£13.5k boost for bereavement charity Young people who have lost a parent or other loved one have seen a boost to the Dorset charity set up to help them. Mosaic, which supports around 300 children in Dorset, who have experienced the death of a parent, sibling or grandparent or who are facing the death of someone close, has been awarded £13,500 by the county’s Freemasons. The grant will provide support for three years to enable young people to understand and express the overwhelming feelings they can experience when suffering bereavement. Mosaic provides individual and family group work, activity days and social events. Their residential weekends give children the opportunity to share their
THANK YOU: Mosiac helps children through bereavement. The charity has received a £13,500 donation from Dorset Freemasons
experience and make new friends who understand the situation they are going through. The Dorset Freemasons’ grant comes through the Masonic Charitable Foundation, which is funded by
Freemasons, their families and friends from across England and Wales. CEO at Mosaic, Margaret Hannibal, said the organisation was grateful for the grant, which would support many Dorset
children: “The past year has been difficult for everyone especially young people and we have seen a significant rise in referrals where they have not been able to say their goodbyes to loved ones or attend funerals,” she said.
MPs’ round-up
Sunshine brings welcome visitors and income Finally summer seems to have arrived! It’s been brilliant to see Dorset businesses being able to open up more and welcome visitors back. Some of Britain’s best beaches are here in Dorset, and while I do enjoy walking the dog along a deserted beach in the rain, the bright sunshine is very welcome! I have recently been to visit some of our local tourist sites, including the award winning South Lytchett Manor Caravan and Camping park. They are all working incredibly hard to make their sites safe and welcoming. I know summer brings challenges, but hundreds of business rely on tourists and I am pleased to support them as much as possible. Tourism directly and indirectly helps maintain over 46,000 jobs in Dorset, with visitors bringing millions of pounds. Of course the beaches bring people to Dorset, but so does our beautiful countryside. A 18
MP for Mid Dorset Michael Tomlinson few years ago I encouraged schools and community groups to sign up to plant trees as part of the Queen’s canopy project. The government are now offering further support for people who want to plant trees. The England Woodland Creation Offer provides grants to create woodlands, with extra funds for trees near rivers to reduce flooding, and improving public access to woodlands. More at gov.uk/guidance/england-
woodland-creation-offer I was really pleased to hear about the new pet theft task force, set up to investigate the reported rise in pet theft since the beginning of lockdown. We are a nation of animal lovers and for many people, particularly during the lockdown, pets have been a source of great comfort. Sadly there has been an increase in pet theft, and as a dog owner myself, I know the important part our pets play in our lives. The task force will take evidence from a variety of organisations including the police, and make recommendations to reduce this deplorable crime. Over the last few years many people have contacted me with concerns about multinational companies avoiding paying tax. I was delighted by negotiations chaired by Rishi Sunak in London, which has resulted in G7 finance ministers agreeing global tax reform to ensure
multinational companies pay their share. We look forward to seeing further details. Several local businesses and charities benefitted from the Culture Recovery Fund, like Twins FX in Wareham. They have created an incredible DeLorean ready for the new production of Back To The Future Musical which opens in London in August. I have to admit getting my hands on the remote control was a 1.21 gigawatt moment! If you’d like me to visit your business, charity or group, or if you need help or support email michael.tomlinson.mp@ parliament.uk. I send out a regular email – you can sign up at michaeltomlinson.org.uk where you can also find links to the latest coronavirus advice. Follow me on twitter @michael4MDNP or find me on facebook facebook.com/michael4MDNP
