'Carers play a vital role in our communities at the best of times'

MS for Delyn

Supporting and enabling our children to have the best possible opportunities and outcomes is important to all of us, so it was great to visit “All About Kids” in Gronant last week to see first-hand the wonderful work they are doing. Based at the Rural North Flintshire Family Centre, the team there provide playgroup, after-school club and even a holiday club to support children and families in the local area.

It was great to chat to the team and be shown around the Centre, including the outdoor activity area which is used to encourage the children to explore nature in a safe way. Working closely with both Ysgol Gronant and Ysgol Trelogan as part of the Point of Ayr Federation, All About Kids also works hard to ensure that the children develop educationally.

The Welsh Government’s 30 hour Childcare Offer can be accessed through All About Kids, and childcare vouchers can also be used. To find out more Leader readers can email allaboutkidsgronant@gmail.com or call 07990760302.

Each year we celebrate Carers’ Week to recognise the amazing contributions of carers across Wales and the rest of the UK, in supporting the most vulnerable in our communities. This year, I want to again share my thanks to and recognition of all carers, both paid and unpaid, in this week’s Leader column.

Carers play a vital role in our communities at the best of times, but the last year has placed an incredible strain on them as they supported those in need throughout the pandemic. It is believed that at the height of the pandemic, that unpaid carers were contributing around £33 million of care per day in Wales alone.

In recognition of the enormous contribution of carers in Wales, the Welsh Government has announced a £3 million fund to provide additional respite and short breaks for the coming year. Flintshire County Council will be able to access this funding and support carers here in our corner of the country to get a well deserved break.

A number of residents have been in touch with me with concerns about NHS England’s plans to centralise all data, and the risk this may become available to third parties. I want to be clear that this does not impact any data held by NHS Wales. The Health Minister has issued a statement, which I have shared on my Facebook, that outlines the Welsh Government’s plans to centralise data to be shared between health and social care organisations, but only following an open and transparent public consultation. I will of course be happy to answer any questions residents may have and would urge them to email me with any queries.

Earlier this week Wales began the phased move towards Alert Level One, with restrictions continuing to ease. The First Minister also announced that by Monday of next week, Wales is expected to have offered a first appointment to everyone over the age of 18, some six weeks ahead of schedule.

This is a fantastic achievement thanks to the small army of NHS staff, volunteers and army personnel who have run such an efficient vaccination programme. Betsi Cadwaladr UHB has now set up an online booking system for those who have not been offered a first or second vaccination appointment, so they can choose a time which is convenient to them. You can book an appointment by visiting https://bcuhb.nhs.wales/covid-19/covid-19-vaccination-information/covid-19-vaccination-online-booking.