This summer, I was delighted that ten pupils from local schools joined my team for work experience. We welcomed some exceptional, high calibre students from across Bognor Regis and Littlehampton – bright, curious and personable. It was a pleasure to welcome this talented group, and to give them insight into my work as your Member of Parliament.
Speaking to them also reminded me of the range of emotions that results season will bring for students who sat exams this summer.
To those local students who received the A-Level, T-Level or BTec grades they wanted – congratulations! If you didn't get the grades you were hoping for, there will still be many options open to you, so make sure you seek advice from your school or college.
Results day signals new beginnings for many young people, who may be heading off to start university, apprenticeships or employment in September. These exciting experiences create many opportunities to meet new people, learn new skills, and kickstart careers.
I have spoken before about my experience of contracting bacterial meningitis during my first year at university. I was in a coma for a week, lost 70% of my hearing, and later required open heart surgery.
Meningitis vaccines are already routinely provided for the ACWY strains. Following a successful campaign by Meningitis Now – of which I am proud Ambassador – this year, MenB vaccines are being offered to students in year 13 and under-25s entering university or further residential education.
If you, or a young person in your life, has not already, please encourage them to get the two-dose vaccination. NHS Sussex ICB have confirmed more than 20 local pharmacies are offering vaccinations this summer.
To make an appointment, contact your local pharmacy directly, or go online.
I wish the best of luck to everyone across Bognor Regis, Littlehampton and our villages who is starting a new beginning in September, and to our local GCSE students who receive their results next week.
You can read my original article for SussexWorld here.
