ANN-MARIA MARTIN AND SURVIVORS R US

Ms JODIE HARRISON(Charlestown)I would like to recognise the extraordinary work of Ann-Maria Martin, the founder of Survivors-R-Us. Maria is a single mother, former chef and restaurateur, who was inspired to action after surviving an abusive relationship. I've met Maria on many occasionsshe dreams of living in a region where everyone feels warm and safe, is clothed and fed and has a roof over their heads. That is a dream many of us share but through her charity Survivors-R-Us Maria has made it a reality for hundreds of people in the Charlestown electorate and the Hunter Region. Survivors-R-Us is a charity based in Cardiff which offers support to people fleeing domestic violence or experiencing unemployment or homelessness. Maria and her volunteers offer free cooked breakfasts, a food warehouse, on-site counselling, a weekly men's group, sewing groups, an op shop, workwear supplies, access to washing machines and showers as well as free bread and fresh produce. Survivors R Us is totally judgement free. You don't have to qualify, you just show up and grab what you need. I would like to thank Maria for her hard work and inspiring generosity of spirit.

A Community Recognition Statement is an opportunity for an MP to give a short speech praising the work of an individual or group in the local community. If you have any ideas about people I can recognise with a Community Recognition Statement, please email and let me know!