I am really pleased to share that over the coming months I will be holding several public meetings and events on a wide range of issues that affect so many of you.

As many of you may be aware, I am hosting an MP’s Public Meeting on Roads and Transport across the Forest of Dean on December 8 at 6:30pm. More than 200 residents have already signed up, and I’m looking forward to hearing how I can best support the improvements we urgently need.

I know how frustrating the state of our roads and the limited transport options can be. Whether it’s sitting in long queues on the way to work, struggling to reach hospital appointments on time, waiting at endless temporary traffic lights with no visible work taking place, or dealing with potholes that damage your cars and are never properly repaired, these problems have a real impact on daily life across the Forest.

This meeting will be an opportunity for me to hear directly from you, to understand the scale of these challenges, and to gather your views so I can work with Gloucestershire Highways to push for real improvements and a better service for local people. I’m looking forward to a constructive discussion and to making sure the voices of the Forest are heard loud and clear. The event is now at full capacity, and I’m delighted that so many of you are taking the opportunity to engage.

On December 17 at 6:30pm, I will be holding a Mince Pies with Matt event. This will be a chance for you to raise any local or national issues you feel I need to hear. Alongside warm drinks and mince pies, my team and I will be on hand to listen, support, and assist with the concerns that matter most to you.

Over the summer, I held two roundtable events with schools, SENDCos, and parent carers of children with additional needs. It became clear that parent carers in the Forest of Dean need more support, better advice, and more opportunities to connect with others who share similar experiences.

I am committed to holding regular meetings for these parents—and anyone else who would like to be involved—where I will invite experts and support networks who can offer guidance and a listening ear. My aim is to help provide the support so many parent carers need across our community. When parents are supported, children have a greater chance to thrive. The next group meeting will be held on 22nd January at 7pm so please get in touch.

My office continues to work closely with SENDIASS to make advice and support more readily available for parent carers. Their next advice session, held at my Coleford office, will take place on December 18 throughout the day. Please get in touch to secure an appointment.

For updates and to register for upcoming events, please keep an eye on my social media and website or contact me at [email protected] and 01594 540534.