It was so brilliant to hold our first proper in-person surgery on Friday, writes Dan Aldridge MP.
While we've had many one-to-one meetings with constituents since the election, this very much felt like an important moment for us as we establish consistent, visible engagement across our communities.
Thank you to all those who came along to speak to us, it was great to meet you all.
We had so many interesting and diverse conversations ranging from housing to taxis to homelessness and much more – it was great to have a safe space where constituents felt listened to and supported.
Thanks to my team for getting us to a situation where we can have smooth running, safe and effective surgeries, and thanks to James Clayton, councillor for WsM South Ward for joining us.
Working together with James in his role at North Somerset Council today was really effective as so many issues people are writing to us about are about Council services.
Between James and I, we could find answers to most of the issues raised.
At times, Friday was emotional, with so many people with complex cases, so many people feeling let down by services on their knees, but it was hugely rewarding knowing we can help people who are struggling.
While not everyone can make an in-person event, we're organising online and over-the-phone surgeries for those with urgent issues they need to discuss, we'll keep this under review to make sure everyone's needs can be accommodated.
The team and I are only an email away so if you have an urgent need, please do not hesitate to get in touch on Daniel.aldridge.mp@parliament.uk.
Our next in-person surgery will be focussed on Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and will be on Saturday, November 23 (email us for an appointment).
20-minute appointment slots will be offered, and we will be joined by cllr Catherine Gibbons, deputy leader of North Somerset Council and executive member responsibilities for children’s services, families and life-long learning as well as a member of the North Somerset Council SEND team.
As most of you will know, I spent five years working with children with autism and learning disabilities and I studied autism at university.
SEND is a real passion of mine and it matters to me that we work together to do everything we can, so this is a surgery I am really looking forward to.
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