'Council made a huge effort to keep social care in-house'

MS for Delyn

Last weekend the nation came together for Remembrance Sunday, where we honour those who have served in the Armed Forces and those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Many of us attended Remembrance Sunday services, where we came together to reflect on the bravery of past generations and the resilience of those who still stand for our freedoms today. I laid a wreath at the Mold Remembrance Service, where the parade and attendees paused to reflect at the Cenotaph on Bailey Hill, before I headed to the Flint service in the afternoon as I do every year.

At First Ministers Questions last week, I was able to draw attention to our LGBTQ+ veterans – especially those deeply impacted by the so-called ‘gay ban’. I'm really privileged to have had the opportunity to work with the LGBTQ+ veterans’ charity Fighting with Pride and hearing first-hand the personal stories of the toll the ban has taken and still takes on them was truly heartbreaking. I called on the Welsh Government to make representations to the UK Government on this and I will continue to make the case for LGBTQ+ veterans to receive the justice they deserve.

I also raised the issue of workplace harassment and bullying in the Senedd last week. This is something we’ve seen too often across many sectors, from the fire service to the latest recent allegations within the WRU. I asked for a further statement on what tools are available in Wales to act – not just talk – to eliminate these unacceptable behaviours.

The recent allegations of bullying and sexism within the WRU are shocking and I want to pay tribute to the women who had the courage to come forward. Their experiences, as reported, reveal a troubling pattern of discrimination and sexism – one that would be unthinkable for the men’s team. An apology cannot be the end of it – this time there has to be tangible and meaningful cultural change within the WRU. We need an institutional shift towards transparency, accountability and a culture that values and protects all players equally. We owe it not just to the women of the international team but to all young girls wanting to play rugby in Wales.

During the week I visited the European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute at Cardiff University for a presentation and tour of the facility by Professor Richard Clarkson and Breast Cancer Now. It was a real insight into the work being done to tackle breast cancer at a molecular level. Regular readers will know that I recently spoke about my family’s story with breast cancer in the Senedd and to be able to hear about what initiatives are being used to identify and quickly tackle cancer were very encouraging. Breast Cancer Now also explained how they not only support the research into tackling cancer but also the support network for those and their families living with cancer.

The recent UK Budget was a welcome step towards recovery from years of austerity, but we all know there’s still a long way to go to reverse the impact on our public services. Social care was referenced in the UK Government’s Budget and this week I took the opportunity to make the case for social care in the Senedd. Our own local authority – Flintshire County Council – has made a huge effort to keep social care in-house and invest in its infrastructure and I asked the Welsh Government for assurances that, in the budget discussions now ongoing, social care is given serious consideration and how local authorities across Wales can play a part in delivering effective social care to secure the future of our NHS.

Finally, Flint Town Council has organised a pre-loved toy sale this Saturday at Flint Town Hall – the perfect chance to clear out those unwanted toys and games before Christmas or find some amazing bargains! Stalls are just £5 and all proceeds go to support the Mayor’s charities – Hope House Hospice and Ysgol Pen Coch. The sale kicks off at 12.30pm and there’s still time to book your stall by calling 01352 734414 or emailing townclerk@flinttowncouncil.gov.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/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.