Photo - Alan Mak MP with Going Forward Chairman Peter Crabtree
Alan Mak has joined other Hampshire MPs in showing his support for Going Forward Portsmouth, an organisation devoted to helping disabled local residents find jobs and workplace opportunities. The Havant MP joined Portsmouth South's Flick Drummond at a meeting with Going Forward’s Chairman Peter Crabtree in Parliament this week.
The meeting follows the Mr Crabtree’s recent application for financial aid from the Big Lottery Fund has been accepted. The funding would ensure that Going Forward’s basic costs will be met until April 2017 at the least.
The meeting in Parliament saw Mr Crabtree outline the ideas behind Going Forward, and his plans for the future. The organisation seeks to engage local disabled residents, including many in the Havant region, with local employers and skills providers who otherwise might have overlooked this section of the job-seeking population.
Following the meeting, Havant MP Alan Mak said: “It was a real pleasure to meet Peter and hear about his great plans to grow this worthwhile organisation. Going Forward provides an opportunity to disabled residents across the Solent region, and many in Havant, to find work and bolster their confidence.”
Mak added: “Since my election in May 2015, getting Havant residents into work has been my top priority as local MP. I support job creation and investment in education as key parts of a strong local economy, and it is terrific to see organisation like Going Forward Portsmouth helping to make this happen. I am thoroughly behind their bid for lottery funding.”
Going Forward Chairman Peter Crabtree said: “I was delighted to be invited to Westminster to discuss the status of disabled employment in Hampshire, and explain how organisations like Going Forward aim to help this process.”
Mr Crabtree added: “It is great to see local MPs like Alan supporting his residents with initiatives like the recent Jobs and Apprenticeships Fair. Hopefully we can all work together to get Havant and the surrounding area working once more.”