As the Senedd broke for Easter recess, it was great to be able to take the time to visit the Walk & Talk Today shop in Ffynnongroyw and catch up once again with the fabulous Louise Rudd, who set up the shop to help support families of domestic abuse. The initiative has since gone from strength to strength and  provides the local community with a much-needed resource – as well as offering clothes, toys and household items, the shop now has a furniture showroom and also runs a popular tearoom. Louise and other also organise a local food bank and collect items for this too at the shop. If you’re having a Spring clear-out or planning a trip to the supermarket, they’re always on the lookout for donations so keep them in mind and support them if you’re able to.

Now that Spring is finally upon us, I recently had my first street surgery of the year, this time out and about in Trelogan. The street surgeries always offer a good opportunity for me to reach out to different parts of the constituency and for people to raise any issues with me from the comfort of their own home and last month’s was no exception. Over the coming weeks and months, I’m planning on doing similar elsewhere, alongside my regular appointment advice sessions in towns across Delyn.

The Easter period also gave me chance to finally pay a visit to Wrexham  Museum and the Shirt Stories Exhibition . I’ve been wanting to get there for a while, not just because I’m a football fan but also because I have a proud personal connection in that my Aunty Brenda features in it and even donated a shirt and one of her caps. Brenda was one of the footballing trailblazers that played for Wales (and the very successful Prestatyn Ladies FC) in the 1970s and I was really pleased that she was able to be part of the exhibition launch at the end of last year. It was good to have the opportunity to be shown round not just the exhibition itself but also take a look in the archives and hear more about exciting plans for the development of the museum into a ‘Museum of Two Halves’ with the new National Museum of Football coming to North East Wales. Earlier this year the Welsh Government announced a further £5.45 million for the new Football Museum for Wales, which will be within Wrexham Museum and see a substantial redevelopment of the building. The new museum will celebrate Wales’ football heritage and help build a legacy from the nation’s involvement in the men’s FIFA World Cup 2022, ensuring its history is valued and stories are recorded for future generations of players, supporters, and fans. Like many others, I look forward to the redevelopment of the museum and the difference it could potentially make to our corner of the country.

Finally, recognising the rising cost of living and the pressures it is placing on many people, including the younger generation, the Welsh Government has this week announced that the Educational Maintenance Allowance (EMA) payment will increase from £30 per week to £40 for eligible further education students in sixth form or college. EMA is a weekly grant (paid every two weeks) designed to support 16 to 18-year-olds from low-income households with further education costs, such as transport or meals.  The EMA – which was axed a number of years ago just over the border in England – is a lifeline for many young people enabling them  to continue with their studies. You can check eligibility for this support here: https://www.studentfinancewales.co.uk/…/eligibility/

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.