I have been on the road trying to understand how engaging with the local community brings real benefits to the lives of those living in deprived areas.

I recently visited Neo Community Cafe in Rock Ferry. Here, I met countless people who described the various activities of the café as a lifeline: volunteers and customers alike.

From these visits, I’ve been inspired to see how people, including those who may have faced enormous challenges, are supported to grow in confidence, to make new friends, learn new skills, take on responsibilities, and to feel at home.

Time and again, I have seen organisations like NEO go above and beyond what statutory services could ever deliver - and why government must do more to help them thrive.