We are delighted to announce that Tia Zitawi-Hutchinson recently visited the House of Commons after raising an impressive £120 for the SMBN charity. She was also awarded a Headteacher’s Award at school for this remarkable achievement.

The SMBN (Single Mums Business Network) is a Community Interest Company (CIC) that aims to remove barriers for single mothers, enabling them to work while remaining present parents. They provide support to a wide range of individuals, including widowed mothers, those who have fled domestic violence, and mothers who co-parent without paternal support. The network also promotes businesses owned by single mothers. Furthermore, the SMBN conducts research and lobbies the government for policy changes, recently contributing to the successful passage of flexible working legislation.

Tia chose to support this charity because her own mother joined in 2019, having been a single parent herself. The SMBN offered understanding and a supportive community. During the 2020 pandemic lockdown, Tia and her mother witnessed the struggles of many mothers and young children facing isolation and mental health challenges. They responded by organising online Zoom calls and, once restrictions eased, social meet-ups. They also participated in fundraising activities to provide essential support to families escaping domestic violence, ensuring they had a reliable support network. These fundraisers included sponsored silences, read-a-thons, 5k runs, and tombolas.

Tia was thrilled to visit the House of Commons and Parliament in London, where she met a diverse group of people, including individuals from ITV, BBC radio presenters, and representatives from Martin Lewis’s charity. She also had the opportunity to meet several prominent figures, including:

• MP Mims Davies
• Baroness Verma
• Baroness Owen
• Baroness Wyld

When asked about her favourite part of the London visit, Tia found it difficult to choose, as she experienced so many wonderful things. However, she highlighted that seeing the House of Commons and Parliament was a truly unique experience, and she loved seeing such important buildings. She also found the stories shared by the MPs and Baronesses fascinating, gaining insight into their motivations. Tia is an exceptional individual who has achieved something truly outstanding, and we are incredibly proud to have her as a student at our school.

The production has been a major talking point within the local community, with parents and residents praising the school for its commitment to the arts. Many parents shared their views, with one commenting, “It was a truly magical evening. The students were fantastic, and the production values were incredibly high.”