I WAS fortunate enough to attend the 90th anniversary celebrations of Currock Community Centre recently, which got me thinking about the importance of these vital places. 

Community centres are the living heart of a community. For Currock’s ‘birthday’, there was singing, dancing, sports and games, with people of all generations turning out to socialise and celebrate. And activities like these can be found week-in and week-out in all corners of the constituency, from Roadhead to Rockcliffe, to Houghton and Harraby.

I also had the chance to celebrate Currock and all our community centres in a House of Commons debate this week: “From boxing, to ladies that lift, to keep fit with cake," I told my fellow MPs, "Currock is a community centre that genuinely offers something for every member of our community”.

Community centres play a vital role in bringing communities together at a time when so many are seeking to divide us. 

And yet they are a home away from home for people of all ages, faiths and all interests - I arrived at the Currock Community Centre to a church service in full flow.

Currock in particular is one of the oldest community centres in Carlisle, and holds a special place in my heart. 

In 1939, in the midst of World War Two, it is where my uncle John and auntie Margaret had their wedding breakfast.

Currock Community CentreCurrock Community Centre (Image: Google StreetView)

Their neighbours chipped in to help with the food, and it is that sense of community I carry with me in my work as Carlisle’s MP.

That’s one of the many reasons I have followed through on my promise to hold regular advice services, right across the constituency, and mostly held in local community centres and village halls. 

I've never understood why some MPs don’t hold regular surgeries, as for me it's one of the best bits of the job - that and sharing all Carlisle and north Cumbria have to offer in the chamber.

Strengthening community ties also sits at the heart of this Labour Government, with our manifesto commitments to create shift health resources to community services, restoring police patrols and increasing the number of police and community support officers.