During First Minister’s Questions in the Senedd last week, I had the opportunity to raise the issue of improving road infrastructure in North Wales. While we’ve made significant progress since the days before the A55, we all know the challenges it still presents – Flintshire residents will be all too aware that the A55 is the key gateway into North Wales and remains vital for residents, visitors and our economy. There’s more we can do to address the pinch points, improve safety and reduce the disruptive impact of breakdowns and I called on the Welsh Government to work alongside the UK Government to implement practical and innovative solutions, such as a crawler lane westbound around Halkyn, as well as measures to prevent accidents and ease the knock-on effects of breakdowns. It’s clear that further improvements are needed to address congestion, enhance safety and future-proof this vital route for us all.
Last week was Less Survivable Cancers Awareness Week and I am proud to join the Less Survivable Cancers Taskforce (LSCT) in raising awareness about six of the most difficult-to-survive cancers – those of the lungs, liver, brain, oesophagus, pancreas and stomach. These cancers are often harder to detect early because their symptoms can be vague, which makes awareness all the more critical. Over the past year, I’ve shared how cancer has personally impacted my family and, like many of you, I know someone whose life has been affected by this disease. Recently, I had the opportunity to meet with the LSCT at the Senedd, where we discussed the urgent need to improve outcomes for these cancers. Early detection is key – if you notice any changes in your body or have symptoms that concern you, I urge you to see your GP as soon as possible. The sooner we act, the better the chance for a positive outcome.
I am pleased to see the Welsh Government’s ongoing work on income maximisation – putting more money into people’s pockets – and increasing the take-up of support, as well as its continued commitment to initiatives like the discretionary and emergency assistance funds. The Welsh Government has highlighted the importance of targeting disadvantaged groups, such as older and disabled people, helping them to pay their household bills, avoid falling into debt and improving their financial wellbeing, but it is also committed to supporting local economies across Wales, where many people will spend their additional income.
As a proud trade unionist, I raised the proposals put forward by Unite the Union in the Senedd. The union has suggested a number of measures, such as targeted help for pensioners receiving housing benefit, support for disabled pensioners or the possibility of making adjustments to emergency assistance payments. I have asked the Welsh Government if these proposals are something they would be willing to consider further, as we continue to find ways to improve support for those who need it most.
A couple of weeks ago, I heard about new campaign from Wrexham-based charity WeMindTheGap in which the organisation wanted to hear from young people from Flintshire aged between 18 and 21 about their experiences – asking the question, ‘What is life like for 18-21-year-olds in Flintshire?’ Last week I had the chance to meet with Laura Columbine from the charity, who is trying to gather as many voices of young people across the county as possible as part of its Big Conversation in Flintshire. WeMindTheGap runs various schemes to support young people into the world of work, something I know many young people have had trouble with since the pandemic – many have been struggling ever since and the charity wants to hear from those who feel they lack the skills to be part of the workplace and so are finding it difficult to find, secure and stay in work. You can find out more about the invaluable work the charity does at https://wemindthegap.org.uk.
Finally, next week is Talk PANTS Cymru week, a campaign to help children recognise what abuse is and how to speak up if anything doesn’t feel right. Aimed at parents and carers of children aged three to 11, it gives adults advice on how to talk to children in an age-appropriate way about sexual abuse, without using any scary words. We know that simple conversations can make a big difference and that’s what the Talk PANTS campaign is all about. Please get in touch with my constituency office if you want to know more about Talk PANTS resources or check out www.nspcc.org.uk.
As always, if you would like advice and/or support, please don’t hesitate to get in touch on any of the following contact details – 52 High Street, Mold, Flintshire, on 01352 753464 or by email hannah.blythyn@senedd.wales. You can also keep up to date via my Facebook page – www.facebook.com/HannahBlythynForDelyn. Constituents are, of course, welcome to contact my office to arrange an appointment to see me, you don’t need to wait for an advice surgery.