This week sees the Senedd return after the Easter recess, with plenty on the agenda in Plenary, including the opportunity for Members to have their say on the UK Government’s plans to introduce anti-strike legislation and calls for HS2 redesignation. Last week, I was happy to host a visit to the Senedd from children and staff from Ysgol Maesglas in Greenfield and to share more about my role in the heart of our Welsh democracy. I visited the school ahead of their Cardiff visit back in March and it was fantastic to be able to share the work of the Senedd and its members with local learners. I’ve said before how I’m keen to make our politics as accessible as possible – hopefully some of them will become the next generation of Welsh lawmakers!
The Senedd has a great resource for schools, both primary and secondary, to support visits to the Senedd and outreach programmes closer to home. I am always happy to come into schools in Delyn and more information about schools outreach can be found online here: www.senedd.wales/visit/education-and-youth-engagement/visit-us/
Wales has some truly inspirational people and on Thursday we recognised the great and often extraordinary contributions made by some of Wales’ bold and brilliant people at the St David’s Awards 2023. The awards recognise people from business, communities, culture, innovation, science and technology, the environmental sector and sport as well as outstanding young people, key workers and people singled out for acts of bravery. There’s also a special First Minister Award, which this year went to poet Gillian Clarke for her contribution to the arts, literature and culture in Wales. Well done to all the winners and finalists – your awards are truly deserved!
Also last week I visited the Dogs Trust in the capital and learnt about the Freedom Project – a dedicated fostering service which supports dog owners and their dogs who are escaping domestic abuse. The project’s dedicated team work with survivors of domestic abuse, collecting their dogs and placing them in rehoming centres or – more often than not – specialist foster families so that survivors are able to access refuge and support without the fear of their pets facing harm, as many refuges don’t allow pets. Many dogs are then reunited with their families once it is safe and appropriate to do so. More details can be found at www.dogstrustfreedomproject.org.uk.
And, finally, as a football fan I must offer my congratulations to Wrexham AFC for their fantastic win over Boreham Wood which has propelled the team into the Football League for the first time in 15 years. Who knew that two Hollywood stars could have such a dramatic impact on one of our football teams – and the oldest team in Wales? Credit where it is due to the many fans who have seen the club through tough times and here’s hoping the upward trend continues next season. I must wish the team, the staff, the owners and, most of all, the fans my congratulations for pulling off such an amazing feat in such a short space of time.
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/hannahblythynMS Constituents are, of course, welcome to contact my office to arrange an appointment to see me, you don’t need to wait until an advice surgery.