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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A371 road safety planned works update

Road safety at The Pecking Mill corner has been a cause of concern for local people for a long time. Lib Dem Somerset Councillor Claire Sully made it a priority to investigate the issues to find solutions. Claire has met with local residents, consulted with Avon and Somerset Police, organised road monitoring, liaised with Somerset…

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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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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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Your Voice, Your Vote – Somerset – How will the parties deal with immigration? – BBC Somerset

Your Voice, Your Vote – Somerset – How will the parties deal with immigration? My full response (the recording was edited down by the BBC): Immigration numbers are eye-wateringly high, so I understand the concern from our local residents. The Conservatives promised to bring down immigration, but they have woefully failed. 97% of immigration is,…

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Beautiful moonlight walk to save Pawlett Hams

Last night I was once again with the Pawlett Hams Action Group and local residents for a lovely moonlight walk. Being out in nature, in this wonderful area, is very rewarding. We learnt how to use a nature recording app, ate cake and talked about a local ghost story, which I really hope is true! Pawlett Hams…

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