I have been contacted by the West Sussex Clinical Commissioning Groups and the Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust who have collectively launched a consultation to determine how mental health services in West Sussex could be improved for patients, families and staff.

I attended one of the Horsham Fibromyalgia Support Group’s regular meetings at Horsham Hospital.

It was lovely to join the Horsham Rusty Brains for their third annual Horsham Memory Walk in Horsham Park.

The walk, organised and led by members of the Rusty Brains, is in aid of the Alzheimer’s Society who do great work locally to support those living with dementia.

We live in a representative democracy.  Back in 2015 Parliament voted overwhelmingly, with support across the House, to hold a national referendum on our membership of the European Union.  Parliament subsequently voted overwhelmingly to trigger “Article 50” (the process by which we leave). 

I greatly enjoyed meeting representatives from the National Farmers Union to discuss their plans for contributing to “net zero carbon” and Brexit among other issues.

I met Jon Chaloner, Chief Executive, and Sarah Lynagh, Chief Operating Officer, of GLF Schools to discuss the newly opened Kilnwood Vale Primary School.

It was great to hear from Jon and Sarah how the school has already become an important part of the Kilnwood Vale community.

Politics isn’t meant to be easy.  What is determined matters to the country and its citizens and passions can run high, though the vast majority of people with whom I have ever spent time, of all party persuasions, do so out of a genuine desire to improve peoples’ lives. 

It was a pleasure to attend the launch of Cabin Pressure Spirits’ new Serpent Gin.

The launch took place at Horsham’s Crates Local, who provide a wonderful selection of seasonal fruit and vegetables all plastic free!

The Queen’s Speech

I have campaigned continuously since I was first elected in 2015 for a better local rail and this column all too often has been focussed on issues we need to get right. Many remain but it is nonetheless important to recognise real improvements to the service – and these are happening.