"I want to put on record my thanks to the outstanding staff of NHS. I am indebted to you"

July 5 marked the birthday of our NHS, which turns 73 this year.

Over the years, I've seen first-hand both professionally - working in the trade union movement - and personally the dedication and hard work of the people who provide our NHS services, day in, day out.

It is only right they are recognised on this day (and every day) and I am committed to doing all I can to support the workforce and the communities that they serve.

I want to put on record my thanks to the outstanding staff of NHS Wales, and across the UK, in particular for the care and support they have provided to my family. I am, and always will be, indebted to you.

Each July I join with volunteers across our communities to mark Plastic Free July, a campaign to tackle plastic pollution across the world. We can all play our part in reducing the amount of single-use plastic which is used, discarded and sadly pollutes our planet, but sometimes need that bit of encouragement.

Over the weekend I joined Cllr Glyn Banks and lots of other volunteers at Talacre beach, for their monthly litter-pick in the area.

This is just one of many groups who regularly give up their time to clean up our environment, to prevent litter and fly-tipping from having a negative impact on wildlife.

I am keen to support groups across the constituency and if Leader readers would like me to join a litter pick that they're involved in, then please get in touch.

In its recent Programme for Government, the Welsh Government confirmed their intention to abolish the use of most commonly used single-use plastics, to prevent them littering our communities.

This of course will be a great step forward for our country, which is already the third best recycling nation in the world. However I want to again pay tribute to our corner of the country which is already leading on plastic reduction, through projects like the "Naked Takeaway" and Plastic Reduction Mold.

I'll be using my Facebook page - Hannah Blythyn MS - to promote the messages of Plastic Free July and celebrate the great work being done in our communities, and sharing new ideas for others.

There are a number of other ways which our communities are helping to tackle climate change and to encourage more reuse and recycling of other items. School uniform in good condition is being recycled through stalls at both Holywell and Mold markets, supporting families and also preventing the uniforms from going to waste. Volunteers will be at the markets in the coming weeks ahead of the new school year in September so please keep an eye on social media.

From the end of next week applications for the Welsh Government funded Pupil Developments Grant will open, to financially support families across our communities. Grants of £125 are available for children in years 1, 3, 5, 8, 9, 10 and 11, and a grant of £200 for those starting secondary school. The money can be used for school uniforms, sports kit or items related school activities.

More information will be available on the Flintshire County Council website from July 15 and I will be sure to share the relevant links when applications open.

If there is anything I can do to help you or your loved ones, please email me at Hannah.Blythyn@senedd.wales or call 01352 762102, and I will do what I can.