, , , ,

March 2026 Newsletter

Dear Friends,

Thank you for taking the time to look at my monthly newsletter for March 2026.

I hope you enjoy this update on some of the work I have been doing in Erith and Thamesmead and in Parliament over the last month.

As ever, if you want to get in touch, don’t hesitate to contact me using the email address: abena.oppongasare.mp@parliament.uk

Abena

£20 million in Pride in Place funding for Erith and Thamesmead announced

I’m delighted to confirm that up to £20 million of Government funding is to be invested in Thamesmead Birchmere Park over the next ten years, putting local people in the driving seat to shape the future of the community.

The Pride in Place programme, launched by the Labour Government last year, has been rolled out to more most in need neighbourhoods across the UK, giving local people a say in projects that will make a real difference to their community. I attended a Pride in Place reception with Greenwich Council Leader, Anthony Okereke to announce the funding.

You can view a clip of me speaking on this news on my social media here and find out more about the announcement on my website here.

Vital funding announced for Erith Health Centre

Erith Health Centre is receiving crucial investment to transform its services as part of the Government’s plans for the Neighbourhood Health Service. This investment will help Erith Health Centre to provide end-to-end care, improving access to GPs, simplifying the provision of healthcare and enabling patients to be treated closer to their home. You can find out more on this exciting news for Erith residents on my website here.

Thamesmead Selected for a New Town by the Government

Following last year’s consultation, it was confirmed that Thamesmead will be one of seven proposed new towns as part of the government’s most ambitious housebuilding programme in over fifty years.

The plans could see up to 15,000 new homes delivered in Thamesmead, helping to boost economic growth and transport links locally as well as address London’s housing shortage.  I welcomed the news on my social media here.

SEND Roundtable with schools and Minister for School Standards

It was fantastic to host a discussion with school leaders from Erith and Thamesmead and the Minister for School Standards, Georgia Gould MP. The roundtable focused on how the government’s proposed reforms can improve outcomes for children with SEND, drawing on the crucial frontline experience of education leaders in the constituency. You can find out more about these SEND reforms, the consultation and this local roundtable on my website here.

Meeting with Get Together Monday Community Group

It was great to have the chance to meet with the Get Together Monday group in Shooters Hill to discuss local and national issues, whilst learning more about the group’s work to support the community.

International Women’s Day Event at Woolwich Polytechnic Girl’s School

Pleasure to attend the Careers Day Carousel at Woolwich to celebrate International Women’s Day. The students were eager to know more about their future career choices, and I look forward to seeing them as the leaders of tomorrow!

Summer School Launch

This month, I announced the return of my Campaign Summer School for its fifth iteration. The campaign offers first-hand insight into the exciting world of political campaigning. If you are aged between 16-18 in my constituency (or know someone that is), you can register your interest by following this link.   

‘This is Endometriosis’ Screening in Parliament

Delighted to screen the BAFTA-winning short film ‘This is Endometriosis’ in Parliament on 24th March. The evening marked an important moment during Endometriosis Action Month where we were joined by Georgie Wileman, the filmmaker. It was a powerful testimony that shone a light on this vital issue, which I am fighting hard to see addressed in Parliament. It follows on from the adjournment debate that I held in Parliament, which you can watch here.

Greenwich Wildlife Network Meeting in Parliament

Pleasure to meet with constituents from the Greenwich Wildlife Network (GWN) & members of Naturewatch in Parliament. We spoke about GWN’s great work protecting local wildlife & green spaces, and the need to do more to tackle horrific incidents of ASB against animals.

Ghana Independence Day Celebrations

Honoured to mark the 69th anniversary of Ghanian Independence by speaking at an event in Parliament alongside the vibrant British Ghanaian community. I was equally honoured to be recognised of one of the 100 most influential Ghanaians in the UK, as well as attending an event at the Ghanaian High Commission to celebrate the day.


My work in Parliament

It has been a busy month for me in Parliament. As well as the adjournment debate for Endometriosis, I put forward a Ten-Minute Rule Bill for Menstrual and Gynaecological Health to increase public awareness of menstrual health issues including racial discrimination in the field.

Furthermore, on International Women’s Day, I highlighted the work of a number of inspiring women from Erith and Thamesmead during the IWD debate in the chamber.  Lastly, I spoke on Radio 5 Live about Baroness Amos’ crucial investigation into maternal health. You can listen to my interview here.

Furthermore:

  • COVID Day of Reflection – Important to remember those we lost, and the sacrifices made by so many on March 8th.
  • Young Carer’s Action Day – I recognised the amazing work in Erith & Thamesmead and beyond make to care for loved ones on 11th March.
  • World Book Day – enjoyed celebrating World Book Day on 5th March.
  • Meeting with Leader of Bexley Labour Group – great to catch up with Leader of Bexley Labour Stefano Borello to discuss the upcoming local elections.
  • Women’s Lobby Reception in Parliament – wonderful to attend this reception in Parliament to mark International Women’s Day.
  • Holi – lovely to celebrate the Hindu festival of colours on 4th March.
  • Jack Petchey Speak Out Challenge – I welcomed an inspiring group of talented young communicators to Parliament on March 2nd.

Stay updated on social media

For regular updates on my activities, follow me on X (@abenaopp), Facebook (Abena Oppong-Asare MP, Erith and Thamesmead), and Instagram (abena.oppongasare.mp).

You can also sign up to my digital newsletter at www.abenaopponga

/by
, , ,

Campaign victory as Best Start Family Hub to open in Erith as part of family support revolution

Families in Erith and Thamesmead will be able to save money on services including free stay and play sessions for babies and young children, as Abena Oppong-Asare MP’s campaign secured the return of Sure Start-style services to their constituency, with a Best Start Family Hubs to open and help local families with the cost of living. 

Parents will be able to access help with infant feeding, parenting advice and early support for children with SEND, in one place, reducing the need to pay for private classes or specialist support.

Having been elected on a manifesto to transform life chances by improving children’s start in life, Abena Oppong-Asare called on the Labour government to ‘rebuild’ Sure Start style services in Erith and Thamesmead – an area lacking in any government-funded provision following cuts to services following the election of the Conservatives in 2010. That left thousands of parents cut off from vital community support networks and specialist services – left to navigate the challenges of parenthood alone – as well as a devastating impact on children’s life chances, with early development, wellbeing and future attainment all in jeopardy.

The new Best Start Family Hub forms part of Labour’s wider efforts to make family life easier for those with younger children, including publishing new evidence-backed guidance on screen time this week in response to parents’ calls for support.

Bexley was one of 65 areas across the country left without government-funded family support.

Now, thanks to the work of local Labour MP, West Street Best Start Family Hub becomes one of over 200 new Best Start Family Hubs now opening to families, as Labour delivers on its pledge to ensure there is a hub in every council area. These form the first wave of up to 1,000 hubs across all local authorities by 2028.

New guidance sets out Labour’s plans to bring services families rely on together under one roof, making it easier to get help at the right time – reimagining Sure Start for the modern age through a more joined-up system of support.

Labour is also making a new commitment to deliver up to 2,000 satellite locations by 2028 – based in health centres, leisure centres, libraries and churches – so families experience seamless support in the places they already go.

The programme builds on the legacy of Sure Start, while updating family services for the modern world – combining face-to-face and digital support, strong partnerships with early years settings, and better use of existing community partners and spaces.

MP for Erith and Thamesmead, Abena Oppong-Asare said:

“I’m so pleased that my campaign to bring back family services to Erith and Thamesmead has been a success, helping to give local children the best start in life.

“This is the difference a Labour MP working with a Labour government can do for children and families in our area.

“This Best Start Family Hub will be transformative – alongside free breakfast clubs and government-funded childcare, we are showing this government is on the side of families in Erith and Thamesmead.”

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said:

“Children growing up in our country deserve the best start in life, but for too long, too many families have been navigating the pressures of parenthood without the support they need.

“Best Start Family Hubs will revitalise family services – bringing together health, parenting support and practical advice in one place, free and close to home, so that parents can get the help they need, when they need it. 

“I’ve seen the difference Sure Start made in my community, and why it’s so important that we bring that support back today, reimagined for a new generation of families.”

“Whether it’s advice on child development, help with additional needs, or simply a friendly face in the community, this government is putting the support so many families used to rely on, back into each and every community.”

The new Best Start Family Hubs are backed by £900m of investment over the next three years – including half a billion to deliver hubs nationwide, £200 million for the Healthy Babies services, and a further £200 million to fund SEND practitioners in every hub.

Erith and Thamesmead’s Best Start Family Hub will have dedicated outreach workers to reach families, alongside a practitioner to help identify additional needs early – particularly those who might otherwise fall through the cracks – helping them access the right support sooner without being passed between services. 

Alongside this, West Street Best Start Family Hub will deliver Healthy Babies support – bringing together health and early support such as midwifery, health visiting, infant feeding and perinatal mental health support so local families get a more joined-up experience from day one.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting said:

“I want babies born this year to grow up as the healthiest generation than any before it – and that means building good habits early.

“We know that the earliest years of a child’s life shape everything that follows. But for too long, families have had to navigate a maze of services at the very moment they need simple, straightforward help. 

“We’re making it easier for families to get the right support in one place – from pregnancy through to age two.

“That means spotting problems earlier, stepping in sooner, and moving care closer to the communities that need it most.”

With significant investment over the next three years, Erith and Thamesmead’s Best Start Family Hub will play a key role in improving the school readiness of local children, supporting early development and helping parents manage the cost of living. 

Hubs will also be able to host school-based nurseries, bringing childcare together with family support, health visiting and early SEND identification under one roof – giving families more joined-up support.

It comes as Labour prioritises support to make life easier for families across Erith and Thamesmead – from help with managing screen-time to major cost of living interventions, including saving eligible parents an average of £8,000 a year through government-funded childcare, up to £450 a year through Best Start free breakfast clubs, up to £500 a year through the expansion of free school meals, and around £300 a year through Best Start Holiday Activities and Food programmes, alongside the expansion of Best Start school-based nurseries.

/by
, , , ,

Abena hosts Minister for School Standards and local headteachers to hear views on Labour’s plans for SEND reform

This Tuesday, Abena Oppong-Asare, MP for Erith and Thamesmead, hosted a roundtable with the Minister for School Standards, Georgia Gould MP, alongside local headteachers and education leaders to discuss the Labour Government’s plans to reform support for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

The discussion brought together over 20 representatives from mainstream and special schools, trusts and colleges across the constituency, alongside Cllr Adel Khaireh, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People at the Royal Borough of Greenwich and Dr Sam Parrett CBE DL, Group Principal and CEO of Elevare Civic Education Group. The event was held at London South East Colleges’ Greenwich Campus in Plumstead.

The roundtable focused on how the government’s proposed reforms can improve outcomes for children with SEND, drawing on the frontline experience of local education leaders. Attendees shared insights into the challenges facing schools, including workforce pressures, funding, and ensuring effective support for children both with and without Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs).

Participants emphasised the importance of stronger collaboration between mainstream and specialist settings, as well as improving pathways into post-16 education and training.

The discussion forms part of ongoing engagement by the local MP, Abena Oppong-Asare, and Government to ensure local voices help shape the government’s approach to SEND reform.

The Labour Government’s plans aim to place inclusion at the heart of the education system and ensure every child can access the support they need. Proposed reforms include introducing tailored support plans for every child who needs additional help, and expanding teacher training to better support children with SEND, backed by £200 million investment.

The reforms come as the current SEND system continues to struggle to meet demand. Children with SEND are twice as likely to be persistently absent from school, while only 46% of EHCPs were completed within the 20-week target in 2025.

Closing the discussion, Local MP Abena Oppong-Asare highlighted her plans to feed into the ongoing SEND consultation using feedback gathered from the local education leaders present, as well as her wider engagement with parents, carers, SEND providers, and local authorities.

Abena Oppong-Asare, MP for Erith and Thamesmead said:

“I know from speaking to parents, carers and schools across my constituency that support for children with SEND is a top priority. That’s why I’m delighted that this Labour government is tackling the SEND crisis head on.

“It was a pleasure to host the Schools Minister as we welcomed over 20 representatives from mainstream and special schools, trusts and colleges from across Erith and Thamesmead, to come together to share their experiences and help shape a more inclusive education system.

“These reforms must ensure that children with SEND get the right support earlier, when and where they need it, without parents having to fight to get the better education – and the results – their kids deserve.

“I’m committed to working with local education providers and local parents to feed into this consultation to ensure we build a system that works for all.”

School Standards Minister Georgia Gould MP said:

“We’ve promised to put parents, young people, teachers and practitioners at the heart of building a new SEND system.

“That’s why sessions like this are so important and a huge thank you to Abena and London South East Colleges for facilitating. It was great to learn from those around the table about best practice in supporting children with SEND in early years, schools and colleges.

“This is once in a generation opportunity to transform the SEND system so please do share your thoughts through our consultation so we can collectively build a system that enables every child with SEND to achieve and thrive.”

Cllr Adel Khaireh, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, Royal Borough of Greenwich said:

“I’m really grateful to Abena Oppong-Asare MP for bringing us together for this week’s SEND roundtable discussion with Minister for School Standards, Georgia Gould MP.

“It was a genuinely valuable conversation with education partners from across Erith and Thamesmead.”

Dr Sam Parrett CBE DL, Group Principal and CEO of Elevare Civic Education Group (incorporating London South East Colleges and London South East Academies Trust) said:

“We were delighted to host this event, which provided a valuable opportunity to bring frontline experience directly into the SEND reform conversation. Those of us working across schools and colleges offer vital insight into how we can build a more inclusive system for all learners.

“Sharing this expertise with policymakers is essential to ensuring children and young people remain at the heart of decision-making – which is very much our shared aim and responsibility.

“We are grateful to the Schools Minister and to our local MP, Abena Oppong-Asare, for hosting this week’s event, and to all the attendees for their meaningful contributions. We look forward to continuing this work together, as strong local and national collaboration will be key to delivering sustainable improvements.”

Photos from Event:

/by
, , , ,

Thousands of local children lifted out of poverty as Government scraps two-child limit

Families across Greenwich and Bexley boroughs will benefit from a landmark change in the law, as the Labour Government scraps the two-child limit – a move set to lift 5,230 children in Erith and Thamesmead constituency out of poverty.

The change forms part of a historic package that will lift 450,000 children out of poverty nationally, the biggest reduction in child poverty since records began.

For years, the two-child limit has been the single biggest driver of child poverty, pushing families into hardship despite many being in work. Its removal will provide immediate support to working families and help give every child the best start in life.

Abena Oppong-Asare, Labour MP for Erith and Thamesmead, said:

“This is a turning point for families in Erith and Thamesmead.

“Too many children have been held back through no fault of their own – and too many parents have been doing the right thing, working hard, but still struggling to make ends meet.

“Scrapping the two-child limit will lift 5,230 children in our community out of poverty and give families the security they deserve.

“This is what Labour in government means – taking real action to break the cycle of poverty and give every child the best possible start in life.”

The change comes alongside wider action to tackle child poverty, including expanding free school meals, boosting childcare, and supporting parents into work.

Social Media Post:

/by
,

Abena Launches 2026 Campaign Summer School for Young People

This July, Abena Oppong-Asare, MP for Erith and Thamesmead, announces she will once again be hosting her fifth Campaign Summer School, and encourages young people interested in making a difference in their community to sign up now.

Taking place from Tuesday 21st July to Thursday 23rd July 2026, the school is designed to empower and inspire young people between the ages of 16 and 18 from the local area to engage in politics and campaigning.

The Campaign Summer School offers first-hand insight into the exciting world of political campaigning – bringing together the expertise of veteran political activists, local and national journalists, and partner organisations. 

This year will be the MP’s fifth Campaign Summer School following her most successful ever last year with close to 30 local students joining.

Following her 2025 session, she was delighted to launch her Campaign Summer School Alumni Network on LinkedIn to keep the students connected and to also welcome the students for a tour of 10 Downing Street and the Houses of Parliament.

At this jam-packed 3-day event, young people will have the opportunity to gain the skills and knowledge needed to make a real difference within their community and learn how to make their voice heard in our democracy.  

Watch Abena’s Launch Video

The Summer School programme is expected to include sessions from:

  • Councillor Anthony Okereke, Leader of Greenwich Council
  • Christine Quigley, Vice President of Crestview Strategy
  • Yeukai Taruvinga, Chief Executive of Active Horizons
  • Google Digital Garage Team  
  • Local and National journalists

Applications are now open for those interested in signing up. The link can be found on Abena’s website here and the deadline to sign up is Friday 29 May 2026.

Abena Oppong-Asare MP said:

“I’m determined to do everything I can to empower local young people to be the change they want to see in the world.

“That’s why I’m proud to announce the return of my Campaign Summer School this July, building on the record-breaking success of last year’s programme. Our 2025 event was our biggest yet, welcoming nearly 30 young people and a fantastic lineup of inspiring speakers.

“If you’re aged 16–18 and live locally, I’d love you to apply and get involved. See you there!”

Testimonies from 2025 Campaign Summer School alumni:

One 2025 graduate said: “I am hugely grateful for the experience as I gained political insight through learning about the role of an MP. It has also allowed me to create a larger network of other determined, driven and ambitious individuals.”

Another said: “This experience deepened my understanding of local and national politics, media, and activism and reminded me that youth is not a limitation, but a leadership asset.”

And one more said: “Over [these] packed days, I gained valuable insight into politics, communication, leadership and most importantly, the power of young people.”

Photos from Past Summer Schools:

/by
, , , ,

Share Your Voice: Online Safety for Young People in Erith and Thamesmead

Protecting children from harm online is a priority for the Government and for me.

Work is already underway to create a safer digital environment for young people, including closing loopholes in the Online Safety Act that allowed illegal AI-generated images and introducing new powers to respond quickly to emerging technologies. 

You may have seen that the Government is also exploring – and will soon consult on – proposals to restrict or ban social media use for under-16s, alongside other measures to improve online safety. 

I am seeking the views of residents across Erith and Thamesmead constituency on this important issue. Your feedback will help ensure local voices are represented in my discussions with the Government.

The survey takes less than five minutes to complete and is open to parents, teachers, carers, and all residents. 

Please note that a separate, pupil-specific survey has been created for young people in Erith and Thamesmead. This survey is being shared directly with schools and youth groups to ensure appropriate safeguarding arrangements.

If you are a young person who has not received the survey through your school, or a parent/carer requesting access, please contact my office at abena.oppongasare.mp@parliament.uk, and we will be happy to provide the details.

Your views will play a meaningful role in shaping my engagement with the government on this issue, and I look forward to hearing your perspective. 

/by
,

Fill Out My Student Survey: Online Safety for Young People in Erith and Thamesmead

Dear Students,

My name is Abena Oppong-Asare and I’m the Member of Parliament for Erith and Thamesmead constituency.

You may be aware that the Government is considering new measures to improve online safety for young people, including whether social media use should be restricted or banned for under-16s. I want to hear directly from young people in Erith and Thamesmead about what you think. 

This short survey gives you the opportunity to share your views on social media, online safety, and what changes – if any – you believe should be made. 

✅ Takes less than 10 minutes 
✅ Completely anonymous 
✅ No personal identifying information collected 
✅ Participation is voluntary 

Your responses will help ensure that young people’s perspectives are included in discussions with the Government on this issue. 

Thank you for taking part.

Yours sincerely,

Abena Oppong-Asare MP

/by
, , , ,

Another Local School Set to Benefit from Free Breakfast Club, Confirms Erith and Thamesmead MP

More families and children in Erith and Thamesmead will soon benefit from free, daily breakfast clubs as the Labour government confirms the next 500 schools to offer the scheme from April, including Linton Mead Primary School, putting up to £450 a year back in local parents’ pockets.

It represents a campaign win for Erith and Thamesmead’s Labour Member of Parliament, Abena Oppong-Asare, who has encouraged all local schools to apply to join the scheme. As a result, 647 children in their constituency will be able to access a nutritious meal at the start of the day.

This announcement comes less than a year since Oppong-Asare welcomed the initial roll out of free breakfast clubs at Willow Bank Primary School and Jubilee Primary School, both based in her constituency. She was delighted to visit both of these breakfast clubs since their launch and spoke with teachers, parents, and students about the positive impact these clubs are already having on their lives.

The clubs come alongside a raft of measures driven forward by Labour to cut the cost of living for families in Erith and Thamesmead, including expanding free school meals, rolling out 30 hours of government-funded childcare, bringing down school uniform costs and securing the future of Best Start holiday clubs.

Delivering on promises made to working parents in Labour’s manifesto, all primary aged children attending Linton Mead Primary School will be able to access a free breakfast and at least 30 minutes of free childcare, every day, helping to support parents getting into work.

Universal Best Start free breakfast clubs are central to Labour’s Plan for Change, breaking down barriers to opportunity by making sure every child starts the school day ready to learn – with research showing the clubs have a lasting impact on children’s behaviour, attendance and attainment.

The scheme plays a role in Labour’s moral mission to tackle child poverty, with the government on track to secure the biggest reduction in child poverty within a single parliament. By targeting support, Labour’s clubs will reach half a million pupils in England’s most disadvantaged communities. This will provide an essential meal to ensure every child starts the day ready to learn.

Bridget Phillipson, Secretary of State for Education, said:

“Free breakfast clubs sit right at the heart of Labour’s Plan for Change, breaking the link between background and success for families all over the country.

“Breakfast clubs can have a transformative impact on the lives of millions of children, feeding hungry tummies and fuelling hungry minds, so every child begins the day ready to learn.

“Alongside our plans to roll out school-based nurseries and get thousands more children school-ready, this government is delivering the reforms needed to give every child, wherever they grow up, the best start in life.”

Abena Oppong-Asare, MP for Erith and Thamesmead, said:

“I am so happy to announce that Linton Mead Primary School has been selected as one of Labour’s Best Start free breakfast clubs and I cannot wait to see the club open in April.

“It’s a testament to both the school and the Labour government’s dedication to getting children school-ready so they are able to improve their attendance, attainment and wellbeing, as well as improving the household finances of local families.

“Through our Plan for Change, this Labour government is boosting parents’ work choices and children’s life chances.”

Photos from Past Free Breakfast Club Visits at Jubilee and Willow Bank Primary Schools:

/by
, , ,

£80 Million Funding Boost to Help People in Erith and Thamesmead Get Back into Work

Erith and Thamesmead residents are set to benefit from a major new £80 million funding package aimed at helping people overcome barriers to employment and get back into work, local MP Abena Oppong-Asare has announced.

The funding forms part of the Government’s Inactivity Trailblazer programme, which is designed to support people facing complex challenges such as poor mental health, low skills, or barriers like social isolation. The Greater London Authority will receive £20 million to deliver three London-based Trailblazers, including in areas that cover Erith and Thamesmead through the Local London partnership.

Local communities will be empowered to deliver tailored, joined-up employment and wellbeing support – including confidence-building groups, mental health services, and skills training – to help residents move closer to work and achieve financial independence.

Abena Oppong-Asare, MP for Erith and Thamesmead, said:

“This funding is welcome news for people in Erith and Thamesmead who want to get back into work but face real challenges doing so.

“By investing in community-led support – from mental health and wellbeing services to skills development and job readiness – we can make a real difference to local people’s lives.

“I’ll continue working to ensure this funding – part of the Government’s Plan for Change – reaches those who need it most and delivers lasting opportunities for our community.”

This builds on the early successes of the Trailblazers in Denbighshire and Blaenau Gwent which have seen the creation of wellbeing and resilience support alongside the provision of essential skills including self-confidence building, motivation, problem solving and teamwork.

This investment is central to the Government’s Plan for Change mission to break down barriers to opportunity and kickstart economic growth by getting Britain working again.

This investment in the Local London area – which includes Bexley, Greenwich, and surrounding boroughs – will allow more residents across Erith and Thamesmead constituency to access personalised support and training, helping to boost local growth and improve living standards.

Find out more information on the Government’s webpage here.

Abena in Erith
/by
, , ,

Abena Oppong-Asare MP Hosts Record-Breaking Campaign Summer School for Young Changemakers

Abena Oppong-Asare, MP for Erith and Thamesmead, hosted her annual Campaign Summer School this July – an inspiring three-day event aimed at empowering local young people to get involved in politics, build campaigning skills, and make their voices heard.

Held from Wednesday 23 to Friday 25 July at London South East Colleges’ (LSEC) Greenwich Campus in Plumstead, the Summer School welcomed close to 30 local students – a record number for the initiative. The programme featured expert-led sessions from across the political, media, business, and local government sectors, offering participants a unique, hands-on insight into how change happens.

This year’s active agenda included:

  • “From petition to national campaign” with Tampon Tax activists Laura Coryton MBE and Rima Amin
  • “Trailblazer in the Corporate World” with BBC’s The Apprentice star Chisola Chitambala
  • “Local Government and Community Leadership” with Cllr Anthony Okereke, Leader of Greenwich Council, and Martin Angus, Political Adviser at the Local Government Association
  • “The Role of Media and Local Journalism” with Aletha Adu (The Guardian) and Darryl Chamberlain (Greenwich Wire)

The event was generously sponsored by Oscar Mayer, one of the UK’s leading chilled food manufacturers, and Ocado Retail, the world’s largest dedicated online supermarket – both of which play an active role in the local community.

After the Campaign Summer School, Abena Oppong-Asare MP is launching a new LinkedIn Network to bring together students, speakers, and her network in one shared space. The aim is to keep the conversation going – sharing ideas, life updates, and campaign efforts to drive positive change in the community.

Abena Oppong-Asare MP said:

“It was a real pleasure to host my annual Campaign Summer School once again here in Erith and Thamesmead constituency.

“We welcomed so many talented and motivated local students, all eager to get a head start on their future careers and to learn how to make a difference in their local communities and beyond.

“This year’s Summer School was our biggest yet, date and I’m incredibly proud of what we achieved. A huge thank you to the students, speakers and sponsors who it such a success. I’m already looking forward to next year!”

One 2025 Campaign Summer School graduate, shared:

“I am hugely grateful for the experience as I gained political insight through learning about the role of an MP, and what it’s like working with an MP in a constituency office.

“It has also allowed me to create a larger network of other determined, driven and ambitious individuals that I’m sure are as inspired by Abena’s selflessness to leave her busy schedule to be with us as I am.

“It’s been a true pleasure to be a part of this event, and I can’t wait for the next!”

Dr Sam Parrett CBE, Group CEO at London South East Colleges (LSEC) said:

“We were absolutely delighted to host this fantastic Summer School at our Greenwich Campus once again.

“Supporting opportunities like this for local young people is central to our civic mission as an education group – empowering and inspiring them to get their voices heard and achieve their ambitions.”

Oscar Mayer, sponsor of the Campaign Summer School, added:

“Oscar Mayer is incredibly proud to sponsor and support the 2025 Summer School hosted by Abena Oppong-Asare MP at London Southeast Colleges in Greenwich, an inspiring initiative that gives young people real-world insights into careers, confidence-building, and the skills employers are looking for.

“As part of the programme, Oscar Mayer’s Head of Talent & Development, Steve Beadle, led a session titled Public Relations in the Working World and the Food Industry. The session explored how personal branding, communication, and professional values are increasingly essential in today’s workforce, particularly in fast-moving, reputation-driven industries like food manufacturing.

“The company extends its thanks to Abena Oppong-Asare MP and London Southeast Colleges for organising such an impactful programme, and to the students whose energy and enthusiasm made the event such a success.”

Abena Oppong-Asare MP looks forward to welcoming even more young changemakers to next year’s Campaign Summer School, continuing her mission to build a more engaged, informed, and empowered generation.

Social Media post by Abena Oppong-Asare MP:

/by