The following is taken from David Drew's column from this week's SNJ (Dec 5).

My weeks, as ever, are split between the rather frenzied atmosphere in Westminster and work in here in the constituency, where I’ve enjoyed a full diary of some very informative engagements.

One of those was a visit to the Brownhill Centre in Cheltenham on Friday to find out more about the work it is doing as the only day centre in Gloucestershire that supports people with eating disorders.

Sadly, we are seeing a rise in the numbers of people seeking help for eating disorders and provision is struggling to keep up with need.

Brownhill Centre is an eating disorders unit for outpatients, which is managed by the 2gether Trust and which provides excellent support. However, there are no residential centres in the county that can provide specialised care for people with eating disorders, which is much-needed resource.

Sadly, we have seen the result of this lack of provision with some very distressing casework. My team has been trying to help several Stroud people with eating disorders who are severely ill yet have had to travel as far as Glasgow and Manchester to receive residential care.

This only exacerbates the stress on patients and families and reduces their ability to offer support.

Like so much health provision, getting good treatment and care early on, and locally, can help to prevent conditions from escalating, and this early investment of time and resources is vital.

Many of you continue to contact me about Brexit, and you may find the statement on my website useful.

Visit daviddrewmp.org.uk.