Helping with the mail sorting process at Short Street sorting office and personally delivering post throughout the constituency, I learnt a lot on Friday. I have a greater appreciation for our postal workers and the postal service they provide us daily. I was however alarmed to hear of the frequency of dog attacks on delivery staff. On average 44 postmen and women attacked each week across the UK, some leading to a permanent and disabling injury. I would encourage pet owners help the royal mail ensure the welfare and safety of our post men and women.
It was great to meet the inspirational young people who have been able to make new friends and share their enthusiasm for making a difference with the National Citizen Service. They have made a direct contribution, picking litter, raising mental health awareness whilst raising money for charity with their group social action projects. This programme, which runs over the summer break has encouraged teenagers to build on their teamwork abilities whilst learning relevant life skills, with daily lectures tailored to inform them about their transition into the world of work and staying safe as a young adult.
I had the chance to witness was a partnership between South Essex College and renowned local business Rossi ice cream, providing valuable work experience. Twenty-five talented A-Level students designed images as part of a national launch campaign, promoting Rossi’s new license agreement with the global phenomenon Candy Crush. I unveiled their colourful work which is displayed on the back of an Arriva bus which will be driven around Southend over the course of the summer.
I am proud to see that independent local businesses are being rewarded for their efforts. Visiting Hanningfield Process Systems, in Rochford, it was clear to see that the pharmaceuticals company was a worthy winner of the Queen’s Award for Enterprise, with many of the staff working at the company for more than 20 years. I am thoroughly disappointed to not be able to attend the award presentation on the 31st of August as I do not want this company’s contributions to numerous industries to go unnoticed.