30 May 2025

I hope that you all had a great Bank Holiday weekend. I certainly had a sort of relaxing time in Seaburn. The weather wasn't good, and I had made the big mistake of forgetting Sunderland were in the play off final. As a Boro fan, it wasn't a very good place to be!

This week started on Tuesday morning with an event marking 50 years since the 1975 Dibbles Bridge disaster - the UK's worst ever road accident. Paul Rowling, the Deputy Leader of the Council, and I attended the event to remember the 33 people who died in the crash who were all from Thornaby. It was a privilege to be there and remember those who lost their lives.

Later in the afternoon, Mike Greene and I met with Ben Houchen, the Mayor of the Tees Valley, for a catch up. We work very closely with the Tees Valley Combined Authority (TVCA) on lots of different projects and we regularly meet to talk about local schemes and how we can work together for their benefit our residents.

I also attended a members' briefing session where Mike Greene gave a general update to all members, followed by an update on our Early Education and Childcare services from senior Council officers. It is always good to keep updated on what we are doing in all areas.

Mid-week I met virtually with officers from the TVCA in my role as TVCA Cabinet member for Education, Employment and Skills, a role that I am excited to get started on.

Yesterday I had various catch ups with colleagues and partners in Dunedin House, followed by a visit to our No Limits Hub in Stockton town centre. The No Limits Hub provides a welcoming space for our care-experienced young people. It provides formal and informal support, events, and activities. It's a space I'm very proud that we provide as a Council, and it's very well used and received by young people in the Borough.

Last night, we had lots of partners, organisations and care leavers attending to take part in crafts, yoga, mindfulness and just generally having a chat and catch up.

This morning, I caught up with Leaders from across the Tees Valley, where we shared learning and experience with one another to help progress all local authorities in the region. A specific topic that is close to my heart that we discussed was child poverty and how could we work as a whole Tees Valley to tackle some of these issues collaboratively.

This weekend, I am venturing out with friends for a Northern Soul night. Those of you that may have seen me this week may have noticed that I am down to one crutch after my knee op. That doesn't mean I will be putting my dancing shoes on just yet!

I hope you all have a good weekend.