Last week was the Trades Union Congress (TUC) #HeartUnions Week – a chance to celebrate the vital role trade unions play in workplaces and communities across Wales and the UK. I’m proud to be a trade unionist, the movement has shaped my values, gave me a voice and where I spent many years fighting for a better deal at work – that commitment continues in the Senedd today. From supporting members to championing fairness and equality, trade unions in our workplaces make a real difference every day – you can find out more about joining a union at www.tuc.org.uk/join-a-union.

Since being elected, I’ve always worked to involve different groups in our devolved democracy – whether that’s school visits, talking to local organisations or my annual Democracy in Action Day with schools. Growing up I didn’t think politics was for someone like me, that’s why I feel it’s important that I use the platform I have now to reach out and engage others. Recently I was pleased to be able to welcome a group of Unison women members from across Wales and the north west of England to the Senedd as part of some work they had been doing focusing on women in public life. It was a chance not just to share the workings of our parliament, but also my own journey and how it was, in large part, other trade union women who encouraged me to give it a go and put myself forward.

Access to healthcare shouldn’t depend on how you get there – that’s why Welsh Labour has pledged to take action to improve access to hospital transport, especially for people in rural communities. We all know how important it is that we bring waiting lists down in our NHS, but it’s equally vital to enable people to reach those NHS appointments, especially if they are far from home. Free parking is already available at all NHS hospitals thanks to a Welsh Government policy from back in 2008 and new bus routes and fairer fares are on their way thanks to the Bus Services (Wales) Act which became law on February 2nd, but what Wales also needs is better patient transport to remove barriers to NHS appointments.

I was pleased to see the Welsh Government laying new legislation to recognise the Eurasian beaver as a native species in Wales – helping to protect nature and support natural flood management. This follows engagement with farmers, conservation groups and communities, helping to ensure reintroduction is done responsibly and works for everyone. Last year, I joined the Welsh Beaver Project and Wildlife Trusts Wales at the Senedd for a screening of Balancing The Scales, which showed how beavers can support wildlife, improve water quality and create natural flood defences. For communities here in North East Wales, where recent flooding has been a real concern, these nature-based solutions can play an important role in protecting homes, farmland and local environments alongside other forms of flood defences provided by the Welsh Government. You can read the full statement at www.gov.wales/written-statement-beavers-wales-order-2026.

Recently the Welsh Government also launched its Welsh Seabird Conservation Strategy, which provides an evidence-based framework for the long-term protection of our nationally and globally significant seabird populations. Wales supports important breeding populations of seabirds, thanks to its diverse coastal habitats, cliffs and islands, including the sweeping sands near the Dee Estuary in our corner of North East Wales, which provide essential nesting space for little terns, the second-largest colony of its kind in the UK. As the little tern champion in the Senedd, I’m keen to do all I can to help protect our native seabird colonies across Wales, many of which have faced sustained pressures over many years compounded by the climate crisis we all face.

Families in Flying Start areas in Wales are receiving their first ‘Baby Bundles’, it was announced recently. This marks a significant step-up in support for parents during the earliest, most impactful months of their child’s life. The Baby Bundles include essential items for newborns and their parents, providing practical help and support as families prepare for their baby’s arrival. Each bundle includes a range of clothing from newborn to six months, warm blankets, muslin cloths, bibs, thermometer, maternity and nursing pads, a playmat and a baby book. As the cost of living remains high, many families continue to experience difficulties in paying for household essentials, such as food and heating, so this new scheme goes some way to help new families cope.

Finally, I had the chance to pop in to the magnificent Mold Potato Day at the Daniel Owen Centre at the weekend, which gives gardeners, allotmenteers and anyone interested the chance to buy seed potatoes as well as other seeds and plants to encourage people to grow their own. It was great to see the event continuing to be well attended, with more than 80 varieties of seed potatoes, plus onion sets, garlic, vegetable seeds and plants, herbs, soft fruit and fruit trees for sale. Thanks to Pam Worthington and Nikki Giles from FlintShare, Matthew Smith from Brighter Blooms and all the volunteers for making it happen again this year.

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/HannahBlythyn. Constituents are, of course, welcome to contact my office to arrange an appointment to see me, you don’t need to wait for an advice surgery.