It has been another very busy couple of weeks, both locally across our Central Devon constituency and up in Westminster, writes MP Mel Stride.

In Teignbridge I visited Mulberry House in Bovey Tracey ahead of Care Home Open Week 2023. It was my second visit to the home, having supported its opening back in 2018. I met with manager Helen Hulme and we discussed some of the challenges facing the care home sector here in Devon.

I was pleased to hear that a number of residents from Tracey House, which recently closed, have been accommodated and have settled in well. My visit followed a recent meeting I held in Chudleigh with Devon County Councillor James McInnes, who has responsibility at county hall for adult and social care. More on this can be found at www.melstridemp.com. 

In West Devon I visited Okehampton Men in Sheds – part of the worldwide movement (particularly strong here in the UK) that focuses on men’s mental health by connecting men who may otherwise be socially isolated. The group, based at Okehampton Community Gardens, is open on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 10am until 4pm and those involved often spend their time repairing and renovating various items. It was good to hear how Okehampton Shedders look to make a difference locally, helping local schools and charities with various projects.

 It was then a short drive north to Easterbrook Farm near Exbourne, a care home that supports physically able people with moderate to severe learning disabilities. It is a very special place that helps residents lead active lives and provides opportunities to explore horticulture & outdoor pursuits. It was my third visit to Easterbrook Farm as an MP and each time I have enjoyed meeting residents, catching up with staff and discussing the support that is needed to care for some of the most vulnerable members of our society.

 In Mid Devon I went to see a graffiti art project at Newcombes Meadow in Crediton. The young people who got involved should be very proud of how they have lit up a made a much-valued community space. I then headed towards Shobrooke to meet a constituent, Joe Bussell. Joe is preparing for his fifth trip to Ukraine to deliver humanitarian aid such as food, medical items, and toiletries to people in need. A real local hero.

Ukraine was also very much on the agenda in Westminster this week. Missiles provided by the UK hit key Russian targets ahead of Ukrainian counter offensives to liberate communities that have been occupied illegally and brutally by Putin’s forces.

We are also helping to defend Ukraine against cyber-attacks aimed at crippling key infrastructure and have stepped up our military support with a further £250 million to the International Fund for Ukraine. The IFU is delivering a major package of support that will bolster Ukrainian air defences with radars, guns and ammunition to protect cities from indiscriminate Russian attacks.

► More from Mel at www.melstridemp.com or follow him on Twitter @MelJStride