'I did not leak messages between ministers'

MS for Delyn

Last week was a tough week for me in the Senedd as I made a return to the Siambr and spoke honestly about the last few weeks and how those events have impacted me. In my statement, I reiterated that I did not leak messages between ministers – borne out by the statement from nation.cymru which stated that I was not the source for their story – and that my dismissal from government was not handled well and was hugely detrimental to me on a personal level. It won’t surprise you to learn that it was a very difficult statement to make.

In the last few weeks I have received hundreds of messages of support from people of all political persuasions, friends, family and people who I’ve had contact with in my community and for these messages I am truly grateful. In my statement I called for a kinder politics – as I said, I think sometimes we get so caught up in the politics that we don’t always think about the person. My recent experience has brought home to me that while we all ‘talk the talk’ on mental health, there is still more to do to improve our understanding and the impact that it has on individuals and their ability to do things we would ordinarily take for granted. You can see the full statement on my website at www.hannahblythyn.cymru/my-statement-to-the-senedd.

Recently, North Wales had its first jobs fair and conference for veterans, service leavers and their families, held in Wrexham, linking the Armed Forces community directly with local and national employers. The jobs fair (which had 25 employers) highlighted the many benefits veterans can bring to the workplace. It was also announced last week that three universities in Wales – one of them Wrexham University – have been chosen to provide fully-funded four-year degree apprenticeships in construction, civil engineering and surveying. These courses offer students the chance to earn a degree while gaining hands-on experience in employment and they start in September, providing some of the 11,000 workers the industry is looking to recruit by 2028. More details can be found at www.wrexham.ac.uk/news/articles/first-fully-funded-construction-degree-apprenticeships-in-wales-launched-at-wrexham-university.

Last Friday, I visited Ysgol Maes Hyfryd in Flint to see the work they have done there to provide high quality specialist education catering for pupils with a wide range of severe and complex needs. I also dropped in to the Tŷ Gobaith shop in Flint with Councillor Mel Buckley – the charity shop raises money for Tŷ Gobaith and Hope House children’s hospices, which support more than 750 local families who are either caring for a terminally ill child or whose child has died. It’s a great charity to support so I would urge residents to have a browse in the shop if they are in Flint – you might find a bargain and help a good cause at the same time!

If you’re looking to the upcoming school holidays and wondering what to do with the kids, Flintshire County Council has a selection of summer playschemes delivered in partnership with local town and community councils and Welsh Government. The sessions, which are suitable for children aged between five and 12, are free of charge and will be delivered in a variety of locations across the county – details of how to register can be found at www.flintshire.gov.uk/en/Resident/Schools/Flintshire-Playscheme/General-Overview.aspx.

Finally, Wales has a new Older People’s Commissioner – Rhian Bowen-Davies was Wales’ first National Adviser for Violence against Women, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence and she takes up her role in September, when Heléna Herklots’ term as commissioner comes to an end. Wales was the first country in the world to appoint an Older People’s Commissioner back in 2008 and the commissioner has a range of legal powers to help safeguard and promote the interests of older people.

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 for an advice surgery.