THE constituency's MP is preparing for his next surgery in the area after a busy week chatting with residents.

Joe Morris, Hexham MP, shared an update on the issues he has discussed this week as he prepares for his next surgery in Ponteland.

"Serving the people of this constituency and speaking to the issues that matter most to residents remains at the forefront of everything I do. As mentioned in this column previously, most of my time within the constituency is dedicated to community outreach and speaking to constituents face-to-face. I regularly visit local schools, businesses and community organisations and this past week has been no different.

"At the end of last week, I ventured out of the patch to join a group of MPs from across the region in a visit to St Oswald’s Hospice, marking Hospice Care Week. I know that St Oswald’s is a North East institution that many hold close to their hearts, having been urged to visit by constituents who have experienced their exceptional level of care during difficult times with family members.

"I was glad to have the opportunity to listen to the staff about the work they do and the current challenges facing the care sector. It is vital that we support organisations like St Oswald’s to continue their work in providing palliative care, grounded in dignity and compassion, to local people. I remain steadfast in my pledge to work towards social care reform and will ensure that constituents even in our most rural communities have access to high-quality end-of-life care.

"Over the weekend I spoke to constituents in the Priestlands area of Hexham, undeterred by the rain. Speaking directly to constituents will always be a priority to me as it is invaluable in understanding how I can best represent this constituency in Parliament and ensure issues are resolved within the constituency. From housing concerns to issues with cancelled public transport, the conversations were fruitful and I will continue to prioritise getting out on the doors at the weekend to engage constituents.

"On Monday (October 14) I attended the memorial service for Dicky Wright and Sean Casabayo, two Flight Lieutenants who died in a tragic accident near the village of Kirkheaton while serving their country. This week, on the 25th anniversary of their deaths, a stone memorial and tree were put in place to honour their memory. It was an impactful day giving those who knew Dicky and Sean, armed service personnel and local residents a moment of unity to celebrate the lives of the two young aviators. 

"Following up on my question to the Prime Minister on rural access to Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) services, on Tuesday (October 15) I met with Catherine McKinnel MP, the Minister for School Standards, to discuss this critical issue further.

"Thank you to the local families and schools who shared their experiences with me and provided invaluable insight for this meeting, enabling me to make a compelling case for the government to address the unique challenges faced by rural communities. It is clear from the conversations I have had with parents and teachers alike that accessibility to adequate SEND provisions is of high importance to many constituents. I will continue to champion the need for improvements to SEND support in our rural areas ensuring that all children can succeed at school, no matter where they live.

"Later on Tuesday, I attended the Tyne Valley Community Rail Partnership AGM, listening to constituents on the need for improved transport across our constituency. Public transport is a lifeline for many in our constituency and must be accessible to all who wish to use it. I look forward to working cooperatively with campaign groups to secure tangible improvements to station accessibility across our constituency.

"My office and I are busy preparing for this week’s Friday (October 18) surgery in Ponteland and I am looking forward to speaking to the constituents who have booked appointments. The opportunity to provide a direct line for constituents' concerns and be able to advise and act on these issues is of utmost importance to me and I encourage any constituent with worries or questions to book an appointment."