Protecting vulnerable people
Societies can often be judged on the way in which the most vulnerable people are looked after. It is vital that groups such as the elderly, the disabled, the mentally ill and veterans are given the guidance and protection they need.
I have visited many organisations and groups across Halesowen and Rowley Regis to draw attention to the work they do to help vulnerable people. I will continue to speak up in Parliament for additional means of assistance – such as the new community covenant for the armed forces.
- 22nd May 2012
Local MP James Morris has hailed action being taken to improve mental health care in Rowley Regis as an example for other parts of the country to learn from.
Mr Morris has applied for a debate in Parliament to discuss the initiatives that have been introduced by local GPs and health authorities, to consider how other areas could also benefit.
Sandwell GPs have established a number of schemes to shift the focus away from dealing with the effects of psychosis, to support people’s mental wellbeing at an early stage. read more »
- 11th April 2012
James has made a video, featuring clips from the Big Lottery Fund event that he organised for Halesowen & Rowley Regis community and voluntary groups. read more »
- 5th April 2012
Local community and voluntary groups look set to bid for a share of the £40million that the Big Lottery Fund allocates to projects in the West Midlands every year.
Halesowen and Rowley Regis MP James Morris and the Big Lottery Fund held a Funding Day at the Hope Centre in Halesowen for groups to learn about what funding is available and how local organisations could improve their chances of being successful. read more »
- 22nd March 2012
Halesowen and Rowley Regis MP James Morris has called for a debate in Parliament on mental health care, particularly in acute settings.
Mr Morris has submitted the request with the House of Commons’ Backbench Committee, following a meeting in Parliament with Mind volunteers, carers and service users from the West Midlands. The MP listened to the challenges faced by people with mental health problems in getting access to emergency mental health care. read more »
- 16th March 2012
James Morris talks about new initiatives to help make housing more affordable for local families, his challenge to Halesowen and Rowley Regis businesses to create 50 new apprenticeships by the time the Olympics start in July.
James also speaks about his work pushing for a debate on mental health care and a meeting he had with Mind volunteers, carers amd service users from the West Midlands. read more »
- 12th March 2012
MP James Morris has met with leading figures from voluntary and community organisations from across Sandwell to discuss the pressures facing them.
The event, organised by Sandwell Council of Voluntary Organisations, brought the MP face-to-face with people running local voluntary organisations, ranging from household names like the YMCA to less well-known organisations serving individual communities. read more »
- 7th March 2012
Speaking in a Parliamentary debate on veterans and mental health, James Morris has commended the work of constituent David Herbert on establishing a veterans charter in Dudley Borough to signpost veterans towards key information including the provision of mental health services. read more »
- 24th February 2012Published in:Halesowen News
In February's monthly column for the News Halesowen and Rowley Regis MP James Morris explores the issue of welfare reform.
Judging by my mailbag and email inbox, there is no doubt about what the hot issue of the moment is – welfare reform.
The overwhelming majority of people who contact me either support moves to introduce a £26,000 cap on benefits, or think we should be going much further.
It is important that we make sure – particularly at a time when all budgets are so tight – that what money we do have is focussed on those who most desperately need help. read more »
- 8th February 2012
The snow may have melted, but the cold snap has triggered Cold Winter Payments for thousands of pensioners and other vulnerable families across Halesowen and Rowley Regis.
The icy weather has meant that all eligible households will receive the £25 for last week. This includes older people in receipt of Pension Credits, families with a child under five and people with certain disabilities.
The Government has permanently increased the level of the Cold Weather Payment from £8.50 to £25 per week. read more »
- 2nd February 2012
The weather may have turned decidedly chilly, but one Halesowen couple is warm and snug thanks to help from a local warmth scheme.
Local pensioners Barry and Mary Clement welcomed Halesowen and Rowley Regis MP James Morris into their home to see the new boiler that they have bought through npower’s Health through Warmth scheme.
Last autumn, the couple’s boiler broke down, leaving them facing the prospect of a cold winter without any heating or hot water. This would have caused particular problems for Mr Clement’s health as the effects of his diabetes worsen in cold weather. read more »
