This week, many of the young adults in our community will be receiving their A level and BTec results, with GCSE results following next week.

The past couple of years have seen these pupils face major disruption to their education, as they adapted to a new way of learning during lockdown, followed by bubbles and mask wearing on their return to the classroom. These A level students also were the first cohort to have teacher assessed grades for their GCSEs and experience all the uncertainty that brought.

Through all the difficult times, they have persevered and can be assured that all the hard work will reap rewards in securing them the future they wish for. They should also remember these results do not define them. We all follow different paths and whichever route they take will be the right one for them.

Whatever the results, these students and the staff who have taught them, should be applauded for their resilience and adaptability, qualities that will stand them in good stead for whatever they plan to do next. From university degrees, apprenticeships or starting their careers, their futures are exciting, and we wish them all luck for the next stage of their lives.

Although it has been a very warm summer, we cannot forget about the winter months looming, when it will be a lot colder. That’s why residents will be hearing more about the changes to the warm homes discount scheme.

To be eligible for support this winter, you must be in receipt of, or have submitted an eligible claim for specific, means tested benefits before the end of Sunday, 21 August 2022. If you apply after this date, you won’t be eligible for the £150 discount payment, so do not miss out.

If you’d like to find out more, and check your eligibility, you can do so via our webpage.

For those receiving exam results, the best of luck with your grades and your future.