Applications open for MP's 'Working for your Community' summer school 2024

MP Debbie Abrahams pictured with Bryn Hughes, founder of the PC Nicola Hughes Memorial Fund, and Summer Schools students at their graduation day

Oldham East and Saddleworth MP Debbie Abrahams is now recruiting 16-24-year-olds to participate in her 11th annual 'Working for Your Community' summer school programme.

Since 2014, Ms Abrahams has run 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.

She said: “All year-round I receive requests from young people who are interested in valuable work experience in an MP’s office.

"We can accommodate some, but unfortunately it just isn’t possible to offer placements to them all.

"So, to try and give as many young people as possible from Oldham and Saddleworth valuable work experience, I will be running my annual Working for your Community summer school for 16 to 24-year-olds between Monday, July 15 and Friday, July 26, 2024.

“The aim is to help participants understand what politics is about, how it affects so much around us and how they can develop skills to bring change in their communities.

"The key skills they’ll learn about will stand them in good stead for both future involvement in politics and community-based work.”

Successful applicants will spend the first week developing their understanding of politics and learning new community development skills, honing their campaigning capabilities and participating in expert-led workshops in community development, communications, and politics.

The participants will also take a trip to Westminster, where they will meet politicians, advisors and other special guests.

During the second week of the programme the participants will choose placements in Oldham and Saddleworth with community organisations to further equip them with experience-based skills.

Last year’s sessions were delivered by Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester; Shadow Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, Labour MP Nadia Whittome, Government Minister, Tom Tugendhat MP and Politco journalist, Dan Bloom, amongst many more.

To register your interest in the summer school, send a letter of application with a curriculum vitae by email to: abrahamsd@parliament.uk

More information can be found at Debbie Abrahams' website here

The closing date for receipt of applications is 5pm on Tuesday, June 18, 2024.

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