AS the minister responsible for social services, children, mental health and fostering, I meet many national organisations asking me questions, seeking help and setting out what they do.

But as a constituency MP, I have recently met a variety of people and organisations from in and around Redditch involved in caring for people day in and day out. What a pleasure it was.

Last week, I opened the Brambles, a state-of-the-art residential home for the elderly in Birchfield Road.

And this week, I opened the respite care home, Foxlydiate Mews, which offers short breaks for people with learning disabilities.

It helps people lead independent lives and a chance for carers to recharge their batteries once in a while.

The scheme is the result of excellent partnership work between the voluntary sector, including local MENCAP, the county council and Redditch Council.

On Saturday, I visited a fund-raising event run by parents of children with autism.

A more cheerful and positive group of people you will not find.

Through their love and determination, they provide so much for their children that institutions simply cannot and they deserve support and understanding from us all.

On Sunday, I helped host a picnic given by the county council to thank foster parents for playing their part in giving children a home.

The event also launched two weeks of activities designed to promote fostering to find more homes for more children. Fostering is a great way to give something back and to help others.

The support that is available these days is the best it has ever been so if you are in a position to help, even on a short-term basis, please don't hesitate to call County Hall.

At all these events, I was impressed by the commitment of people from all walks of life, of the will and spirit of users and by what can be achieved when people work together.

Whether it is through regular advice surgeries or constituency events like these, there is no substitute for the direct line MPs have to providers and, most essentially, users, of many of our vital services.

To be lucky enough to be a minister as well gives me the best opportunity to check the Government's progress in delivering support and opportunity for all our people and not just those who are able to pay.