Oldham MP's summer school proves a big hit once again

Oldham East and Saddleworth MP Debbie Abrahams has hosted her 10th Summer School, and the class graduated with flying colours. 

Since 2014, Ms Abrahams has held a two-week summer programme for young people, developing their understanding and experience of civic duty, public service and how to work for the benefit of their communities. 

Speaking at the Summer School graduation ceremony, Ms Abrahams said: "We have just held the graduation ceremony for my 10th annual summer school for young people and we have had such a fantastic group again this year.

"The future is so bright with young people like this in Oldham.

"I introduced the Summer School ten years ago to give young people an experience of what being a politician is like, but also to make sure that they understand that politics is about public service.

"Anybody can be political in their communities and neighbourhoods.

"I am really looking forward to hearing about their progress in future and welcoming my next cohort of Summer School students next year."

One of this year’s participants was Penelope Spencer-Simpson, a local student who has written about her experience of the Summer School.

She wrote: "Debbie Abrahams’ Summer School gave me an exciting insight into what politics consists of.

"This opportunity gave all participants a snapshot of life in a Member of Parliament’s constituency office as well as a visit to the Palace of Westminster.  

"The summer school has helped develop our skills and confidence with mock-debates, speech making and workshops on community service.   

"In the first week we were with Debbie and the constituency team – discussing our interests in politics, as well as what we envisage for ourselves in the future. 

"During the first week we were taken on trips to explore the local council chamber, the regional Greater Manchester Combined Authority and the home of national policy making - Westminster. 

"Our trip to London included discussions with politicians, as well as speaking to members of the civil service and the Trade Union Congress about the significance of political engagement with unions and workers. 

"It was brilliant meeting MPs like Marsha De Cordova, Nadia Whittome and Angela Rayner, who answered our questions.

"Similarly, we engaged with our local political representatives by meeting the Mayor of Oldham and the Leader of Oldham Council.

"We also met the Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham at his office and discussed issues that are important to young people as well as how to get involved in politics as a young person and what his experiences have taught him.

"During the second week of the summer school, the team provided us with work placements to further develop our skills in working for our community.

"The placements were at the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, Positive Steps, Action Together, Keeping Our Girls Safe and Debbie’s constituency office.

"Growing up in Oldham these opportunities seemed out of reach, so, thankfully Debbie and her team were able to provide above and beyond."

Ms Abrahams will be hosting her 11th Summer School in July 2024 and is already welcoming early expressions of interest from young people aged 18-24 who would like to participate.

She has asked that these be emailed to: abrahamsd@parliament.uk

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