The past two weeks have been all about supporting those in the community that make the Forest of Dean a place we are all proud to call home. With funding now confirmed for local schools, sports clubs, and ambulance service upgrades—and in-depth discussions held with farmers and the NFU—I have had the opportunity to spend time with some fantastic people who work tirelessly to keep the Forest of Dean thriving. It is important that schools are able to ensure children are both happy and achieving their full potential. And with clubs across the Forest of Dean offering such invaluable access to sports, I welcome the investment coming their way, too, to ensure their work can benefit children for years to come. Real people are feeling the difference this government is making, and I am committed to ensuring the Forest of Dean continues to benefit from Labour’s Plan for Change. Lydney Church of England Community School has successfully secured funding from the Condition Improvement Fund (CIF). This crucial investment will address critical maintenance needs, such as repairing leaky roofs and upgrading outdated heating systems, while also improving energy efficiency. With over £20 million allocated to education initiatives in the South West as part of a £470 million national programme, this funding demonstrates our collective commitment to providing every child with a safe and supportive environment in which to learn. Six local football clubs have received essential funding through the Government’s Multi-Sport Grassroots Facilities Programme. This support will improve facilities such as goalposts and floodlights, encouraging further participation in sports for all age groups. The clubs benefiting from this initiative—Lydney Town AFC Youth, Lydney Town AFC, Harrow Hill FC, Ruardean Hill Rangers FC, and Ellwood Youth FC—play an important role in our community. This programme will support 1,650 projects nationwide in 2024-25, with a further £98 million pledged for 2025-26. The government is placing grassroots clubs and local pitches at the heart of its efforts to increase participation in sport. I am a massive football fan and appreciate the joy it brings to so many. It is fantastic news that clubs in the Forest of Dean are getting the backing they need to make a real difference in our local sporting community. I know the impact that access to healthcare has on our communities, so the confirmation that our region will benefit from 71 new ambulances, supported by a £10.6 million investment, is brilliant news for all of us. This initiative is part of a larger £450 million national effort to modernise urgent care, which includes the introduction of Same Day Emergency Care units, Urgent Treatment Centres, and specialist mental health crisis hubs. This investment is a significant step towards enhancing our healthcare system and ensuring it effectively meets the needs of our communities. It is important to me that I meet with all aspects of our communities, and most recently, I had a productive visit to a farm in Minsterworth, where I had the opportunity to meet with livestock farmer Mr King, local farmers, and representatives from the National Farmers’ Union which I will speak about in next week’s column.