Mental Health
Building Hope and Community Resilience: My Commitment to Suicide Prevention in Somerset
In 2022, I made the decision to stand as a Councillor for the newly established Somerset Authority (Somerset Council). My motivation stemmed from the personal—having recently lost a friend to suicide. In our close-knit community between Shepton Mallet and Wells, since my election win, we’ve mourned two lives lost to suicide, each of whom was…
Read MoreAdvocating for Mental Health Reform at the Lib Dem Conference 2025
I am here at the Bournemouth 2025 Liberal Democrat Conference, proud to be part of the committee leading a policy consultation on mental health. Our goal is to develop a comprehensive, evidence-led approach that addresses the urgent needs of our communities. The current state of mental health in the UK is deeply concerning. Suicide rates…
Read MoreMental Health Awareness Week: Volunteering
Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to develop and explore many ways to connect, motivate, and support volunteers. I truly believe that building strong, connected communities is the key to thriving societies. When communities come together and work collaboratively, it not only strengthens bonds but also promotes health and well-being. Overall, volunteering creates a positive…
Read MoreA Survivor’s Guide to Local Politics, blog 1: What’s important to me?
Bandit: Well, looks like this is the end of the line. Any last words?Cowboy (calm and firm): Maybe. But I’ve fought for what’s right. I won’t turn tail now, even if it costs me everything.[The bandit hesitates, gun still aimed.]Cowboy: Do your worst. I’ll stand firm, till the very last shot. Hello. Are you one…
Read MoreExciting News: Joining the National Lib Dem Mental Health Group to Shape Policy
I am delighted to announce that I have been selected to join the newly established Mental Health Policy Group by the National Liberal Democrats party. This initiative presents a vital opportunity to address the pressing mental health challenges faced by our communities in Somerset and across the UK. As a Parliamentary candidate and Deputy Chair…
Read MoreDoes Somerset Need a Dry January?
Somerset is home to an estimated 5,202 individuals who are alcohol-dependent, with approximately 80% (around 4,000) having unmet treatment needs. While we should approach this figure with caution, national trends suggest it may actually be an underestimate. Alarmingly, alcohol-related hospital admissions in Somerset are higher than the national average, particularly among women under 40. One…
Read MoreHappy Mother’s Day?
With International Women’s day this week and today being Mother’s Day, while we all celebrate women, we need to ask: is the government doing enough to address the Gender Pay Gap and are there effective policies that women need in the workplace right now? Is it any wonder the UK productivity rate has flatlined if…
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