After my Parliamentary debate on increasing public access to Defibrillators in July, awareness is increasing, and more training is now becoming available.
It was great to have so many members of Parliament and staff learning about this lifesaving training and these devices. I hope that we can continue to spread the message of awareness around the whole country and save lives as a result.
This event comes after the good news in September about the new defibrillator at Lesnes Abbey Lodge. A big thank you to Lesnes Abbey Friends who worked so hard to make that happen and for inviting me to see the new device.
Thanks especially to the Speaker, Lindsay Hoyle for hosting the event in Parliament and also to the London Ambulance Service for providing the training.
https://www.abenaoppongasare.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/London-Ambulance-3.jpg15362048Abena Oppong-Asare MPhttps://www.abenaoppongasare.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/SM-Logo-3.pngAbena Oppong-Asare MP2023-10-27 16:30:072024-07-08 11:25:13Defibrillator and CPR Training in Parliament
It was great to join pupils from Year 6 at Windrush Primary School in Thamesmead this month. It was really nice to be grilled by them on what I’ve been doing as an MP and hear about why they love living in our local community.
A big thanks to the school for inviting me and I look forward to coming back again soon.
https://www.abenaoppongasare.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Windrush-Primary-school-edited.jpg7681365Abena Oppong-Asare MPhttps://www.abenaoppongasare.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/SM-Logo-3.pngAbena Oppong-Asare MP2023-10-23 16:46:002024-07-08 11:26:20Visit to Windrush School
At the end of September, I was so pleased to chair the launch of the landmark survey on Black British Voices by The Voice Newspaper in the Houses of Parliament.
This ground-breaking report and its findings are shocking but to many they will not be surprising. The report details the results of the largest ever survey of Black Britons – surveying over 10,000 people. It reveals the concerns felt by so many about racism across our country and within our core institutions.
Following this report, I’ve been pleased to share the findings with my colleagues in Parliament and with the Government. I hope that everyone can take on board this vital research and raise awareness of racial injustices wherever it is found.
https://www.abenaoppongasare.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/F7NB9oIWQAAC968-1.jpg6661000Abena Oppong-Asare MPhttps://www.abenaoppongasare.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/SM-Logo-3.pngAbena Oppong-Asare MP2023-10-20 16:28:052024-06-12 09:36:28Launch of The Voice Newspaper’s Black British Voices Report
Appointment as Shadow Minister for Women’s Health and Mental Health
I hope you will be pleased to know that I have recently accepted the position of Shadow Minister for Women’s Health and Mental Health. This is such an important role and these are issues that I’m really passionate about.
As I start this new position, I thought I would share some of Labour ‘s plans to get NHS waiting lists down and getting people treated on time. We have a 10-year plan for change and modernisation and this will include one of the biggest expansions of the NHS workforce in history. But more than that, we plan to put individual care and mental health treatment at the heart of our mission. An issue that has for too long been in the shadows.
These are plans that will make a real difference in Erith and Thamesmead and across the country. With Labour, more care will be delivered on your doorstep, out of the hospital and in our communities. We will focus on prevention and a move towards transformational new technologies.
In my new role, I will be working with various charities and stakeholders, listening to experts in Women’s Health and Mental Health, and considering how Labour will do things differently. I will also be speaking to those working in our health and care sectors and the patients receiving care. Thank you to all those who have sent kind messages to me following this appointment.
RAAC Concerns in Schools and Colleges
This September began with an unprecedented emergency regarding the possibility of unsafe concrete or RAAC (Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete) in many of the nation’s schools and colleges.
These first few weeks in September are some of the most important of any academic year – when students are returning to their school to start the new year. As you can imagine, like many across the country, parents, teachers and students in our community expressed their worry, concern and anger about this crisis.
As a result of these events, I have been in regular contact with the Secretary of State for Education and her Department to make sure that they are doing all they can to investigate and resolve this issue as soon as possible.
On Monday 4 September, I also asked the Education Secretary a question in the House of Commons to make sure that every school and local authority who had RAAC in part or all of their buildings had been contacted and there was an action plan in place.
I can confirm that in the most recent announcement regarding schools in England, the Government have listed no schools in Erith and Thamesmead with RAAC present.
This month, I have raised a number of issues I know are important to many in Erith and Thamesmead.
Firstly, I want to say how great it was to welcome constituents visiting Parliament for a tour this month. This month these groups included pupils from Bishop John Robinson Church of England Primary. It’s always a great experience for pupils and I’m glad they had an enjoyable visit.
Speaking in Parliament this month and also in my new role as Shadow Minister for Women’s Health and Mental Health, I have been challenging the Government to act on the many pressing issues our health and care system are currently facing.
There are day-long waits in A&E, record numbers off work sick and millions on NHS waiting lists. I know how difficult it has been for those needing help and also for all our hardworking healthcare workers who have been stretched to the limit. In my role, I have said that in Government, Labour would implement our plans to get waiting lists down, get people treated on time and make sure the NHS is there for you when you need it.
In Parliament, I have also been pleased to attend a number of debates and receptions that constituents have written to me about. This includes meeting the Alzheimer’s Research UK team to celebrate World Alzheimer Month; attending Macmillan’s Coffee Morning in Parliament to discuss delays to cancer treatment; and speaking with the Rethink Mental Illness team about how Labour can improve mental health outcomes if they are elected to Government. As ever, if you are interested in a Tour of Parliament then I would be happy to arrange this for you. Please contact me at: abena.oppongasare.mp@parliament.uk.
New Defibrillator at Lesnes Abbey Lodge
I was delighted to pop in and see the new defibrillator at Lesnes Abbey Lodge this month. It was great to be invited by Lesnes Abbey Friends to meet them and hear how they raised an incredible £2,000, with support from local organisations, to install this life saving device.
You may be aware that increasing access and awareness of defibrillators is an issue I’m incredibly passionate about. In July this year, I organised a Westminster Hall debate on this issue and challenged the Government to do more where possible on public access to defibrillators. In the debate I said:
“Defibrillators represent an incredible technical advance. They are lightweight, easy to use and designed only to help and not harm the patient. The issue is not about their design but their distribution and public awareness of what they are and how to use them.”
It was great therefore to join Lesnes Abbey Friends as they celebrated adding this important device to our community. I also got the opportunity to join Lesnes Abbey’s first ever Woodland Festival. This event involved a jam-packed day of events and activities and was a great celebration of Lesnes Abbey and Woods.
Kabaddi Tournament in Erith
It was also great to attend the Erith & Woolwich Kabaddi Tournament this month on Winns Common. I really enjoyed watching the games and was pleased to meet so many local fans and lots of visitors from across the country.
Really pleased also to be joined on the day by Tan Dhesi MP, Cllr Baljeet Singh Gill, Cllr Anna Day and Cllr Larry Ferguson.
Thanks again to Erith & Woolwich Kabaddi Club for organising the event.
My visit to Lakeside Open Studio Event
Lovely to pop into Lakeside Studios in Thamesmead to attend their fantastic Open Studio Event. It was very nice to celebrate this amazing space and to hear from some of the artists on their work.
If you don’t know already, this venue is listed as one of the top 10 must see buildings for this year by the Architects’ Journal. I would highly recommend everyone try to visit if you haven’t already.
My Update on Casework for September
Thank you to everyone who contacted me this month and over the Summer to raise the issues you are facing.
The last few months has been a busy period where I have been contacted by many constituents on many important issues. I have also been pleased to hold another surgery, where I spoke to a number of constituents about some of the challenges they are facing.
As many of you will know, Housing continues to be a huge issue in Erith and Thamesmead and is the concern of many constituents contacting me. I have serious concerns over the unprecedented housing crisis the Conservatives are overseeing. I am worried that if housing targets are not met soon, the housing crisis will continue to grow over the next few years. I will continue to challenge the Government on this issue as well as working with constituents on many of the personal issues they are facing.
To reflect the changing cost of living crisis that we are currently facing, I have also recently updated my Cost-of-Living booklet for those who need extra support. If you would like a copy of the booklet or would like my office to share copies of my booklet with local businesses or groups, please email me at: abena.oppongasare.mp@parliament.uk.
As always, if you have any concerns or issues that you like to raise with me, please contact my office using the following channels:
World Suicide Prevention Day 2023 – This month, I want to share the important message of this event where we seek to break the silence and fight the stigma of mental health and the causes of suicide. As the new Shadow Minister for Women’s Health and Mental Health, I am more aware than ever about the importance of starting conversations and making sure we do all we can to support those in need and help save lives.
Erith Made at the Exchange – I was pleased to visit the Exchange earlier this month to see their series of workshops and live music events being organised along with Running Horses, Erith Playhouse and Erith Shopping Centre.
Meeting with Greenwich Dance – It was nice to catch up with Alliey and Melanie from Greenwich Dance, who are doing amazing work in the constituency. They have lots of exciting projects coming up and I look forward to hearing about their continued success in the community.
Valve Week 2023 – Great to join the team from Heart Valve Voice this month to discuss heart valve disease and how we improve awareness, diagnosis and treatment.
Yom Kippur – Very pleased to wish a meaningful Yom Kippur to all those observing in Erith and Thamesmead and across the country.
Bernie Grant Leadership Programme Induction Day – It was great to speak to this year’s cohort of the Bernie Grant Leadership Programme in Parliament this month. They were all incredibly impressive and thoughtful individuals. It is great to see the work being done to help train the next generation of Black political leaders.
Sign up to my Coffee Morning
If you are interested in coming along to a future Coffee Morning, I’ve just launched my webpage where you, your family and friends can sign up to register your interest in attending a meeting.
For regular updates on my activities, follow me on Twitter (@abenaopp), Facebook (Abena Oppong-Asare MP, Erith and Thamesmead), and Instagram (abena.oppongasare.mp).
It was great to attend the Erith & Woolwich Kabaddi Tournament this month on Winns Common. I really enjoyed watching the games and was pleased to meet so many local fans and lots of visitors from across the country.
Really pleased also to be joined on the day by Tan Dhesi MP, Cllr Baljeet Singh Gill, Cllr Anna Day and Cllr Larry Ferguson.
Thanks again to Erith & Woolwich Kabaddi Club for organising the event.
I was delighted to pop in and see the new defibrillator at Lesnes Abbey Lodge this month. It was great to be invited by Lesnes Abbey Friends to meet them and hear how they raised an incredible £2,000, with support from local organisations, to install this life saving device.
You may be aware that increasing access to and awareness of defibrillators is an issue I’m incredibly passionate about. In July this year, I organised a Westminster Hall debate on this issue and challenged the Government to do more where possible on public access to defibrillators. In the debate, I said:
“Defibrillators represent an incredible technical advance. They are lightweight, easy to use and designed only to help and not harm the patient. The issue is not about their design but their distribution and public awareness of what they are and how to use them.”
It was great therefore to join Lesnes Abbey Friends as they celebrated adding this important device to our community.
I also got the opportunity to join Lesnes Abbey’s first ever Woodland Festival. This event involved a jam-packed day of events and activities and was a great celebration of Lesnes Abbey and Woods.
I hope you will be pleased to know that I have recently accepted the position of Shadow Minister for Women’s Health and Mental Health. This is such an important role and these are issues that I’m really passionate about.
My main role as a Shadow Minister is scrutiny. I am committed to ensuring that the government is held accountable in legislative procedures and in ministerial conduct. This might include exploring government policy, finding its faults, and critiquing it. That being said, as an opposition minister I am part of a government in waiting. This means that I must ensure that Labour is ready for government in case of electoral victory, and ready to deliver our mission to build an NHS Fit for the Future.
I am pleased to say that Labour is committed to getting waiting lists down and getting people treated on time. We have a 10-year plan for change and modernisation and this will include one of the biggest expansions of the NHS workforce in history. But more than that, we plan to put individual care and mental health treatment at the heart of our mission. An issue that has for too long been in the shadows.
With Labour, more care will be delivered on your doorstep, out of the hospital and in the community. We will focus on prevention and a move towards transformational new technologies.
In my new role, I will be working with various charities and stakeholders, listening to experts in Women’s Health and Mental Health, and considering how Labour will do things differently. However, I will also be speaking to those working in our health and care sectors and the patients receiving care.
I’d love to see Women’s Health and Mental Health services transformed into something that the British people can be truly proud of. I want everybody to receive the support that they deserve, delivered as quickly and efficiently as possible.
It is Labour who has the plan and the mission to build a NHS Fit for the Future and there for you when you need it. I encourage you to take a quick look at Labour’s plans for health services, which you can read here: Building an NHS fit for the future.
https://www.abenaoppongasare.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Abena_Home_Pic_3.jpg343705Abena Oppong-Asare MPhttps://www.abenaoppongasare.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/SM-Logo-3.pngAbena Oppong-Asare MP2023-09-19 16:34:232024-06-13 14:13:52Abena appointed Shadow Minister for Women's Health and Mental Health
Lovely to pop into Lakeside Studios in Thamesmead to attend their fantastic Open Studio Event. It was very nice to celebrate this amazing space and to hear from some of the artists about their work.
If you don’t know already, this venue is listed as one of the top 10 must-see buildings this year by Architects’ Journal.
I would highly recommend everyone tries to visit if you haven’t already.
https://www.abenaoppongasare.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Abena-at-Lakeside-1.jpg437580Abena Oppong-Asare MPhttps://www.abenaoppongasare.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/SM-Logo-3.pngAbena Oppong-Asare MP2023-09-18 13:49:452024-07-08 11:28:40Visit to Lakeside Open Studio
I’ve been delighted last month to hold my third annual Campaign Summer School.
At my jam-packed 3-day event, we had a fantastic group of enthusiastic and inspiring young people who were incredibly engaged in learning about how to make a successful campaign and gain the skills needed to make a real difference in our community.
On the first day, I was excited to share my journey to Parliament and what I do as the MP for Erith and Thamesmead. We were also privileged to be joined by Laura Coryton and Rima Amin, who shared their 5 steps for turning a petition into a successful campaign. Laura founded a campaign against the tampon tax in 2014 and Rima worked with Laura on the campaign when she worked at Change.org. We were also joined by Paul Richards who shared his expertise on writing press releases and Christine Quigley and Nick Smith who introduced the students to the world of finance and public affairs.
“Our campaign lobbied the government into establishing the tampon tax fund, through which almost £100m has been donated to female-focused charities”
Laura Coryton on her campaign against tampon tax
On day two, we were joined by Google, who shared how to navigate and make full use of the new digital age to build on campaign ideas, business ideas, and how to kickstart your career. It was also great to be joined by Kwajo Tweneboa who shared his first-hand experience of going from a concerned citizen to a veteran campaigner on housing issues across the country. We were also pleased to welcome Katie Perrior from iNHouse Communications and media experts from 853 and the Guardian, who shared their important knowledge on how to make a campaign successful.
We started the final day with a presentation about how Parliament works with a special briefing from an expert team at the UK Parliament. It was great to see the students ask so many questions about how our government works and how each of them can personally make a difference. I also want to thank Councillor Anthony Okereke, Leader of Greenwich Council, Martin Angus, from the Local Government Association (LGA), and Councillor Zainab Asumramu for sharing their important personal insights into the role of Local Government and how to get politically active in your local community.
Every year this is such a special week for me. I get to spend lots of time sharing what I know about campaigning and Politics and learning from local young activists across our community who care passionately about a number of critically important issues.
From national issues like Climate Change and the cost-of-living crisis, to local issues like vaping in schools and tackling fly-tipping, it was fantastic to discuss their ideas about what they can do to campaign for change.
I want to send a big thank you to all the speakers who joined during the week, to London South East College team in Erith, who hosted us, and to my team who did a wonderful job making the Summer School work so well. Finally, I also want to send a big thank you to all the students who were so engaged and optimistic and I’m sure will go on to do great things in their careers.
You can follow what happened on my social media or by looking up the hashtag #AbenaSummerSchool2023.
I was delighted to be a guest at the very first Bexley Pride event in July held on Erith Pier. This event has been a long time coming, and it was truly a historic and heartwarming moment for our community. I would like to extend my thanks to all the stakeholders who worked tirelessly to make this incredible celebration of diversity and inclusion a reality.
It was not only a joyous occasion but also a testament to the power of unity and acceptance. Meeting so many locals, partners, and small businesses that came together to support this event was inspiring. It demonstrated the strength of our community and the shared commitment to fostering a more inclusive and welcoming environment for everyone in Bexley.
I want to express my deepest gratitude to Councillor Nicola Taylor for her exceptional leadership and dedication. Her unwavering support for Bexley Pride has been instrumental in bringing our community together and creating an event that will be remembered for years to come. Additionally, I’d like to extend my heartfelt appreciation to the dedicated volunteers who poured their time and energy into making this event a resounding success. Your hard work and passion truly shone through, and it was evident in every aspect of the event.
Bexley Pride’s inaugural celebration was a powerful reminder that love, acceptance, and unity can overcome any obstacle. I look forward to witnessing this event grow and evolve in the years to come, continuing to celebrate diversity. Thank you once again to everyone who made Bexley Pride a reality.
https://www.abenaoppongasare.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Pride-Thumbail-edited-1-1.jpg395750The Office of Abena Oppong-Asare MPhttps://www.abenaoppongasare.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/SM-Logo-3.pngThe Office of Abena Oppong-Asare MP2023-08-20 10:17:002024-06-12 09:44:20Pride on the Pier Erith
