Parliament broke up for the summer recess on July 22, which has meant that over the course of the last few months, I have had the pleasure of spending an extended period in the Tiverton and Minehead constituency rather than dashing up to London every week.

Whilst it is strange not to be voting and speaking on issues in Parliament, I haven’t taken my foot off the gas, and my calendar has been full, meeting individuals and organisations.

July 4 marked my first year as MP, and what I have learnt over this past year is that my favourite thing about my role is being back in Tiverton and Minehead, working on local issues with my constituents. Every time I return to Somerset and Devon, I am so often reminded of how special our community is.

Those who know me will know that dementia is an issue close to my heart and my family. During recess, I had the pleasure of meeting with a number of dementia groups. I visited the Tiverton-based team at the Filo Project, whose wonderful dementia day care providers across the UK work to combat loneliness while also providing loved ones and carers with much-needed respite. This was followed by a visit the Minehead Memory Café led by Minehead Dementia Action and the Alzheimer’s Society. Their large, sociable sessions show those with dementia - and their loved ones - that they are not alone, and that support is available to them both. These groups reflect the kindness of local people in our constituency, delivering vital support services to those in need.

I was also incredibly impressed when I met with Home-Start West Somerset and the Minehead Eye.

Home-Start West Somerset’s Community Connect Thursday sessions have supported the children involved and affected by the tragic Minehead Middle School coach incident last month. Every Thursday during the summer holidays, young people have been able to connect with their friends, as local organisations, such as Moor Outdoor, Minehead Football Club, Somerset Cricket Club and the Minehead Barbarians, have all put on free sessions. Craft sessions have also been on offer, providing a huge variety of activities for children in the area. Despite recent funding challenges, Clare Pound, Dan James, and their trustees have worked hard to support their local community when their community needed them.

Similarly, Paul Matcham and his group at the Minehead Eye have continued to be a pillar of the West Somerset community following the incident – offering young people a safe environment to enjoy a range of activities with their school friends. The Minehead Eye’s facilities have never been so important to the Minehead community.

On all my visits and meetings, my focus is on actions – what is the next step to help that individual or organisation? When I am back in Parliament in September, I will continue to fight hard for our area and do everything in my power to secure improvements and outcomes on the issues that matter to you.