Loneliness is a bigger problem than simply an emotional experience.  Research has shown that it has an equivalent impact on our health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day and is worse for us than well-known risk factors such as obesity and physical inactivity. Old people are far more likely to become isolated and in turn suffer from loneliness. This can have huge impacts on their health and wellbeing as well as their emotional state.

Parliamentary ActivityTracey is a continual campaigner on many of the issues surrounding dementia. She has lead several Back Bench Business and Westminster Hall Deabtes in the House of Commons, asked Prime Minister’s Questions as well as Parliamentary Writtten and Oral Questions to the Department of Health. Please see all her parliamentary activity here. 

Tracey has a keen interest in all sports and is the manager of a local under 18s girls football team. Tracey is an advocate of increasing the profile, participation and broadcasting of women’s sports. Tracey is pleased that there has been an increase in the number of women and girls becoming referees and coaches as well as playing sports across the spectrum but is keen to see this number increase further.

Tracey is very proud of her animal welfare record and is a devoted advocate of improved animal welfare. As Chairman of the Pet Advisory Committee and honorary President of RSPCA Medway Tracey is working on this at both a local and national level.Tracey has campaigned on issues such as a ban on the use of wild animals in circuses, an end to the badger cull, protection of bees, responsible breeding, tackling irresponsible dog ownership and improvements to the Dangerous Dogs Act as well as many others.

Tracey has been extremely busy recently campaigning to see improvements in stillbirth and infant death numbers as well as support and care for sick children who are born too sick, too small or too soon.

Traditionally dealing with bullies has been the responsibility of schools but now many feel powerless because so much takes place beyond the gate. The impact can sometimes be tragic and sadly over 20 children commit suicide each year because of persistent bullying. The UK appears to do little to prevent this from happening and is far behind the US, Sweden, South Africa and New Zealand – all of whom have strict anti-bullying legislation. This is why Tracey has introduced an amendment to the Anti-Social Behaviour Bill currently progressing through Parliament.