Wera Hobhouse MP: So much to be proud of in our wonderful community

As summer sets in, I want to reflect on a month that’s been full of local pride.

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One of the most inspiring moments this month was my visit to St Michael's Junior Church School in Twerton, where I saw firsthand the extraordinary work of the Orchestra of Everything Foundation. This local charity is transforming access to music education for hundreds of children from low-income families by providing free music lessons. Their programme is boosting children’s confidence, improving attendance, and sparking joy in the classroom.

As a longtime advocate for inclusive music education, I am proud to now serve as a patron of the foundation, and I encourage anyone who can to support their work. Last month I also visited Julian House - an organisation that has been a lifeline to rough sleepers and vulnerable people in Bath for nearly four decades. Their hostel on Manvers Street has been running at over 100% capacity, doing heroic work in the face of rising homelessness.