Michael was pleased to have the chance to see some of the exciting plans for Poole hospital, including a virtual reality tour around an operating theatre.

This week has been Volunteers Week, and Michael went to visit the Volunteers Centre Dorset. He heard about their work supporting volunteers across Dorset, and how they link possible volunteers to organisations.

Michael went to visit Candlelight Care who provide carers for people across Dorset.

He heard about the job opportunities that are available working in the care sector, and some of the challenges facing the care sector as whole, including possible barriers to recruitment.

Michael visited the charity HomeStart in Dorset. Over the last year Homestart South East Dorset have helped 218 families and 479 children, with a small team of employees and a huge team of volunteers!

Michael had a recent meeting with a representative from Leonard Cheshire. They are working towards making workplaces fairer and more inclusive for disabled people and enabling individuals to realise their aspirations and live independently.

News from Westminster

Visiting schools and meeting school pupils when they come to Westminster is a part of my job that I particularly enjoy. Let me give some examples of both.

Michael was delighted to be invited to play in Poole Hockey Club's 125 year celebrations. Having been a member of the club since moving to Dorset, Michael has not played as much recently but was pleased to be able to contribute to this special game.

Michael chaired the most recent meeting of the APPG for Youth Employment, where two Youth Ambassadors presented the findings of the 2019 Youth Voice Census, in which 3000 young people shared their views on topics related to education and employment.

Michael was pleased to be able to attend the Upton and Lytchett Minster Town Council Annual Assembly last week. Whilst there, he thanked all the local councillors for their hard work in the community, and praised local volunteers for their commitment.

Michael Tomlinson joins Primary Futures programme to raise the aspirations of local children