This week I was invited to the Hothouse on the Redhouse Estate to meet with the National Citizen Service Team who will be helping to bring some improvements to the garden at the much used Community building on Myatt Avenue this summer. The National Citizen Service is a terrific programme that gives young people a chance to learn and develop skills whilst undertaking new challenges and I am really looking forward to seeing their ideas come to life at The Hothouse which is at the heart of our local community.

Every week Heart Care host their pop up gym in Streetly Community Association and this week I called in to chat with some of the users of the service. It’s a great way to recover from treatment, maintain fitness in a friendly atmosphere and catch up with friends over a cup of tea too.

I had the privilege of meeting with two community groups this week as well, taking part in Community Showcases across the constituency. It was great to see the young people enjoying their summer holidays and developing skills in acting, singing and dancing. Aldridge Youth Theatre hosted its annual summer event with their interpretations of stories from around the world and Brownhills Community Association saw its hall come alive with songs from the Jungle book and the interpretation of well known fairytales as Silent Movies.