The students are studying for their Level 3 in Uniformed Public Service.  The students raised with Amber the issue of alcoholism in the community.

Amber commented:

“The Government is committed to taking steps to reduce alcoholism in our community and one of the areas we are considering is introducing taxes for low cost alcohol.  I wanted to hear from the students about their experience of alcohol influenced violence and their opinions about how to reduce it.”

The discussion with the students brought out very different ideas about the causes of drinking and violence locally.  After a thorough discussion with students the vote was divided in half between those who thought that an increase in alcohol pricing, such as cheap wine and cider, would reduce incidents of alcoholism and those who thought it would make no difference.

“this was an interesting real life focus group,” said Amber, “ it was very helpful to hear their views and get their input into this debate.”

Amber is pictured with the students and their Tutor, Mark Wells.

Amber commented:

“I had a delicious lunch with MOPP members.  It was a wonderful upbeat occasion.  My congratulations to the organisers and the chef for putting on such a varied and fun event every Friday.”

Fairlight resident Sylvia Gutsell, who helped set up MOPP, said:

“It was good to see our MP and everyone seemed to have a lovely time.

“MOPP has been a great success and the demand for it is growing all the time.”

Roebuck 3, in Roebuck Street, was set up to provide support and a wide range of services for people with high functioning Autism and Aspergers, and several pilot programmes have been running since September last year.

The official opening, attended by Hastings MP Amber Rudd, was a celebration of what has been achieved on the pilot courses so far.

Xanthe Newman, marketing and communications manager for Autism Sussex, said: “The centre is very innovative, there is nothing else like it in the country as far as we know.

She explained that Roebuck 3 is somewhere for people to come and feel comfortable, a social space, but also a place where they can gain new skills.

The information and advice centre provides personalised support for adults, young people, and families, offering workshops and courses as diverse as costume making, Tai Chi, and employment skills. It also functions as a drop-in centre, with a snack bar, and internet available.

Amber Rudd said:

“It was fantastic to see the transformation of an old warehouse into a most welcome facility for adults with autism.  Autism Sussex has done a remarkable job in achieving this.  I know the facility will go on from strength to strength.”

This is much higher than the national average, which has seen private sector employment fall by 1.4%. 

Local MP Amber Rudd, commented: “This is great news for Hastings, I strongly believe that economic recovery and growth needs to be led by the private sector and these figures show that Hastings is leading the way nationally.  In addition to these figures, Saga, who opened in Hastings in January 2011, is on target to employ up to 800 people at their office in One Priory Square.”

The deal follows the Government’s other measures to protect Post Office services including additional funding, new local and national contracts, a successful piloting scheme to transform many local post offices and improvements in the services offered.

Commenting, Amber said:

‘In opposition Conservatives campaigned tirelessly to overturn Labour’s cuts to our Post Offices, which saw them close over 6,500 in a decade. The Government’s announcement means the future of the Post Office is secured guaranteeing this valuable service for millions of people.’

There is reason to be optimistic despite the many commentators who predict gloom. We have an abundance of local talented people with energy and enthusiasm who work on specific projects bringing new investment into the town, such as the Pier, and the Jerwood, and who focus on helping others in our town and area.

In Hastings over Christmas our community has really pulled together to help those less fortunate than ourselves. Pat Fisher of Gizmo ran her first Christmas lunch for children in the new St Leonards site, and was overwhelmed with volunteers on the day. And during Christmas week itself she was stunned at people’s generosity as the Gizmo children went carol singing and collected in Tescos and in Kings Rd.

At the YMCA in Bohemia Road, the Surviving Christmas operation worked with its customary military efficiency, despite being under new management, delivering over 500 food hampers to the elderly and housebound. And then provided approximately 120 meals a day for all comers on the 25th, 26th and 27th. They too commented when I visited and joined everyone for lunch, at the wonderful number of volunteers who came, particularly on Christmas day.

But when I asked what it was that the visitors most wanted from Surviving Christmas, I was told it was the friendly smile and welcome that was most appreciated. Sure they want the hot delicious Christmas food (congratulations to Chef Adam) but most of all they want the friendship and the comfort of being respected and valued in our community. I know we can all give and receive that during 2011. That’s my wish for New Year. Oh, and that Military Wives stays at No 1 for may weeks to come ……

Amber commented:

“Last year the Chancellor confirmed funding for the Link Road but then the Department for Transport decided that they needed to review whether the Link Road is the best use of funds to achieve economic growth.  I believe it is.  And I know I am supported by the local community.  I would like residents to show their agreement by signing my petition for the Minister.”

The Hastings to Bexhill Link Road will directly facilitate land at North East Bexhill for a half million sq ft Business Park, which will create 2,000 jobs.  It will release land for 1,300 homes.  The road is the next major phase of regeneration in the area; existing firms need the space to expand if they are to stay, grow and create jobs in the area.

The Department announced on December 14th 2011 that they will take three months to review the scheme and will make a decision thereafter.

Every local elected MP or Councillor supports the Link Road.  Amber is now seeking additional evidence of local grass root support through her petition.

Amber is pictured on the Bexhill Rd in West St Leonards,  with Cllr Matthew Beaver (left), Hastings Borough Councillor for West St Leonards and Cllr Matthew Lock (right) East Sussex County Councillor urging residents to ‘Tell Norman Now’.

The residents who live in the Sussex Housing & Care owned retirement housing knit 365 days a year and over the years have sent thousands of items to poverty stricken children in eastern Europe via the Biggen Hill Romania Group.

Irene Wright who has lived at Devonport House for 25 years said: “We get together every afternoon and knit whilst having a chat and a cup of tea. I know I’m doing a little bit of good for someone and it’s always nice to know it’s appreciated.”

Fellow resident Grace Mcarthy said: “We want to keep active and our minds busy so we knit and we enjoy it very much. We donate our own wool to the cause and knitting teddies and vests are my favourite.”

Having spent the afternoon with the residents, Amber Rudd admired their dedication: “It’s so impressive to meet such an industrious group, selflessly and imaginatively helping families in Romania in this way. Knitting is clearly good for them and a great way of helping other people. Well done the Devonport House knitters!”

Susanna Shelton, representative from the Biggen Hill Romania Group expressed her thanks: “The children in Romania have had many reasons to be deeply grateful to the ladies of Devonport House over the years. Every gift from a pair of mittens to a jumper has been greeted with joy by those who have nothing. Everyone in the Biggen Hill Romania Group is eternally grateful for the steadfast and dedicated support they’ve received over the years.”

Amber is pictured with the group at Devenport House.

SERV provide a voluntary service, which delivers blood products, samples and other items on an emergency basis during the night between hospitals on their motorbikes.

Formed in 1981, they operate the free service every night between 7pm and 7am.  The all-night control room can immediately dispatch a rider to hospitals who need vital blood, or other urgent supplies, often delivering within two hours of the call.  They take no money from the Health Service and are funded entirely by voluntary contributions.

Amber commented, “The volunteers of SERV in Hastings and Rye are a fantastic asset to the community, giving their time and expertise to help sick people and even save lives.  We are very lucky to have them.”

Amber is pictured with the volunteers and their vehicles.