The most engaging, most moving events for most MPs are not in Westminster but back home. One such for me was visiting the Dame Vera Lynn Trust for Children with Cerebral Palsy at Five Oaks.
The Trust works with families to educate young children with motor learning difficulties. Most parents have no idea that their child will be born with Cerebral Palsy. For many it leaves them not knowing “how to be the family we want to be”.
This is where the Trust steps in: parents and children learn daily living skills at the Trust’s “School for Parents” using the principles of conductive education. They support families with babies and children under five years of age – the “Golden Years” in which a huge amount can be achieved to secure a good quality of life for the child.
At any one time the School serves 50 families and I was privileged to see the dedicated team at work with wonderful children and parents. The School receives no state funding – it needs to raise £500,000 a year to maintain this amazing, transforming service.
Anyone who wants to support positive change for young lives and families should take a look at what the Trust does day in, day out.
Later today I will witness the parliamentary drama of the Budget. However before it I will have attended a debate on Southern Rail. After it I will be heading to another debate to raise the plight of a constituent who lost her son and was treated disgracefully after he died.
The national media, understandably, will be focused on the Budget. I have already learned however that much of the value of being an MP can be delivered by plugging away on behalf of constituents whether they are commuters, have suffered at the hands of unthinking bureaucracy, or for that matter need the gentle touch of this amazing school.