ASHTEAD MP Chris Grayling visited a Leatherhead school last Friday to show his support for students living with learning disabilities.
The Conservative MP visited Woodlands School after naming The Sunnybank Trust, which helps children with learning difficulties, as his local cause for 2013.
The school on Fortyfoot Road welcomed the Justice Secretary as he announced his decision to support the charity, which works with a number of Woodlands pupils.
"Having an independent advocate from The Sunnybank Trust is a tremendous support for our young people and their families as students prepare to leave us to embark upon their adult life," said Adrienne Knight, headteacher at Woodlands School.
"The advocate brings a wealth of knowledge and shares this with families.
"Our thanks go to trustees of The Sunnybank Trust for supporting us."
The school educates children aged from two to 19 with a range of difficulties including severe learning needs and complex disabilities.
Mr Grayling said: "This is a tremendous project to be launching at the beginning of 2013.
"The Sunnybank Trust does great work supporting so many men, women and young people so I am delighted to be supporting them."
Rachel Fryatt, the trust's chief executive, said: "The support from Chris is tremendous news not only for us, but also for the learning disability community as a whole.
"This has been doubled by the new Awards for All support which enables us to help and support parents of young school leavers who face huge challenges and uncertainty at this crucial time of transition."
The charity, based in Epsom, has recently been awarded £5,382 from the Big Lottery Awards to start up a new project.
The charity also currently provides a bespoke friends programme that provides volunteer "friends" to those who are often socially isolated and a weekly social club that provides choice, new skills and the chance to meet up with old and new friends.
For more information about the trust, call 01372 749871 or visit www.sunnybanktrust.org
