Last week the sun was shining on the return of the ever-popular Denbigh and Flint Show – an annual event that is supported by a wide range of individuals and organisations. I enjoyed spending time at the show and the opportunity to meet with a number of organisations, from discussing the future of sustainable farming in Wales with the Farmers Union of Wales (FUW) to the work that is being done to help keep our communities safe with Andy Dunbobbin, North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner.
It was also good to take the chance to visit the food hall and it was fantastic to see it featuring a growing number of producers from here in Delyn, including Mold-based Hafod Brewing Company Limited and K & G Chocolates and Truffles, alongside Mostyn Kitchen Garden and the Clwydian Range Distillery. I also enjoyed seeing lots of familiar faces in one place, including some school friends I hadn’t seen in a while!
While it may be the summer recess, my work in both a constituency and ministerial capacity continues. On Friday, in my role as Deputy Minister for Social Partnership, I went along to the first Veterans Breakfast event at HMP Berwyn in Wrexham. The prison has a veteran’s wing and the purpose of the newly-launched breakfast club is to provide support for those there who have identified as veterans to help with their transition to outside life once again, addressing any challenges they may face. It was good to see several veterans’ organisations in attendance, such as the RBL (Royal British Legion) and Help for Heroes, alongside the various internal provision from HMP Berwyn.
Last week, the Welsh Government announced funding for a scheme to support local projects in coastal areas of Wales in tackling the climate emergency. The fund aims to build capacity, helping communities to deliver sustainable action which supports growth and recovery in local marine and coastal areas. One of the projects which benefitted from funding was Flintshire Local Nature Partnership, which showcased the benefits of engaging with local coastal areas by producing films featuring local stakeholders. The project engaged 40+ volunteers as well as local business owners and filmed a range of stakeholders such as a local chef, fishermen, the RNLI (Royal National Lifeboat Institution) and a local influencer.
The types of projects the fund could support varies from developing skills, knowledge and networks to engage with marine and coastal issues to carrying out scoping exercises to look at reducing carbon emissions in the marine and coastal environment – it could also help increase public understanding of local eco-systems and how to manage and use them responsibly. The fund has a yearly budget of £500,000 for two years and the application process closes on Friday 22 September – find out more at www.wcva.cymru/coastal-capacity-building-fund.
Finally, it’s that time of year when many young people (and their families!) are anticipating and receiving their long-awaited exam results. I want to start by paying tribute to the hard work and commitment of everyone involved, from the learners themselves to the teachers and all of the education workforce. Thank you and well done. Whatever the outcome on results day this year, there are options and opportunities out there for everyone. A good resource for a first step to considering what comes next is the Welsh Government’s Working Wales website – you can find more information at www.workingwales.gov.wales/how-we-can-help/young-persons-guarantee.
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 until an advice surgery.