Monday 30 November
I had the privilege of meeting with the Association of Jewish Refugees, an organisation representing former German Jewish refugees as well as survivors of the Shoah. Their experiences are truly humbling and I was grateful for the opportunity to be invited to speak.
Later that afternoon I met with three Barnet Youth Board members who represent the Borough of Barnet at the UK Youth Parliament. I enjoyed answering their questions and hearing their views on topical issues like Daesh, votes for 16 & 17 year olds and inter-faith relations.
Tuesday 1 December
As part of World Aids Day I sat on a Parliamentary panel to discuss what more the UK could do to combat, both nationally and internationally, the spread of HIV & AIDs. Later that evening I attended a Parliamentary reception hosted by the Terrence Higgins Trust in the House of Lords. This year we have seen some fantastic initiatives being launched to address the rise in the number of people being diagnosed with HIV & AIDS. Most importantly, the provision of simple HIV home testing kits which can be self-administered and posted to a lab for quick and easy results.
Wednesday 2 December
It was another ‘Meet the Street’ event this week and I was delighted to invite people from the constituency for drinks and nibbles followed by a tour of Parliament. It was a worthwhile experience as there were a number of Doctors and Junior Doctors in attendance; hearing their experiences first-hand was incredibly valuable.
Friday 4 December
Friday I attended Wessex Gardens & All Saints’ CE Schools to present prizes to those winners in this year’s Christmas Card Competition. I also had my blood pressure taken to trial the new services offered at Warman Freed when I re-opened their store, regarded as a local institution in Golders Green for pioneering a seven days a week, late-night access, chemist.
Saturday 5 December
As part of Small Business Saturday I showed my support for some of my favourite local businesses including Dan and DeCarlo, Daves Hardware and Muksons News.