On Friday I joined the Stroud District Local Strategic Partnership meeting, to discuss education and apprenticeships, with presentations from South Gloucestershire & Stroud (SGS) College and Stroud District Youth Council. This quarterly meeting is a useful forum for leaders in the private, voluntary, community and public sectors to discuss important local issues and current work.

It was great to hear about the opportunities for students and apprentices of all ages at SGS College, and the exciting news that SGS will be further developing its courses on green technologies and skills at the Berkeley campus, where it is taking on the neighbouring Active Building Centre site. This will support the green skills agenda as part of a new EcoFutures training facility at the Berkeley Gloucestershire Science & Technology Park, helping to prepare students for the jobs of the future and to deliver solutions to the climate crisis.

The Partnership also thanked our outgoing Chair, Carole Stubbs, from Stroud Job Centre Plus, and welcomed the new Chair, Russell Warner, from the Federation of Small Businesses, and Vice Chair, Will Mansell, from The Grace Network: https://lsp.stroud.gov.uk/

On Wednesday 15th March, at 6 pm in Dursley, the Council and NHS are hosting an event to help those who are supporting people with an eating disorder. Many of us have friends or family members who have suffered from an eating disorder and will be aware of the pain that it causes to all affected. With long waiting times for treatment, it’s important there is a support network for family and carers. At the event, two writers will explain how creative writing can help mental health and wellbeing. Please contact David for more information: David.Rawling@stroud.gov.uk

Finally, as the Tricorn House redevelopment progresses, you may be interested in the Frequently Asked Questions now on our website: https://www.stroud.gov.uk/tricorn