This week and time of the year has traditionally been considered a challenge for a lot of us, with post-Christmas blues, cold dark nights and the impact of bills following the Christmas period. That’s why I was pleased to support Samaritans UK’s Brew Monday campaign – their antidote to Blue Monday on January 16 this week – which asks people to reach out and connect with friends, colleagues and loved ones. In fact, Blue Monday was dreamed up over a decade ago as a marketing ploy for a travel company. The reality is that each and everyone of us can have good or bad days at any time of the year. Being available for a cuppa, a catch up and a listening ear with a friend or acquaintance can encourage connections which can ultimately save lives. Samaritans can be contacted free anytime on 116 123 on any phone.
Last week, it was good to have the chance to visit Kimberly Clark in Flint, the first time I have been back there post-pandemic and follows on from online meetings I’d had with the company. Kimberly Clark, a significant local employer, has had a site in Flint since 1982 and on Friday I was given a tour of one of the mills with the chance to speak to operatives as part of it. In recent years, both companies and consumers have become more conscious of the need to shift to being more sustainable and it was particularly informative to learn more about the innovative work taking place by the company to become more sustainable from action to become more energy efficient and reduce its carbon footprint to moves to more and fully recyclable products and packaging.
On the subject of major local employers – Airbus Broughton is holding an open day for apprentices this coming Saturday 21st January. The firm is opening its doors to welcome students, parents and anyone interested in their apprenticeship opportunities to its manufacturing site to find out more about its state-of-the-art facilities and where the wings for the Airbus A350 wings are assembled. Representatives from Airbus and other education partners will also be there to answer any questions and this is a fantastic opportunity for Flintshire youngsters to get on the career ladder at one of Wales’ best-known anchor companies. To attend, you’ll need to register at www.events.airbus.com/ broughtonapprenticeday
Finally, back down in Cardiff Bay at the Senedd, it’s been another busy few days for me – from starting the week with evidence to the Equality and Social Justice Committee to announcing the next steps in the Welsh Government’s work to eradicate the abhorrent practice of LGBTQ+ conversion therapy in Wales. The government in Wales is committed to doing everything we can within our current powers and to seek further powers if we need them to ban conversion practices. So, I was really pleased to be able to announce on Tuesday that we have established a working group of experts to bring together their expertise and lived experience to support our work going forward in Wales. You can read more here: Survivors of ‘conversion therapy’ among expert group helping advise Welsh Government on actions to ban “abhorrent” practice in Wales
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.