and independence which are taught through a range of learning experiences including horticulture, animal work, arts and crafts as well as the usual school subjects.  The school works closely with other local schools and children are able to leave with GCSEs and vocational qualifications.' 

Liz is pictured with Mr Ormerod and Cllr. Longden

Question Time for MP 

Liz Blackman MP recently joined youngsters at Dovedale Primary School to record an interview for the School Radio.

The children quizzed Mrs Blackman about a range of issues involving her role as a Member of Parliament both in the constituency and in Westminster as well as topics associated with schools and children.

'I really enjoyed the interview,' said the MP.  'Chloe, Holly, Ellie, Zac and Alex were experienced interviewers and very well prepared. I understand they have interviewed a range of people and you can listen to all the interviews via the school website.'

Liz Blackman MP is pictured with the children in the photograph.

MP in campaign for better health services

for disabled children

Erewash MP Liz Blackman has been meeting disabled children and their families, as well as representatives from Primary Care Trusts, local authorities and voluntary organisations at a parliamentary event to launch the new report ‘Disabled Children and Health’ by the Every Disabled Child Matters campaign.

Liz Blackman said:  ‘Parents of disabled children tell me that their children face barriers accessing universal health services such as GPs and dentists.  They also talk of waiting years to receive a wheelchair with the child having outgrown the chair when it finally arrives.  Parents of children with complex health needs find themselves in the middle of arguments between different agencies about who is responsible.  I hope that the recommendations in this report will help Primary Care Trusts to offer a more ‘joined up’ srevice to disabled children and their families’

Liz Blackman backs calls for an increase in the number of Changing Places toilets.

Liz Blackman has joined 11 times Paralympic gold medallist Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson to call for an increase in the number of Changing Places toilets available in the UK.  A recent British Standard recommending newly built public buildings should include such toilets is not compulsory, and the MP is calling for changes which would make this a legal requirement.  Unlike existing disabled toilets, Changing Places offers a larger space, with proper facilities to allow carers to change disabled people, in the same way that many public places now offer changing facilities for parents with babies and young children.

The Erewash MP commented: 

‘We all take being able to go to the shops and to leisure facilities for granted, and yet a quarter of a million people are restricted in where they can go by not having the right toilet facilities. It is unhygienic and undignified for anyone to have to be changed on toilet floors’ 

‘I have raised this issue with the Minister for Communities and Local Government, who tells me that he will be carrying out a review later this year together with a public consultation into the proposals’ 

Liz Enjoys Christmas Dinner with Cotmanhay Pensioners
 
Erewash MP Liz Blackman recently shared a pensioners lunch at the Pavillion cooked by staff and volunteers from Community Concern Erewash.  Local pensioners can enjoy a freshly cooked lunch on Tuesdays and Fridays as well as Christmas Day itself.
 
'Older people know how to enjoy themselves and really have fun,' said the MP.  'So did I.  It is the best roast dinner in Erewash.  Full praise goes to all those who cooked and served it.'
 
In the photograph Left to Right:
Susan Bean, Liz Blackman MP, George Matthews, Ivy Wilcoxson, Arthur Wheatley

Liz Blackman MP meets local supplier taking his pies to Long Eaton supermarket

An award winning Nottingham based pie maker is today celebrating after agreeing a deal with supermarket giant Asda which will see his pies and meat products being stocked in stores throughout Nottingham - including Asda Long Eaton where MP Liz Blackman stopped by to find out more about the deal (pictured).

‘Supermarkets are increasingly looking for high quality, locally sourced products and ASDA has embraced this trend by partnering with A E Chambers.  The sausages were so delicious,’ said Liz

L to R Dave Scales Chambers factory manager, Liz Blackman MP, Samantha Bliss ASDA store events co-ordinator, Torban Whaley ASDA Store peoples service manager, Philip Chambers proprietor of Chambers.

MP Celebrates Outstanding Infants School

MP Liz Blackman popped into Cotmanhay Infants School to congratulate the Head, Jill Boyle, her Senior Leadership Team, Chair of Governors and the children themselves for being selected by Ofsted as one of the 20 outstanding primary schools nationally to have excelled against the odds.

'It is a fantastic school,' said the MP. 'with the most dedicated and talented staff committed to putting the children at the heart of all they do.   I am unsurprised they have been chosen and delighted for them.'

Liz Blackman is pictured with: L-R.

Liz Blackman MP,Sarah Dawson senior leadership team, Briany Stallard senior leadership team, Sabrina Malik chair of govenors, Saphron Foster senior leadership team.

Front.

Jill Boyle school head.