Sylvia Heal

Labour Party | Halesowen and Rowley Regis

Local charity hold exhibition in Houses of Parliament

4 February 2008

Halesowen based charity "Hands @ Work in Africa" has this week held an exhibition at the Houses of Parliament, displaying photographs of the work they do across Africa.

The exhibition has been on display throughout the week for MPs to come and look at and learn more about the charity’s work. A special viewing exhibition was hosted by Sylvia Heal on Tuesday 29th January attended by MPs, representatives from more than one African High Commission as well a range of other charities, it was a great success in raising the profile of the charity and making more people aware of their work. Hilary Benn, former Secretary of State for the Department for International Development visited the exhibition and expressed interest in the Charities work.

"Hands @ Work in Africa" works with community leaders and local churches to bring long term sustainable development to communities ravaged by HIV/AIDS. The Charity operates in South Africa, Mozambique, Malawi, Swaziland, Zambia, Democratic Republic of Congo and Nigeria. They aim to provide inspiration, support and hope to their volunteers in Africa, and a voice to the church, schools and organisations in the UK. The UK branch acts as a link to Africa from supporters in Britain, with information, speakers, resources, fundraising and volunteer opportunities.

Sylvia Heal MP said: "As Patron of "Hands @ Work in Africa" I know first hand how hard they work and the difference the charity makes. I was happy to help "Hands @ Work in Africa" organise an exhibition in Westminster and I am pleased it has been a fantastic success."

"This has provided an excellent opportunity for us to reach decision makers and key aid charities and agencies with links we are actively developing" said Hands UK's chairman Nick Lawrence. "Being able to work with Sylvia to put on this exhibition in Westminster had given us a huge lift, both here in the UK and for our 700 volunteers in Africa who know that we are doing it".