'Range of events are on all week as part of the 10-day Flint Festival '

MS for Delyn

The weekend just gone was a busy one, as we saw the return of the fabulous and fun Flint Festival for the first time since 2019. Saturday was Flint Festival and 999 Day at Flint Castle and it was great to see lots of stalls and support as the community came together once again this summer. I was tasked with awarding prizes for the best sandcastles as part of the lovely ‘seaside’ set-up there but fortunately for me the sandcastles were so good everyone was a winner! A range of events are on all week as part of the 10-day Flint Festival extravaganza, culminating with the Rock the Castle music festival this coming weekend. You can find out more details on the Flint Festival Facebook page.

On Sunday, it was a pleasure to attend the Civic Service of Mayor of Flint, Cllr. Michelle Perfect, joined by councillors and Mayors from across the county. I was honoured to be asked to give one of the readings at the service, which took place at St. John’s Flint with Bagillt United Reformed Church and featured the always amazing, Flint Ladies Choir. There was a parade from Flint Town Hall before and then back after the service and it was lovely to see so many take part, from the Brownies, Guides and Scouts and Cubs to the cadets and Flint RNLI and many more.

Then, later that afternoon it was wonderful to join a special picnic organised by Supporters of Flintshire City of Sanctuary to both welcome resettled Syrian, Afghanistan and Ukrainian Guests in Flintshire and to also bring the community together. As well as a picnic, there was music and magic and it was an afternoon that demonstrated our commitment to being a Nation of Sanctuary not simply in principle but in practice as well.

Last week, the Welsh Labour Government launched its Basic Income pilot scheme. The scheme will focus on care leavers who reach their 18th birthday between 1st July 2022 and 30th June 2023 and will mean that more than 500 people leaving care in Wales will be offered £1600 each month (before tax) for two years to support them as they make the transition to adult life.

The pilot is focusing on care leavers as too many young people leaving care continue to face significant barriers to achieving a successful transition into adulthood that, in turn, make them more vulnerable to poverty. Care leavers have a right to be properly supported as they develop into independent young adults and the pilot will help better understand the unique challenges care leavers themselves face and whether extending the time they are supported could have a positive impact on their entry into adulthood.

And finally, a reminder that unpaid carers have until 15th July to register for a £500 payment. Back in March, the Welsh Labour Government announced that unpaid carers will receive a £500 payment to help with the increased cost of caring during the cost-of-living crisis. If you haven’t applied for yours, you need to register with Flintshire County Council by 15th July to receive your payment. For more information and how to register go to: £500 Support Payment for Unpaid Carers (flintshire.gov.uk)

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 0300 200 7132 or at Hannah.Blythyn@senedd.wales.