A look at of some of things I've been doing this week in the Senedd and around the region.
On the International Day of Disabled People, I spoke in the Senedd about the need for governments everywhere to do better when it comes to the rights of disabled people and match warm words with actions. If the Welsh Government wants to take its commitment to #AGloballyResponsibleWales seriously, words need to be backed by action: https://fb.watch/heLNMyUByQ/
At this time when there are specific pressures on local authority budgets in terms of the increasing demand on social care in South Wales West, I called on the Welsh Government to ensure that social care services are properly funded in my region and across Wales. https://fb.watch/hff48TOjTr/
Proud to support UCU Wales today in their struggle for fair pay, conditions and pensions. As a former employee of Swansea University and UCU committee member, and the wife of a lecturer, you have my full solidarity! Plaid Cymru stands with you!
I visited Blaenymaes Drop in Centre https://www.facebook.com/BlaenymaesDropinCentre to see the tremendous work done by their volunteers to support the local community. The work they do to support the local community is tremendous. I saw how the food bank, community clothes shop, community garden and the social activities they provide give support and promote wellbeing and skills. They are always looking for donations and at the moment particularly need men’s clothing. It’s open Tues, Thurs and Fri for drop off.
I met with the Leader and Deputy Leader of NPT Council to raise local issues and discuss the council’s future plans. I also very much welcomed the news that the Friends of Talbot Memorial Park will finally be receiving financial support from Neath Port Talbot Council supplementing money from the Heritage Lottery Fund, to carry out necessary work on the bandstand. Over the last few months I have been in regular contact with representatives from the Council, pushing for an agreement to be made that would allow work to progress.
I also marked National Energy Action 's #FuelPovertyAwarenessDay. Needless to say, this will be a winter like no other. They estimate that 6.7 million UK households will be living in fuel poverty, including at least 45% of households in Wales. If you or someone you know can’t afford to heat their home then they are here to help – the NEA offer a range of advice and support both directly to people in need, and via frontline workers and other intermediaries.
Call 0800 304 7159, Monday to Friday 10.00 am-12.00 noon https://www.nea.org.uk/get-help/
It was real pleasure to address the South West Wales Federation of Townswomen's Guilds today at Soar Chapel, Pontardawe and be part of their wonderful annual Carol Service. It was particularly special for me to able to welcome members from all over South West Wales to my own chapel! Well done to all who helped organise this event and raise funds for Swansea valley cardiac support group.
I finished the week with some Christmas shopping! Diolch to the Pontardawe Town Councillors for your hard work and to everyone who helped make Wonderful Winterfest and the switch on a success on Friday night! And on Small Business Saturday I visited some fantastic small local businesses in town that help keep my family and I fed with healthy local food all through the year and ensuring and every pound spent stays in the local economy.
You can read more of my Senedd speeches and questions here: Sioned Williams MS (senedd.wales)
