Charities and voluntary groups do hugely important work supporting people and communities across the constituency. This was particularly so over the course of the pandemic, and I am very aware about the steadfast support this sector has provided to so many of my constituents.
I work closely with organisations which provide support and care for older people across the constituency to ensure their issues and challenges are tackled. This involves regular meetings with NHS trusts, Clinical Commissioning Groups, GPs, care homes and the local authorities to discuss adult social care.
I am also eager to support faiths and faith groups within my constituency. I regularly visit local churches and other places of worship to talk about their roles within our community.
I attended the Preview Evening for the celebrations to mark 1350 years of worship at Ripon Cathedral since its consecration by St Wilfred in 672AD.
In the first year of the pandemic, the ‘A Wing and A Prayer’ artwork was installed in the Cathedral. This consisted of over 10,000 origami angels made by volunteers. Each angel represented a thank you to our key workers or a prayer for a loved one. Over £130,000 was raised from the project and will go towards supporting the work of Yorkshire Air Ambulance and Ripon Cathedral.
I am also keen to support the future development plans for the Cathedral. This aims to provide new, updated facilities for the cathedral’s parishioners, choristers, and visitors. Including a new café, meeting room and a better facility for the choir school to rehearse in.
