News From Westminster- By Michelle Donelan MP- Eye Health Week

This month sees the start of National Eye Health Week and I will be taking the opportunity to visit with the local branch of Specsavers opticians to speak to them about what businesses can do to support eye health and get out the message of how important it is to look after our sight. 

Recent studies show that up to 50% of sight loss in the UK is preventable and it is vital that people take advantage of workplace schemes which can often offer free eye tests for computer users and protect something it is too easy to take for granted. I am delighted to have the opportunity to speak to the staff at Specsavers about the work they are doing in the community and their teaming up with local charity Wiltshire Sight and I hope that businesses across the UK work together with employees and the NHS to ensure that everyone who is entitled to a free eye test receives one, so we can prevent tragic sight loss for future generations.

Since being elected I have supported a number of local and national charities, a key one of which is the Alzheimer’s Society who continue to provide much-needed support to many of my constituents who suffer with this tragic disease. The Alzheimer’s Society is visiting towns across Wiltshire on their Dementia bus tour, providing education for spotting the signs of the disease and supporting those already diagnosed. I will be joining the society at their stop in Melksham to hear more about the fantastic work they do and to help spread the word that support is out there and how to access this.

With the NHS estimating that 6,000 people across Wiltshire are living with various stages of dementia, charities play a huge part in ensuring support networks are in place, not just for those with the disease but for the carers also, many of whom can suffer from isolation and a sense of helplessness which we must all come together to help fight.

 I have recently finalised the dates of my autumn surgeries with venues in all four towns in the constituency, but also in the villages of Broughton Gifford, Atworth, Semington, Gastard, Hilperton and Winsley. If you would like to join me to speak about any concerns you may have or would like to seek my support for any personal issue you may be facing then please contact me on michelle.donelan .mp@parliament.uk or 01249 704 465  for the dates and times. These events usually see high demand so I will be adding additional dates in the future, so please keep your eye out for these in the local press.