We need to talk: World Suicide Prevention Day

A recent poll* found that only 45% of people feel comfortable talking to family and friends about suicidal thoughts, compared to 74% who said they feel comfortable talking about mental health. World Suicide Prevention Day is a chance to change this. By talking more openly about suicide, we can give people the chance to express…

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Confusion and uncertainty over EDF’s saltmarsh plan at Environment Agency “stakeholder” event

Yesterday, there was confusion and uncertainty over EDF’s plans to create a new saltmarsh at Pawlett Hams, near Bridgwater, replacing and destroying aquatic eco-systems and natural habitat, wildlife homes, as well as ancient farmland, businesses and valued community space for local people and school children. Many local people hastily attended the event hosted, with just…

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Suicide Prevention Work in Somerset Update

When I joined Somerset Council’s Adults and Health Scrutiny Committee, in 2022, I asked that suicide prevention was added to the work programme. Last week we had an update on a new (draft) Somerset suicide prevention strategy that is supporting a new national strategy, which was launched September last year.   The draft strategy draws on…

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Thank you

Dear friends I wanted to say a big thank you to everyone who supported and believed in me. I am very sorry I didn’t get the outcome you all deserved. This has been one of the biggest challenges for me, but also one of the best experiences of my life. I wanted to be MP…

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‘We’ve run the campaign of our life’

On Friday morning, we may wake up to something special, which many thought wouldn’t be possible. Bridgwater turning Lib Dem yellow. It’s a very real prospect. Having run the campaign of our lives, we have given ourselves the best possible chance of delivering a Liberal Democrat MP for Bridgwater, Burnham, Highbridge, North Petherton and our…

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POSTAL VOTE NOT ARRIVED?

POSTAL VOTE NOT ARRIVED? Here’s an update from Somerset Council. We know that some postal voters are concerned they have not yet received their UK Parliamentary general election ballot pack. Somerset Council is administering seven Parliamentary Constituencies across its area, and has sent out more than 101,000 postal votes. Bridgwater Frome and East Somerset Glastonbury…

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IFS research shows Lib Dem plans do more for most vulnerable, with everyone poorer under Labour

Research from the Institute for Fiscal Studies, the UK’s leading economic research group, has suggested that the Liberal Democrats’ plans for Britain will do more for the most vulnerable in society than Labour. The group’s research also suggests that, under Labour, everyone in society will be worse off. Parties released their manifestos earlier this month,…

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Labour HQ divert volunteers away from Bridgwater, admitting that Lib Dems are the tactical vote

Labour are moving volunteers in Bridgwater 80 miles away to Plymouth, reports The Financial Times, as the party abandons the Bridgwater constituency in order to win battleground seats in the Devon city. Since the beginning of this election campaign, Labour have considered Bridgwater as unwinnable, leaving the constituency off a list of ‘battleground’ seats the…

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