One of the most rewarding aspects of being a local Member of Parliament is the time I spend out and about in the constituency visiting schools, businesses, charities and organisations in our community.
One visit I made recently was to a little known charity Northleigh House School based near Shrewley. Northleigh House School was set up in 2012 to provide a safe and calm learning environment for children between the ages of 11 and 16 who have previously been bullied in mainstream school.
Around half of the pupils at Northleigh House have tried to take their own lives, and many are referred by the Council because they are unable to attend their own local state school as they are often suffering from severe depression. Although small in size in comparison to most state secondary schools, Northleigh House has big results in turning their pupils’ lives around and helping them to regain their confidence. It is a fully-functioning independent school that follows the national curriculum and is subject to Ofsted inspections.
It is hard to imagine anything worse than a child trying to take their own life and I was hugely impressed by the support Northleigh House offers these youngsters. To hear stories about how pupils progress and learn to overcome their problems is inspiring and it was a privilege to visit this charity that is making such a difference to young people’s lives in my constituency. The problems they help to address affect not just an individual but a whole family. I know that the team at Northleigh House would not mind my saying that they rely substantially on the generous support offered by many people across the area. Without it they would be unable to turn around the lives of these young people.
If you would like to learn more about the school or offer help in any way, please visit www.northleigh.co.uk