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"If you want something done, ask a busy woman. Councillor Jean Atkinson is very busy delivering for the people of Trench. A few weeks ago she organised a MacMillan Coffee morning with her daughter and granddaughter, this week a Trench Community Jobs Fair for those struggling to get off benefits and into work
"Although the Conservative-led government has helped businesses create more jobs and get more people off benefits than at any time in the recent past, some find this transition harder than others. The economic boost to families in Tonbridge is noticeable, and against a climate of debt-forced austerity it is an achievement that has contributed to the improvement in many households’ hopes for the future. But not everyone has been able to take advantage of the improving economy and some need a little extra help. That's why I went to the Trench Community Job Fair.
"In the Tonbridge Baptist Church groups from around the town and the county have set up stalls to welcome and support those who need a little more guidance to move on by themselves. Councillor Jean Atkinson, who has represented Trench for more than seven years and has agreed to stand again in 2015 after residents urged her to, brought the Job Centre, the NHS, West Kent College and many others together to help people find the right guidance all in one place. At the same time employers and volunteering groups like Cobold, Abbeyfield Kent Society and Volunteer Action Within Kent were all there to provide the next step.
"As a former Community Service Volunteer, I know how important volunteering can be to gain the skills needed to move on from school and I was delighted to see that the volunteering and enterprise spirit is so strong in Tonbridge.
"If you are living in Trench Ward and want to support Jean, please get in touch with me on office@tomtugendhat.org.uk or join the Conservatives. It would be great to have you on a team that is delivering concrete results for the community."