On Thursday I had the honour of helping cut the ribbon at the £21m brand new Swindon & Wiltshire Institute of Technology. The IoT offers exciting degree-level and higher apprenticeships in digital, creative, technical and health subjects.

Robert Buckland MP and I supported this ambitious and exciting project from the very beginning. Whilst there was stiff national competition for the funding and at the time New College and Swindon College were navigating their merger – the strength of the bid, supported by Swindon Borough Council and crucially the wider business community shone through and we one of the successful initial 12 schemes.

The facilities are amazing, with cutting edge technology that will inspire and push the students to their limits. There was such a buzz as we were all given a whirlwind tour, with so many of the guests, myself included wishing we could sign up for some of the courses! The project team who led the design and secured the partnerships with local employers can be rightly proud of what has been delivered.

For me, the key is that the courses have been co-designed and co-commissioned by local businesses – the potential employers of the students. This maximises opportunities for students and local businesses that require skilled, high-tech employees to grow.

I have absolutely no doubt the places on offer will be snapped up with the next generation having the best possible opportunity to secure high skilled, high paid jobs right here in Swindon. This is exactly why our Government has continued to invest in New College and our local schools – the biggest ever investment in skills our region has ever seen. We are unlocking the potential of the next generation, great for students, local employers and our growing town.

I was also thrilled this week to hear the charity Every Cloud has secured a long-term lease at Stanton Park.

Every Cloud Arts & Crafts was launched in 2014 to support people experiencing mental health struggles or living with Asperger’s. It harnesses the positive effects of the creative arts to support positive mental health and aid their recovery.

In 2016 the group made their home in Stanton Country Park, for which I helped secure the initial lease from Swindon Council. They immediately transformed the Farmhouse to open a tea-room to help fund the important work the group does – and I can confirm the coffee and cake is fantastic and very popular with walkers in Stanton Park!

The money raised by the tea-room helped the group to purchase the empty barn on the site, with the aim of turning it into an all-weather space for people to enjoy positive creative activities. This was a bit of a gamble, as the group spent all their reserves from three years fundraising – so I am delighted that this has been so successful.

Every Cloud's work includes therapeutic art groups; regular social events - such as the monthly‘social afternoon for families living with dementia; school holiday workshops for children; seasonal activities for events such as Halloween and Christmas; and special events and exhibitions.

Its Christmas Shop opens Saturday and Sundays, 10am-3pm, November 12 until December 11. Well done Anne Billingham and your team!