Page 12 - Phonebox Magazine May 2016

Out and About with Mark Lancaster MP
Rugby Football Union
I’m backing the Rugby Football Union (RFU) initiative which aims to get over one million more school children actively involved in sport.
I met staff and students at Oakgrove School during a wet and muddy training session, which clearly didn’t dampen their enthusiasm. Oakgrove School in Milton Keynes is one of 400 secondary schools taking part in the Rugby Football Union’s CBRE All Schools programme.
I was pleased to have the opportunity to see rst-hand how the students have engaged with the sport and hear about the bene ts the RFU project is delivering. Through the programme, Oakgrove will receive resources and funding over a three year period, including kit and equipment, as well as hands-on coaching support.
CBRE All Schools was launched in 2012 by the RFU to increase the number of state secondary schools playing rugby union. Competitive Rugby Union is currently played in around 1,500 state secondary schools. Through CBRE All Schools, the RFU has reached its target of introducing the game into 400 non-rugby playing secondary schools by the 2015 Rugby World Cup and the next aim is to increase this to 750 by 2019.
Having a quick chat with the students and staff, I could see the level of enthusiasm from the students and an equal amount of commitment from the coaches. The programme is a great initiative; developing elements of social interaction, discipline and tness. The students are already ltering into local clubs, such as Olney and Milton Keynes which can only be a great advantage for the legacy of the “beautiful” game.
12 Phonebox Magazine | May 2016
Discount Card Launched for Carers
Unpaid family carers in MK, of whom there are 23,500, now have the opportunity to register for a new Carers Discount Card. Launched by Carers MK, the card will save carers up to 50% when presented in a range of retailers and businesses across MK.
The new card will entitle carers living locally, discounts across a range of retailers and services from food and drink, to leisure, entertainment, pharmacies and transport, saving carers money on meals, trips away, travel, leisure activities and more.
If you are caring for someone who is ill, frail or has a disability and live in MK, then you will be entitled to receive the free discount card. The card is available to unpaid carers of all ages including young carers.
For further details please contact Carers MK on 01908 231703 or email mail@ carersmiltonkeynes.org or visit www. carersmiltonkeynes.org
Hitting the Road
We’re almost into the summer months which means that I’ll be out on the road once again with my mobile surgeries, taking every opportunity to meet constituents in the rural communities.
For me this is a great opportunity to reach those who would otherwise be unable to visit me at my constituency of ce in Milton Keynes. As always I am keen to listen and hopefully, help to resolve any concerns or
issues the local community may have. Take a look at my page here next month to note the July dates in your diary.
Forget Me Not
Alzheimer’s Society’s agship campaign, Dementia Awareness Week starts on the 15th May. The annual campaign provides information, dispels myths and raises awareness of the support available for the 2,100 people living with the condition in MK. In order to reach as many people as they can, charity staff and a host of volunteers will be hosting a range of activities throughout MK. “All Hands on Deck” on 20th May is one event created by MK Dementia Action Alliance. Linking hands and taking a moment to share thoughts and memories of those who live with dementia and their carers is planned simultaneously from 11am at centre:mk, intu and Kingston.
Research says that 225,000 people will develop dementia this year, that’s one every three minutes, a shocking statistic and with more guidance, awareness and swift action, Alzheimers Society aim to demonstrate that life doesn’t end when dementia begins.
As an advocate and Dementia Friend, I ask that you please join in on 20th May and show your support.
For advice about dementia call 01908 232612 or email Nicole Palmer, Alzheimer’s Society Nicole.palmer@alzheimers.org.uk or Marion Fisher, Dementia Action Alliance, MK miltonkeynesdaa@gmail.com