Dartington Hall
Thank you to Rhodri Samuel, the Chief Executive of Dartington Hall, for meeting with me . It is always a pleasure to be in Dartington as it is such an amazing place to explore, there is so much to learn from its past for today.
Brixham College
Thank you to the staff and students at Brixham College for sharing views on health and education
Absolutely stunning at Berry Head in Brixham today!Crafty Fox Cafe
It was lovely to catch up with Fair Project funded by AgeWell Torbay and the great team at Crafty Fox community cafe
Police and Crime Commissioner
Thank you so much to Police and Crime Commissioner, Alison Hernandez and Ch Supt Keith Perkin for joining Mayor Judy Westacott, Cllrs and the local policing team in Totnes today, and to everyone who came to our public meeting to share views
Brixham Community Partnership
A huge thanks to everyone who came to Brixham Community Partnership meeting this evening at Scala Hall for wide ranging discussion and for the update from Suptd Jez Capey and his local police team on policing issues in and around Brixham.
Totnes Advice Surgery
Thank you to everyone who attended the Advice Surgery today. If you have concerns you wish to discuss, please telephone 01803 868378 or email nina.smith@parliament.uk
Minister Visits Totnes
Thank you to Alok Sharma, the Minister for Employment for taking the time to visit the Totnes Jobcentre to discuss Universal Credit
Kingsbridge Show
A wonderful day at Kingsbridge Show. Many congratulations and thank you to the show committee and volunteers for all their hard work it making this another great year.
Cirl Buntings
Absolutely loved visiting the NT Riviera toady today to meet farmers, volunteers and the RSPB South West to view for myself the conservation work that is happening to save the Cirl Buntings. Rescued from the brink, this shows what can be achieved and must not be put at risk. It was also an opportunity to discuss agri-environment issues current and future
Advice Surgery
Thank you to everyone who attended my advice Surgery today. If you would like an appointment please email nina.smith@parliament.uk or telephone 01803 868378
Fereation of Small Businesses
It was good to catch up with the Citizens Advice Bureau and the Federation of Small Businesses at my office in Totnes to listen to the views of local small and medium sized businesses.
Chillington Open Meeting
Thank you to everyone who attended my open meeting at Chillington Village Hall this evening
Brixham JobCentre
Many thanks to Brixham Jobcentre for inviting me to hear views on the full rollout of Universal Credit which begins in September
Children's Commissioner
t was such a pleasure to welcome Anne Longfield, the Children's Commissioner to Brixham to meet young people, Tanni, Carmen and the team at PlayTorbay to discuss the importance of play and their role supporting families
It was good to meet with Bernard Mercer of Devon Wildlife Trust
Today I had the opportunity to visit a farm with the Devon Wildlife Trust to view wildflower meadow restoration, shelter belt planting and discussed a variet of issues, including drawing down grants via Countryside Stewardship and the Woodland Trust & Devon Bat Project
South Hams Hospital
I was delighted to have the opportunity to catch up with the community teams and hospital staff at South Hams Hospital to see their new facilities and to listen to their views so that I can take these into account in my work chairing the Health and Social Care Select Committee.
Dame Suzi Leather
Today I met with the Chair of Devon STP, Dame Suzi Leather to discuss children's mental health, funding, digital and integrated care as well as workforce shortfalls in healthcare.
Laura House
It was lovely to meet residents and carers at Laura House today and I absolutely agree that there needs to be proper ongoing funding for sleep in carers
Farm visit East Prawle
 |
Thank you to James Jones for inviting me to visit his farm in East Prawle. Representing a rural area, farming remains high on my agenda. |
 |
Totnes Surgery
Another busy surgery; if you would like to meet to discuss local or national concerns, please email nina.smith@parliament.uk or telephone 01803 868378
Devon For Europe
This evening I was back at the Royal Seven Stars to meet with Devon For Europe. A growing campaign for a Peoples Vote on the final terms of Brexit before it's too late
Soundart Radio
I enjoyed visiting Soundart Radio in Dartington today. Thank you to Lucinda and Shelley for all you are doing around schools and community projects; it was interesting to hear of your future plans to involve young people in this great local radio station
Devon Sustainability and Transformation Plan
This morning I met with Sophia Christie, the interim CE of Devon STP to discuss children's mental health, funding, digital and integrated care. We spoke about my ongoing campaign to increase community beds across the South Hams and in particular, I raised my concerns about Dartmouth and the need for more community beds.
Devon Youth Intervention Team
Today I met with Jan Forward, the Service Manager of the Devon Youth Intervention Team (YIT). This team works with young people to divert them away from offending and the criminal justice system at the earliest possible opportunity. Many of these young people have unidentified language and communication needs which make school and friendships difficult for them. I also met with a crucial member of the team, Dr Val Brooks, a Highly Specialist Speech and Language Therapist. Val works with the young people to identify their communication needs in order that they can be supported to be successful in education and to improve their life chances. The team's figures for first time entrants into the youth justice system, are substanaily below both the national and local South West average. Also attending the meeting to learn more about the Devon team's successes was Derek Munn, Director of Policy and Public Affairs at the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists.
Bercow: Ten Years On is a review of provision for children and young people with speech, language and communication needs published by I CAN, the children's communication charity, and the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists. Communication is our most important life skill, but many children and young people have difficulties communicating. Left unidentified and unsupported, these needs can have a negative impact on many aspects of life. The report makes recommendations to improve support for children and young people with communication needs and their families. More details about the review are available here
Advice Surgery
Thank you to everyone who attended my Advice Surgery today. If you would like an appointment to discuss personal, local or national concerns please telephone 01803 868378 or email nina.smith@parliament.uk
Dartington Primary
I met with Jill Mahon, Headteacher of Dartington Primary, School Governor and a parent's representative to hear about parental concerns with regard to a mobile mast placed near the school. Tests undertaken this week showing the level is well below the set limits are being shared with parents.
Totnes Advice Surgery
Thank you to everyone who attend my Advice Surgery today. If you would like an appointment to meet to discuss local or national issues, please email nina.smith@parliament.uk of telephone 01803 868378
Brixham Carers
It was lovely to be back in Brixham this afternoon to meet with carers to discuss local issues and social care and recommendations of the Health Select Committee's Inquiry into Long Term Funding of Adult Social Care.
Totnes Macular Society & Devon In Sight
Thank you to local people living with sight loss, Totnes Macular Society and Devon In Sight for meeting today to discuss off road paths, NHS, social care and key partnership role of voluntary sector.
Totnes WI
Thank you to the Totnes WI for inviting me to join you to discuss voting, select committees, social care, prisons and Brexit
The Egremont Trust
I met this morning with Richard Martin of The Egremont Trust (Salcombe), a registered charity with the aim of maintaining the ship MV Egremont as a facility for the advancement of the education and development of young people, as well as raising funds to utilise the facility for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.
South West Coast Path
I really enjoyed meeting up with director Julian Gray today to discuss Torcross and other stretches that need access improvements and the 40 for40 campaign
Dartmouth Mayflower
Lovely to catch up with Peter Conisbee and the exciting plans for Dartmouth Mayflower 400 celebrations
Totnes Open Meeting
Thank you to everyone who came to last night's public meeting in Totnes, especially to Rev Steve Jones for chairing and PC Geoff Foster for coming to discuss drugs and policing.
BrixFest
Brixham looked great today for BrixFest. I agree with Mitch Tonks who has travelled the world but says the best and freshest fish are landed right here in Brixham
Shoalstone Pool
I absolutely loved joining the wonderful team at Shoalstone Pool to say a huge thank you to all the volunteers who have saved this amazing lido following Storm Emma. Do come and visit!
Quayside Totnes
I was delighted to open Quayside in Totnes today. This kind of supported living changes lives and I am delighted to see Quayside open, accessible to the community and to hear so many compelling and positive stories from residents. Cutting the ribbon with me are Mr and Mrs Hindle.
L-R Paul Watson, MD Guinness Care, Catriona Simons, CEO The Guinness Partnership, and Neil Braithwaite, Chair of The Guinness Partnership Board.
âéDevon Rape Crisis and Sexual Abuse Services
I met with Fee Scott today, the Chief Executive of the Devon Rape Crisis and Sexual Abuse Services to discuss how they support women aged 13 and over and young men aged 13-25. They also offer limited support to the families, friends and partners of those affected by sexual violence.
