It was a privilege to join colleagues from across the Labour and Trade Union movement as well as the First Minister last week to mark International Workers Memorial Day (IWMD) at the Wales TUC. The day serves as an opportunity to remember all those who have lost their lives simply by going to work but, also, to redouble our collective efforts to make our workplaces better, fairer and safer. Every year more people are killed at work than in wars and, often, they die because an employer decided their safety just wasn’t that important a priority. International Workers Memorial Day (IWMD) commemorates those workers as we remember those who are no longer with us and continue to fight for the living.
Over the bank holiday weekend, I attended Swansea Pride on behalf of the Welsh Government and it was great to see so many people there to support – either taking part in the Pride event itself or providing a warm welcome watching on. I was proud to be there on the weekend, making clear our commitment in Wales to not simply support Pride in communities across the country but to standing together with and within the LGBTQ+ community. Swansea Pride is run entirely by volunteers and I’m pleased that the Welsh Government has been able to support the event and many others through the Grassroots Pride Fund. For more information about the fund, take a look at: www.gov.wales/grassroots-pride-fund
After a busy few days, it was great to be back home in time to get along to Live on the Square in Mold. The popular mini-festival provides a platform to showcase local bands and singers and it really does shine a light on some of the brilliant talent in our corner of the country. It was good to see so many people enjoying one of the many enjoyable events made possible by Mold Town Council and all the amazing volunteers who give up their time.
On the subject of volunteering… Mold, Flint and Holywell town councils have all put out pleas recently for volunteers to help them with events, especially throughout the summer and autumn. Most of these fabulous events rely on volunteers to help with things like setting up and taking down, stewarding, tickets, litter picking and collecting donations, so if you’d like to spare a few hours on a sunny day (hopefully!), drop them a line.
Flint Town Council – email townclerk@flinttowncouncil.gov.wales or call 01352 734414, or drop in to the council’s volunteering event at the Town Hall, Market Square, on June 16th between 12pm and 3pm.
Mold Town Council – email events@moldtowncouncil.org.uk or call 01352 758532.
Holywell Town Council – email support.officer@holywell.wales.
Do you need help or advice with an issue? I’m running an advice surgery in Holywell on Friday 5th May, 12pm to 1.30pm. The surgery is appointment only and constituents can contact my office to book on 01352 753464.
If you would like advice and/or support at any other time, 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.