Luke John Frost

So we are nearing the half way point of 2017 and it has been like a roller coaster ride for myself. I began the year introducing the Cooking on a budget course to new adults living in Thornaby and drawing in resources to help with welfare advice and housing issues. The Community Cafe took on a new lease of life and was very busy at the times we were open. At the same time I spent quite a few evenings drawing up activities for young people so that they would have something to do throughout the school holidays. To say it has been exhausting is an understatement, I ended up being burnt out and sadly stepped down from the Organisation I founded. After a few weeks of walking around in circles I ended up putting my energy back into the Youth Zone and have since made it an Organisation within its own right, with new aims and a new way of working. I am now planning for the Summer Holidays and I am hopeful that we will see hundreds of young people in and on the water as well on other activi...

 I am pleased to say that we have a new Member of Parliament(MP) who will represent us in London and represent us he will. Paul has been a GP in the local area and has shown throughout the campaign that he is open to listen to people and talks openly about his views. After 7 years of a Conservative Member of Parliament we will now have a true voice in Westminster, a voice that is going to represent the majority of Stockton South not the minority unlike the previous MP for the area. I am also pleased that with the exception of Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland the rest of Teesside and Durham returned a Labour MP. I am also pleased that Jeremy Corbyn got people out to register and vote. His values resonate with many people and this showed on Thursday, despite the attempts of the Conservatives to belittle him with their dreadful and disgraceful election campaign. I expect to see some apologies from those MP's who had previously tried to stab him in the back. I have my per...

I have just come back from what was a fantastic morning at the local mosque. Thornaby turned out in force to show unity and that amazing community spirit that we hold so dearly. Over 200 people sat and stood to listen. I want to thank the imam and all the volunteers who made this day happen and talking to people afterwards the message was of love for the town. Thornaby Community has done itself proud today. Better still the media was there to see it.

I popped over to Stockton today to talk with stall holders who where taking part in a very special market on the High Street. Over 40 Organisations took part in the market where as well as information on what these great organisations do, there was food and music to entertain what was a pretty good crowd for the first ever Stockton Volunteers Market. It was great to chat with stall holders and listen to the great work that they're doing across Stockton and the wider area. We have some great local organisations doing brilliant things. I only managed to stay for a few hours before I had to leave but I would urge the organisers and Stockton Borough Council to look at making this an annual event. It is these type of events that put Stockton on the map and showcase the local pride that we have in our area as well as giving local organisations a platform to raise there profile.

On Wednesday evening I was delighted to have won the award for Volunteer of the Year at the Catalyst Achievement Awards at Wynyard Hall. The evening was filled with praise for those who give there time to help others and improve our communities. It was great to hear the stories and meet people from all over Stockton who are doing some incredible work within the area. The evening went very well and I would like to thank the organisers and sponsors who made it possible. Thousands of people in Stockton give there time and energy to help organisations and charities and I would urge anyone who may have a few hours a week spare to give volunteering a go and I promise you that you will reap the rewards of what volunteering brings. If you want to find out more about volunteering in Stockton then please visit the Stockton Volunteers Website, there is a volunteering role to suit you.