I have really enjoyed meeting so many of you across the Forest of Dean over the summer holidays while Parliament has been in recess. From visiting local businesses and community organisations to meeting with key stakeholders and individuals who my team and I have supported, it has been a great opportunity to spend more time in the community.

I am pleased to continue that close work in the Forest by offering two opportunities for support in September: Women & Girls’ Health Conversation event and SENDIASS support sessions for parent carers.

As the summer holidays come to a close, it's important to reflect that this time has been particularly poignant for young people and their families receiving results. I want to say a huge congratulations to the young people across the Forest who have recently received their results. Whether you achieved the grades you hoped for or things did not quite go to plan, there are so many options and opportunities available for your next steps. Please remember that your grades do not define you.

Over the past year, I have spent a great deal of time with young people across the Forest through Mock Parliament, work experience and many other opportunities. Having worked closely with them, I have no doubt that beyond the grades on a results sheet, there is an enormous amount of talent, strength and ambition among our young people.

If you have not received the results you were hoping for, please do not feel that your options have run out. Support and careers advice are available through the National Careers Service, and I am also offering work experience opportunities to young people who could benefit from gaining experience with me and my team. If you, or a young person you know, would benefit from this, please do get in touch with my office: [email protected].

The first of my September events I want to share is my Women and Girls’ Health Conversation on Thursday, 17 September, from 6pm to 8pm.

Since I was elected, I have consistently heard from women and girls who have struggled to get the healthcare they need. Too often, women and girls tell me they have not been listened to, their symptoms have been dismissed, or they have struggled to access the right expertise and support.

I want to hear directly from women and girls across the Forest about their experiences – what is working, where the gaps are, what has gone wrong and, crucially, what needs to change. This will be an honest and sensitive conversation, with everything shared treated respectfully and confidentially. Get your tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1998419590792?aff=oddtdtcreator

And as children return to school, I know many families and parent carers will once again be navigating challenges.

On Wednesday, 16 September, my team and I will be joined by SENDIASS in Coleford for one-to-one advice sessions between 10am and 5pm.

Whether you need guidance, support or simply someone to help navigate the system, these sessions are there for you.

If you would like to book a SENDIASS appointment, please contact [email protected].