By Lesley Griffiths

MS for Wrexham

Happy 30th birthday to Advance Brighter Futures. The Wrexham-based mental health charity aims to ensure that no individual experiencing mental health problems ever feel like they’re on their own.

It was a pleasure to join in with the celebrations and to see their newly renovated building. The extension and refurbishments were funded by the Welsh Government and I am sure the improved facilities will make a huge difference, enabling ABF to continue to provide a fantastic service to local people.

The landmark anniversary was particularly appropriate as we marked World Mental Health Day last week.

Attitudes towards mental health have changed considerably since ABF was established in 1992 but there is still work to do to make people recognise a person’s mental health is just as important as their physical health.

We’re living through difficult and stressful times and its ok not to be ok. If you’re struggling, charities like ABF are there to help.

I was pleased to welcome North Wales Police & Crime Commissioner, Andy Dunbobbin to The Venture in Caia Park. The children’s centre plays such an invaluable role in the community, with around 2,000 children using its services every year, and I am proud to be patron.

Since 2007, The Venture has been providing Flying Start childcare. Flying Start is the Welsh Government’s flagship early years programme, helping families with children under the age of 4 who live in some of the most disadvantaged areas of Wales.

Recently, the Welsh Government announced £100m of funding to improve childcare availability, which included £26m for the next phase of the expansion of part-time Flying Start childcare. The investment will also help fund improvements and maintenance of childcare buildings and improve Welsh language provision.

Every child, no matter what their background, deserves the best possible start in life. It is clear high-quality provision in the early years supports child development, helping ensure they enjoy learning and can fulfil their potential.

If you’ve visited the city centre recently you may well have spotted the ‘Knife Angel’ on Queens Square.

The imposing sculpture is made from over 100,000 seized knives and weapons collected from all 43 Police Constabularies across the UK. The purpose of the Angel is to raise awareness of the devastating impact knife crime and violence causes in our communities.

The Knife Angel is on a nationwide tour and is on display in Wrexham until the end of the month.