Stephen Metcalfe MP welcomes Foyer Residents to Parliament

Stephen Metcalfe MP with Foyer Residents and Staff

Stephen Metcalfe, the Member of Parliament for South Basildon and East Thurrock welcomes a delegation of young people from the two Swan Housing Foyers in Basildon to Parliament.

The Foyers offer supported accommodation for homeless young people between the ages of 16-25. The key aims of the foyers’ work are focused on helping residents gain access to education, employment, training and supporting their personal development. The overall aim is to break the cycle of homelessness, lack of education and unemployment.

The visit was prompted by Swan House Foyer resident, Summer Downes who wrote to Stephen on her 18^th birthday, the age at which UK citizens can vote, to ask to meet him.

After the visit, Stephen said “It was great to be able to welcome a group of young people from the Swan House Foyers to Parliament yesterday for a tour and to hear their views about democracy and Government.”

“Following the tour we had an excellent question and answers session where they asked me some very good and probing questions.”

“I hope they enjoyed their day and found it a worthwhile and enlightening experience – I know I did.”

Stephen Metcalfe MP attends the 2012 Essex International Scout and Guide Jamboree



Stephen Metcalfe MP with volunteers
Kieron from Chelmsford and Rachael from Carlisle.



Earlier this week, Stephen Metcalfe, local MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock, had the privilege of attending the Scout and Guide Essex International Jamboree.

Every four years volunteers from Scout and Guide groups across Essex come together to organise this event which sees thousands of Guides and Scouts aged between 10 and 18 join together for a week of fun and freedom at the Chelmsford campsite. 

The energetic programme of events provides young people from all over the world with the opportunity to make new friends, share new adventures and experience the worldwide unity of the Scouting organisation. This year alone saw participants from Algeria to Australia and from Sierra Leone to Sweden.

Stephen commented: ‘It was fantastic to attend the 2012 international jamboree. To see thousands of young people coming together from all over world was a truly unique experience and one which epitomises the incredible work of the Scouting organisation’

‘This year’s theme, ‘our world, our future’ could not have been more apt. The Scouts and Guides across the country provide an invaluable service and our communities are all the better for local Scouting groups. It is a tradition that I hope will continue for many years to come.’

‘I would like to add my sincere thanks to all of the volunteers involved in the Scouts and Guides for their hard work and dedication. Without them, events such as this would simply not be possible’.

Stephen Metcalfe MP Holds Frost Estate Public Meeting

Earlier this week, over 170 people attended a meeting held by local MP Stephen Metcalfe to discuss the condition of the roads in the Frost Estate, Corringham.

Due to high levels of correspondence on the issue, the MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock was keen to meet residents in person to discuss practical ways in which the problems can be solved.

Many issues were discussed at the meeting including, the poor condition of the roads, the potential cost of improving their condition and the damage caused by Council refuse lorries. As a result, a number of residents have volunteered to form a steering group with the ultimate aim of ensuring that the roads are fit for purpose.

After the meeting, Stephen said: “I was delighted to see such a high turnout at this meeting. If we are to solve the problems with the roads on the Frost Estate we must work together and it was extremely encouraging to see so many people willing to do this.”

“The steering group will be vital in the success of meeting the community’s aims and I will of course support the residents in whatever way I can. I will begin by contacting Thurrock Council to see if they can use the lighter refuse lorries in the Frost Estate to prevent further deterioration of the roads.

“I think we are on track for a community led solution and I will continue to support the residents in achieving their aims. I look forward to seeing the results on the Frost Estate in the near future.”