By Hannah Blythyn

MS for Delyn

After many months of events and activity operating solely online, it’s been good to see organisations and individuals being able to strike a better balance of the virtual and in person, as things have cautiously opened up. After shifting to an online format last year, I was pleased to be able to attend the first full in person Wales TUC Congress for a number of years just down the coast in Llandudno. I had the opportunity to speak at a number of events on the upcoming Social Partnership and Public Procurement (Wales) Bill and social partnership working more generally alongside fellow speakers from the Trade Union movement and the Future Generations Commissioner. It was a good opportunity to bring people and organisations together to address how we can jointly tackle the challenges ahead – from the climate crisis, to sustain public services, insecure work and the cost of living storm and to make sure that working people, through the trade union movement are front and centre.

Closer to home, it was a delight to be asked to attend and present the Mold RFC Minis section awards for the past season. We know that the past couple of years have been particularly testing for our young people, so it was lovely to be part of a celebration of team work and commitment to recognise the excellent Minis section that has gone from strength to strength. The players are a credit to the rugby club but it wouldn’t be possible without the hard work and dedication of coaches, volunteers and parents. I look forward to continuing to support Mold RFC, both pitch side and more broadly as the club seeks to build on its offer in the coming months and years.

I know that across the UK there has been a lot of media coverage and concern regarding access to Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) and recognise this has been causing a great deal of anxiety. Since March 2015, there has been a 90% increase in the number of prescriptions for Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) in Wales. Whilst the UK Government is responsible for maintaining the continuity of supply of medicines to the UK, the Welsh Government are continuing to work closely with them to help the NHS to maintain the supply of medicines and ensure women can get the medicines they need. Improving continuity of supply of HRT is just one part of improving menopause care and support - health boards will be expected to provide a range of services including adoption of an individualised approach and referral to a health care professional with expertise if treatments do not improvement symptoms. The availability of HRT products and the success of these measures to improve availability will be kept under review.

Many Leader readers will be looking forward to this week’s extended bank holiday to celebrate the milestone occasion of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. I know there are street parties, beacon lightings and a whole host of activity planned over the four-day weekend, and I would like to both wish people well and thank the Town Councils, community groups and individuals who are instrumental in making things happen. Key commemorations and celebrations will also be taking place across the country and it is an honour and a privilege to be attending the Platinum Jubilee Celebration and Royal Gun Salute in Cardiff on behalf of the Welsh Government.

If you have any questions about my work as your Member of the Senedd or would like to ask for advice and support, please get in touch with me on 01352 762102 or at Hannah.Blythyn@senedd.wales.