Dudley has been making things for generations, and it's still going strong. For National Manufacturing Day I visited Darvick, who test materials for Rolls-Royce, and Handicare, whose stairlifts keep people independent at home. Skilled jobs, right here in our borough.
Sonia Kumar MP
@soniakumarmpdudley.bsky.social
Proud Dudley MP | NHS physio | Backing our high streets, NHS & local Need help or advice 👇sonia.kumar.mp@parliament.uk
Great to be at Dudley College's Freshers Fair. Brogan told me about her boxing and her work empowering women in sport. We need more women like her, and like Dudley's own Kirstie Bavington, who I've named in Parliament. Women in sport deserve proper investment.
Today is #FitnessDay. Good to visit the gym at Village Hotel in Dudley with Gareth and the team. As an NHS physiotherapist, I know what moving more can do for people's health. Free activities across Dudley today: www.nationalfitnessday.com/finder/
Dudley cannot afford to lose another generation of young people. I asked the Minister to back Dudley College's plan for alternative provision for children with SEND. She has agreed to meet me to discuss it. There is no room for complacency.
86 years ago today, the Battle of Britain reached its turning point. On Sunday I joined RAF veterans, Standard Bearers and Air Cadets from across the Black Country at Dudley's anniversary parade and Service of Remembrance at the Cenotaph. We will remember them.
Free Men’s MOT in Dudley this Friday. Body. Bedroom. Brain. Fri 18 Sept, 9am–5pm Top Church, High St, DY1 1QD Talks on testosterone, mental health and spotting cancer early, plus free 1-to-1s with a GP, a coach and a counsellor. No appointment. Just turn up.
Over recent months, residents have contacted my office after Dudley Council staff directed them to me about missed bins, housing and other council services. This is unacceptable. The council must take responsibility, resolve complaints and stop sending residents elsewhere.
🚸 After years of inaction by Dudley’s Conservative-led council, a wider puffin crossing outside Red Hall School is finally under consultation. I’ve raised this twice in Parliament and brought the minister to the school. Now the council must confirm and deliver it.
Today is World Suicide Prevention Day. A simple conversation—checking in, listening without judgement and reminding someone they’re not alone—could save a life. If you’re struggling, Samaritans are available free, day or night, on 116 123. There is always hope.
🚪 Great to be out in Upper Gornal and Woodsetton at the weekend, knocking on doors and listening to residents. Thanks to everyone who stopped for a chat and shared what matters to you. There’s no substitute for getting out into our communities and listening. 🌹
An independent inspection has found the failing wall at Goodrich Mews is a danger to the public. Residents need urgent action—not to be passed from one party to another. I’ve raised this in Parliament and requested a joint meeting with Taylor Wimpey and EPM.
Dudley traders have endured years of disruption from the Interchange works. I invited Mayor Richard Parker to hear directly from them. The council’s £5,000 offer, tied up in red tape, isn’t good enough. Our businesses deserve meaningful support to thrive. 🏪
🔮 A little bit of magic has arrived in Dudley! Great to join Jules, Chris and the team at The Wicklow Witch for their opening last night. It’s fantastic to see another creative independent business investing in our town centre. Wishing the team every success! ✨
🌸 Young people taking pride in Dudley! The High Street planter has been cleaned, restored and filled with flowers by young people from The Forge, a new youth hub opening soon in the Churchill Shopping Centre. A fantastic contribution to our town centre! 👏
Social care affects millions of people – and we need a system that delivers dignity, security and support. The Government is working towards a National Care Service – and wants to hear from you. 🗣️ Join the Big Conversation on Care: caseycommission.co.uk/bigconversat...
☕️ Coffee, conversations and connections across Dudley! My latest coffee mornings at Roseland House and Priory Park gave residents the chance to raise important issues – and even sparked new local connections. Thanks to everyone who came along. More sessions soon! 🙌
🎆 Fireworks should be fun, not a source of fear or anti-social behaviour. The Government is reviewing the rules, including restricting the sale of the noisiest fireworks. Have your say and help us get the balance right: (www.gov.uk/government/c...)
August has been another busy month for Dudley—from healthcare and community safety to children’s services, our high streets and climate change. Watch my short video update below. 📩 Sign up for my full email newsletter: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
Another casework win for Dudley residents. ✅ Residents raised concerns about litter and poor verge maintenance. I contacted Dudley Council and I’m pleased they returned to properly clean up the area. Thank you to everyone who got in touch. 🌳 #Dudley #CaseworkWin
🌹 Good news for Dudley! I fought hard to secure this investment, and now 33 grassroots projects will receive Pride in Place funding. It will support young people, community facilities, health and wellbeing, heritage and stronger neighbourhoods across Dudley.
🏥 What if you could access more NHS services in Dudley town centre? Health on the High Street could make care easier to reach while bringing new life to our town centre. Have your say in my short survey: survey.labour.org.uk/mwhqcbgnym2u...
My statement on Ofsted’s findings on Dudley Council’s Children’s Services.
🚯 Cracking down on waste crime in Dudley. New proposals could see fly-tippers forced to spend up to 20 hours cleaning up their mess AND paying the costs. With tougher fines and enforcement too, we're sending a clear message: dump waste illegally and face the consequences.
Thank you to everyone who came along to my drop-in at Roseland House yesterday! ☕️ It was great to meet local residents, hear your concerns and discuss how I can help. I’ll continue holding regular sessions across Dudley – keep an eye out for the next one!
Great to meet with Dudley’s new Chief Superintendent Michelle Davies. We discussed town centre crime, ASB, shoplifting, muggings, car theft, illegal e-bikes, violence against women and girls, and ensuring community safety is central to town centre regeneration as we continue working together.
Congratulations to everyone receiving their GCSE results today! 🎉 It was great to visit Bishop Milner 6th Form, Beacon Hill Academy & St James Academy to meet students and celebrate their achievements. Well done to young people across Dudley – wishing you every success for what comes next! 👏
Tackling anti-social behaviour in Dudley town centre is a priority. I’ve welcomed West Mids PCC Simon Foster to Dudley several times recently to hear directly from local businesses. I’ll keep pushing for visible policing, strong enforcement and a safer town centre for everyone.
☕ Fancy a cuppa and a chat? I’m holding my next Meet the MP session this Saturday. 📅 22 August, 11am–1pm 📍 Roseland House, 97 Watsons Green Road, Dudley, DY2 4LJ Come along to raise an issue, ask for help or simply have a chat about Dudley.
New mental health support is coming to Dudley. 🏥 Bushey Fields Hospital will be a location for a new dedicated mental health emergency department, helping people in crisis access specialist care in the right setting. A welcome investment in our NHS and Dudley.
🫀 28 people in Dudley are waiting for a life-saving transplant. I was proud to sponsor NHS Blood and Transplant’s parliamentary reception. Please record your organ donation decision and, importantly, tell your family your wishes. #OrganDonation #Dudley