'Welsh Government is continuing to provide free school meals to all children who need them'

MS for Delyn

Now schools are finished for the long summer break, I want to start this week by thanking all teachers and school staff for their ongoing dedication and commitment to our young people. It’s been a tough couple of years or so for staff and students and it’s only right that we recognise the contribution and the difference all those who keep our schools going make to our community. Thank you.

As the schools break for the summer, a reminder for Leader readers that our valued summer Playschemes will start from this Thursday 21st July and parents and carers can pre-register their children online at the Flintshire County Council website or by contacting the Play Development Officer on 01352 704155. There are also the Welsh Government backed ‘Summer of Fun’ activities happening across the county, with bookings possible through each of our local leisure centres. If you’re looking for free or inexpensive things to do during the holidays then there is plenty to experience on our doorstep in Delyn – from Bailey Hill in Mold, to Loggerheads, Greenfield Valley, Talacre beach and the world famous Wales Coast Path that starts right here in Flintshire and more. Over the next few weeks I will be sharing information both on local summer activity and things to do in our corner of the country on my Facebook Page. However, a helpful starter for suggestions could include taking a look at ‘Cadw Days Out’ – https://cadw.gov.wales/visit/places-to-vist - we’ve got some of the best castles in the world in Wales, not least our very own Flint castle or searching out some traffic free cycle rides for all ages and abilities that are part of the National Cycle Network in Wales (Sustrans) - https://www.sustrans.org.uk/national-cycle-network/the-national-cycle-network-in-wales/

And even though we’re now in the school holidays, the Welsh Government is continuing to provide free school meals to all children who need them throughout the summer break. You can find out more about how to apply for school free meals in our area by following this link: www.gov.wales/find-out-about-free-school-meals

This summer has and continues to see the return of popular events, both locally and nationally and this week I’m pleased to be heading to the Royal Welsh Show in Builth Wells. As well as seeing first-hand a superb showcase of Welsh rural life, I’ll be taking time whilst there to meet with representatives from farming unions, the Armed Forces, Fire and Rescue Services and PCSOs. Indeed, 2022 marks twenty years since Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) were introduced by the then UK Labour Government and whilst we’ve seen cuts to our police service by the current UK Government, the Welsh Government continues to be committed to backing PCSOs, increasing funding in the last year which means an additional 100 PCSOs in communities across the country.

Finally, it was a privilege to last week attend the National Police Bravery Awards once again on behalf of the Welsh Government. It was a genuinely humbling experience hearing the stories of all the incredible nominees from across Wales and England and it was a real honour to be asked to present the award to the winner from Wales.

As always, 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.