I hope Easter break is a welcome time for all

After what has been an intense first few months of the year for all of us, I hope this Easter break comes at a welcome time for all to enjoy the brighter weather, perhaps get some rest and have some quality family time too. For me, it’s a welcome opportunity to take a break from the daily commute, to be busy across Mid Sussex meeting more constituents, local businesses and getting back out and about in our communities and organisations.

The new cross-government Domestic Abuse Plan is now progressing, which includes over £230million of direct investment for tackling this scourge. It lays out how we will deliver many of the Domestic Abuse Act’s provisions and builds on the important work we’ve done over the past couple of years in this area.

I am pleased, through my Ministerial DWP role, to be supporting Jobcentres to give additional help for those leaving relationships and looking to work or stay in work – as we know financial impacts and financial control is often part of the hold that abusers have.

I am determined that anyone affected knows where to turn and talking to your work coach is a safe place to start to look for help and disclose if you need support.

I am also proud to be assisting through my role with Afghan and Ukrainian settlers both on a constituency and ministerial level as Employment Minister.

My MP casework team is working really hard to give information and insight to those offering homes about the visa process, timescales and insights to the procedure.

My team is busy daily supporting residents to get the help they need, and I am grateful for all they do on housing matters, ASB, community concerns, benefit issues and so much more. The government last week announced a green paper to consult on a stronger national system for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

These plans will end the postcode lottery of uncertainty and poor accountability that exists for too many families. Its vital we truly do level up opportunities for all.

BBC Radio Sussex have launched their ‘Make a Difference’ awards which will recognise and mark the achievements and contributions of the wonderful people we have in Sussex, who go above and beyond in our communities. For details and nominations please visit bbc.co.uk/ makeadifference

I am delighted the unique Mid Sussex Marathon weekend is properly back & as its founder, after its absence as a result of Covid, there is much excitement - with different distances and events to partake in. I am looking forward to participating and marshalling – to sign up or volunteer, visit midsussexmarathon.co.uk