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Lauren Edwards MP @laurenedwardsmp.bsky.social · 4h

💡Chaired the first session of our inquiry, Earning or Learning: A New Agenda for Youth NEET Reduction. We explored mental health, training, and education access - vital for young people’s futures and our economy. Grateful to all contributors.

🔗 Find out more about the inquiry here: buff.ly/8GBwQNI

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Lauren Edwards MP @laurenedwardsmp.bsky.social · 1d

📢 We promised 2 million extra NHS appointments in year one. Just over a year later, over 5 million have been delivered - helping people across the UK, including Rochester and Strood, get the care they need. We're working hard to get the NHS back on its feet.

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Lauren Edwards MP @laurenedwardsmp.bsky.social · 1d

Big congratulations to Turkuaz Rochester and Kaya Meze Bar for being named semi-finalists in the TURTA Awards! A brilliant achievement and well-deserved national recognition.

🗳️ Vote here: buff.ly/Y413qWV

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Lauren Edwards MP @laurenedwardsmp.bsky.social · 2d

Earlier this year I hosted businesses from across Medway & Kent in Westminster for the Taste of Kent & Medway event. A recent Kent Current article explores how we grow our economy and showcase award-winning local food - something I proudly highlighted.

📖 Read the full article here: buff.ly/MjyAqp6

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Lauren Edwards MP @laurenedwardsmp.bsky.social · 3d

⚓ Chatham Historic Dockyard has secured over £532,000 through the 'Museum Renewal Fund' - a huge boost for local heritage! This investment will help preserve one of Medway’s most iconic sites.

📖 Learn more here: buff.ly/FTsQy91

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Lauren Edwards MP @laurenedwardsmp.bsky.social · 4d

🌿 Great news for Ranscombe Farm in Cuxton! A £121,409 grant from Veolia Environmental Trust will fund woodland restoration and support volunteers. Proud to see continued investment in biodiversity and our local environment.

🔗 Learn more and plan your visit here:

Ranscombe Farm Nature Reserve - Plantlife

Ranscombe Farm Reserve is Plantlife’s flagship reserve and an Important Plant Area for its arable flowers.

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Lauren Edwards MP @laurenedwardsmp.bsky.social · 6d

Very proud to congratulate Naz’s Rasoi curry house in Strood on being nominated for the Curry Life Awards 2025 in the Best Curry Chef in Kent category!

Just one week to go before Naz and the team head to the awards ceremony in London. Wishing them the very best of luck!

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Lauren Edwards MP @laurenedwardsmp.bsky.social · 6d

It was a real pleasure to present an award and give the closing remarks at Umbrella Training’s 'Purple Umbrella Awards'. Great to meet learners like Fiona, who won the award I presented. Thanks to Adele Oxberry for hosting such a fantastic event.

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Lauren Edwards MP @laurenedwardsmp.bsky.social · 7d

💊 A Rochester resident recently got in touch to share that her daughter had waited years for an ADHD assessment—leaving her without the support she needed. We helped secure a reassessment, diagnosis, and access to medication. A fantastic outcome for the family!

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Lauren Edwards MP @laurenedwardsmp.bsky.social · 7d

🏙️ Medway is set to receive £1.5m through the Gov’s Pride in Place Impact Fund. I’ll be putting forward ideas for how we can utilise the fund here in Rochester and Strood based on conversations with residents, businesses & community groups. Updates to follow.

Find out more here: buff.ly/GFaiMWw

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Lauren Edwards MP @laurenedwardsmp.bsky.social · 8d

🛠️ Fantastic news for Rochester and Strood!

MidKent and North Kent College have been named one of ten new Construction Technical Excellence Colleges - bringing £100m investment, upgraded facilities, and real career opportunities.

📖 Find out more here: buff.ly/zRUhdMy

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Lauren Edwards MP @laurenedwardsmp.bsky.social · 8d

🚆 Last Friday MPs, councils, and businesses came together at Ashford and Ebbsfleet to call for the return of international rail. Rail Minister Lord Hendy reaffirmed support - a goal I’ve championed since being elected.

Sign the petition here: buff.ly/qkhtIN8 buff.ly/qkhtIN8

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Lauren Edwards MP @laurenedwardsmp.bsky.social · 9d

Following the devastating attack in Manchester this morning, my thoughts are with the Jewish community in Rochester and Strood, and across the UK.

www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/cx...

Police say Manchester synagogue attack in which two died has been declared terrorist incident

A third person, the suspect, was shot dead by police - video showed a man with items strapped around his waist. The attack happened on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar.

www.bbc.co.uk

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Lauren Edwards MP @laurenedwardsmp.bsky.social · 9d

Wishing all those observing Yom Kippur a reflective and meaningful day.

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Lauren Edwards MP @laurenedwardsmp.bsky.social · 10d

🚫 Pavement parking is dangerous - and not being tackled quickly enough. It blocks access for wheelchair users, parents with buggies & puts pedestrians at risk. I’ve signed Afzal Khan MP’s letter urging the Government to act. Let councils fine & stop repeat abuse.

📄Full text here: buff.ly/sCxPTWu

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Lauren Edwards MP @laurenedwardsmp.bsky.social · 11d

Great to be back at MidKent College speaking to finance students about my experience in Parliament and at the Bank of England. Thanks to Principal Simon Cook for arranging the visit and for the update on how the college is adopting AI safely and effectively.

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Lauren Edwards MP @laurenedwardsmp.bsky.social · 12d

Another busy week of action both in Parliament and across Rochester and Strood - championing workers’ rights, supporting lifelong learning, and recognising local service. Here’s what I’ve been up to recently:

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Lauren Edwards MP @laurenedwardsmp.bsky.social · 14d

Lovely to meet the team and families at Demelza Children’s Hospice. Demelza provides extraordinary care for families in Rochester & Strood facing the toughest times. Thanks to Deputy CEO Cheryl, Lead Nurse Sara, and the whole team for all you do.

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Lauren Edwards MP @laurenedwardsmp.bsky.social · 15d

🏉🏓 Medway sports clubs - Cash4Clubs is offering £2,000 grants to 250 grassroots clubs across the UK. With recent investment in Hoo, Cuxton and beyond, let’s keep the momentum going for community sport.

Apply by 8 Dec:

Home - Cash4Clubs

A sports funding scheme which gives clubs a unique chance to apply for grants to improve facilities, purchase new equipment and much more.

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Lauren Edwards MP @laurenedwardsmp.bsky.social · 16d

Carers make huge sacrifices - yet 28% live in poverty. I opposed recent PIP reforms that would’ve hit those on Carer’s Allowance, and I’m working locally to improve support. Great to attend the Carers Trust event and collect their latest report on boosting carers’ incomes.

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Lauren Edwards MP @laurenedwardsmp.bsky.social · 17d

Wishing everyone in Rochester and Strood celebrating Rosh Hashanah a peaceful and happy new year.

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Lauren Edwards MP @laurenedwardsmp.bsky.social · 18d

Great to meet Health Minister Karin Smyth to talk about GP access, Medway Maritime conditions, and care in the community. Also raised how Strood residents struggle to access services - and how we can improve it.

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Lauren Edwards MP @laurenedwardsmp.bsky.social · 19d

During Fairtrade Fortnight, let’s celebrate the difference we can all make by choosing Fairtrade products. These choices help build a fairer, more ethical way to buy the things we use every day - supporting farmers and workers around the world.

Find out more here:

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Lauren Edwards MP @laurenedwardsmp.bsky.social · 19d

It’s vital we keep working for lasting peace in Gaza. The recognition of Palestine is an important step towards a two-state solution - both Israel and Palestine must be recognised as independent nations. We hope this step helps pave the way to a just and lasting peace.

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Lauren Edwards MP @laurenedwardsmp.bsky.social · 21d

Great to be speaking to residents across Strood today about the change we are delivering including:

🥣 Breakfast Clubs being introduced in primary schools
🏥 5 million extra NHS appointments
👷‍♂️ Introducing extra protections for working people

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