County Durham Member of Parliament for Sedgefield Paul Howell and Ferryhill County Councillor Joe Quinn yesterday welcomed Guy Opperman MP to Ferryhill Ladder, where he discussed their work to help local people find employment and access benefits and other key Government support.
Paul Howell MP said: “It was my pleasure to welcome Guy to this key facility in Ferryhill which was first established in 2002. I have worked extremely closely with them and Joe in my years representing the area – it has been a time dominated by the global coronavirus pandemic and its aftermath. We have repeatedly collaborated with them in helping to share knowledge for my constituents on such things as furlough, Universal Credit and measures to help people get training and into work.
Kath Merrington from Ferryhill Ladder said: “It was great to welcome Guy, Paul and Joe to the centre. We offer free support and guidance to members of the community in relation to improving employment opportunities, accessing training, promoting volunteering, improving health and wellbeing, benefits advice, promoting financial wellbeing and youth groups and services.”
Guy Opperman MP said: “It was really very useful for me as Employment Minister at the Department of Work and Pensions to meet Paul, and the brilliant team at The Ladder, as well as local County Councillor Joe Quinn. It was excellent to see what they are all doing together to assist local people. As a Government we know how much potential there is in towns like Ferryhill and facilities like Ferryhill Ladder are giving local people key skills and contacts so they can meet it.”
