November Roundup!
Every month, I'm out and about across Southend West and Leigh as well as working hard in Westminster as your voice in Parliament.
As well as speaking in Parliament on men's mental health this November, I have also attended a number of important local events as we marked Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday.
Here's what I got up to recently!
My November Roundup!
As always, November was a very busy month with work in both Westminster and Southend West & Leigh. Here are SIX highlights of this month's work!
Honouring The Fallen
1
It was a privilege to take part in three separate events across Southend City on Remembrance Sunday at Southend Cenotaph, Eastwood Memorial Hall, and at St Clements in Leigh-on-Sea. On 11 November, I was honoured to be able to take part in local services at Southend High School For Boys and St Clements.
2
International Men's Day
With the launch of the very first Men's Health Strategy, this was an important time for me personally. I've been working as an ambassador for men’s mental health in parliament and assisting with the Government’s Strategy, as well as of course growing my moustache!
It was an honour to speak in the Commons about this issue.
3
Care in the Community!
On 14 November, I got my first glimpse of the long-awaited new Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC) in the Victoria Shopping Centre. It will be open seven days a week, up to 12 hours a day, so people can access the care they need, when they need it, cutting waiting times and easing the strain on Southend Hospital.
It won't be too long until it's open!
Out With The Bang!
4
I'm a proud dog owner and dog lover, as so many that know me personally can attest, and so I feel the anxieties and frustrations of pet owners around fireworks seasons. I have also heard from parents of neurodiverse children, neurodiverse adults, and others who find constant loud and regular fireworks to be unnerving and difficult to manage.
I spoke about this with Kate Lawler when the Fireworks Impact Coalition visited Parliament on 12 November, where I reiterated my support for a review of existing fireworks legislation, ensuring common sense approaches are taken to ensure the safety of all in our society.
5
Online Outreach!
This month, I revamped this site and launched on Instagram and YouTube! Ofcom research this July found that 75% of 16-24-year-olds get their news specifically from social media. In the UK, the largest age groups on Instagram are 18–34, making up the majority of users, according to 2025 data. It's so important to me that I reach constituents of all ages and interests, and I'm hoping this will help! Find out more here.
6
Casework Wins
In November, my team and I helped constituents with over 1,180 new cases and answered more than 1,790 emails. Particular highlights included helping constituents with wheelie bin concerns, expedited SEND support for a young person in need, and brought community leaders together to work on local regeneration.