The community spirit in Wirral West is one of the things that makes it such a special place. We are a community filled with passionate people who lend their skills, expertise and time to support those in need and make our area a better place.
I have the privilege of seeing this on visits across the many towns and villages in our area. It would be impossible for me to name all the volunteers across our area, but they all deserve recognition for the incredible work they do.
Café’s, churches, hubs and community centres are powered by volunteers, giving people a space to meet, chat and even debate. From the Quirky Café in Hoylake to the Memory Café at Flissy’s in Thurstaston, our community comes together to connect and get support over a cup of tea. Places like Melrose Hall, the Carrbridge Centre on the Woodchurch, and the Greasby Centre are hubs of our community, hosting everything from art classes, to choirs, to exercise groups.
Local people have also dedicated themselves to conserving the beauty and heritage of our area. Organisations like Wirral in Bloom are planting colourful flowers. Local history is marked with plaques from the Wirral Society. Initiatives like Plastic Free West Kirby are reducing the impact we have on the planet.
Volunteers from Wirral West are also taking on life-saving work. I’m so proud that Hoylake is home to a fantastic RNLI branch, contributing to the rich 200-year history of the lifeboat service.
And in life’s most difficult moments, the care and compassion of our community is reflected in charities like Maggie’s and Claire House. So many people give their time and money so those going through unimaginable struggles can have comfort and support. I was glad to show the Health Secretary their work last year.
As Labour forges a new relationship with civil society through our recent covenant, I know the expertise and public service of people in Wirral West will be part of our national renewal.
Our community spirit has taken us through the most difficult times, so it’s only right it’s part of the next chapter for our country.
Originally published in the Wirral Globe
Matthew Patrick MP 