With AS and A-Level results being awarded last week, and GCSE results due this week, I wanted to offer my support to all those who did not get the grades that they had hoped for, and my congratulations to those who did. Recent months have been challenging for all of us, young people included, and it is only right that they are not disadvantaged by the unprecedented circumstances we find ourselves in.
I am sorry that the results issued last week will have caused further anxiety and stress to many young people, in what we already know to be a stressful time of life. However, I am now glad that the Welsh Government has considered the situation and taken the decision to award the Centre Assessment Grades. This means that the grades proposed by teacher assessment will now be awarded to learners, unless the grade they have been awarded already is higher.
In the coming days I will continue discussions with the Minister for Education and do my best to ensure that this new decision is properly considered by Higher Education providers across the UK. If any young person or parents wishes to speak to me about their own personal circumstances, I would encourage them to get in touch with me and I will do all I can to help and support.
Saturday 15 August marked the 75th Anniversary of VJ Day, the day where allied forces won the battle against Japan, effectively bringing the Second World War to an end. I had the pleasure of joining Cllr Theresa Carberry, Mayor of Mold, and other members of Mold Town Council, and the public for a socially distanced memorial service in Daniel Owen Square. It was moving to hear Cllr Carberry’s speech referring to the efforts of soldiers across the Commonwealth who helped to rebuild Britain following the war, and to see so many people join the two-minute silence as they heard the Last Post play.
Whilst defence remains the responsibility of the UK Government, it is an incredible privilege to be the minister with responsibility for veterans in the Welsh Government. In the past year, I have seen and heard the many challenges and barriers our veterans and their families face, from accessing the right support, post service work opportunities or just knowing where to turn to get information and support. Whether here at home or within Government, I am absolutely committed to doing all I can for those who have served and those who continue to serve our communities and our country.
Continuing with my Community Champions scheme, it was a pleasure to get out and about in Flint and Northop Hall last week, meeting with individuals, groups and businesses who had been nominated for their hard work in the community. From lunch clubs who have continued to keep in touch with the socially isolated, to childcare facilities who have gone over and above to care for the children of key workers, there has been so much great work in our communities. Now that I have had chance to hear the experiences of our Community Champions myself, I will be sharing their stories through my Facebook page starting next week. However, I know there are still many people who have gone over and above without their story being shared, so if you would like to share a story with me, then please get in touch.
Working from home continues to be the “new normal” for many of us, which can be frustrating if the internet service we have is not of a good standard. I am still running my broadband survey and would appreciate hearing the views of Leader readers, to help me better understand the challenges our communities face. If you would like to share your experiences of access to broadband, something I believe is a 21st century household utility, then please visit www.hannahblythyn.cymru/broadband-survey.
In previous years I have spent the summer door knocking, delivering newsletters and conducting surveys across Delyn, sticking to my promise of being an open and engaging Member of the Senedd. Despite the circumstances we find ourselves in, I will be spending some time in the coming weeks, delivering newsletters across our communities, updating constituents on my work as your Member of the Senedd. Although I will not be door knocking, if you would like a socially distanced chat with me about an issue, then please let me know and I will do my best to offer my support.
As always I can be contacted on 01352 762102 or at Hannah.Blythyn@senedd.wales and will always do my best to offer you the support you need.