Lynne Featherstone

Next up in my diary was a visit to Maxitech – a local social enterprise firm who had won an award for the best training for staff.

They are an excellent example of what you can do if you have the ambition and perseverance.

They take old electronic equipment and either refurbish it or use the still usable bits for others. Reconditioned and working – they sell very cheaply to companies that need equipment but can’t afford the sort of equipment they want AND they give free computers to the elderly. That’s real inclusion.

They seem to have got it right – they are expanding and now employ 40 people, they do good work and they are solvent and make a small profit. They are recycling and reusing. Go Maxitech!

Followed by pitching up at the Alzheimer Society’s Haringey lobby / protest against the Government’s (NICE) refusal to give the new dementia drug (cost £2.50 per day) to those who would benefit. They hand over a petition and I will present that to Patricia Hewitt in due course. I have already written countless letters on this issue. Sometimes it is impossible to understand this Government. Aside from the humane benefits – this would save them money, as the longer someone can manage the more care savings the Government would make.

Followed by a two-hour journey to Surrey Heath to address the local Lib Dems and inspire them to greater efforts in their May elections!