A view from Wrexham’s Member of the Senedd
Wrexham.com has invited Wrexham & Clwyd South Members of Parliament and Members of the Senedd to write a monthly article with updates on their work in their respective Parliaments and closer to home – you can find them all here.
In this month’s column Wrexham’s Member of the Senedd, Lesley Griffiths, writes:
Congratulations to Vaughan Gething on becoming Welsh Labour’s Leader and First Minister of Wales.
Although constituents will be aware I was backing Jeremy Miles MS, Vaughan’s election is historic and I wish him every success.
It was a hard fought campaign and a close result but it is vital Welsh Labour members come together and unite behind the new First Minister.
There are many challenges ahead, including a General Election on the horizon.
The UK economy is struggling and the cost-of-living crisis is hitting people hard but Welsh Labour representatives will continue to fight and stand up for the people of Wales.
An honour to be elected Leader of our incredible Welsh Labour Party today.
I spoke with @Keir_Starmer this morning about the fight ahead and our chance to create a brighter future for Wales, together.
Thank you to Jeremy for the ideas, energy and commitment he has brought to… https://t.co/l6Aj0VmEef
— Vaughan Gething (@vaughangething) March 16, 2024
Wrexham was well represented at a recent award ceremony that recognises the very best mental health services in Wales.
Based on Belmont Road in the city centre, Advance Brighter Futures won ‘Best Mental Health Support Service’ and local resident Keir Harding triumphed in the ‘Inspirational Leader’ category.
Both entries were nominated as part of the Mental Health & Wellbeing Awards, which highlights and celebrates the work, interventions and success of individuals and organisations throughout Wales.
The ceremony took place in Cardiff at the end of last year and I recently caught up with the local winners to offer my congratulations.
Advance Brighter Futures (ABF) is a mental health charity that has helped countless people over the years.
As well as celebrating its 30th anniversary, in recent years the charity has secured significant Welsh Government funding which helped refurbish and expand their premises, enabling ABF to continue to provide a fantastic service to local people.
Wrexham’s second winner on the night was Keir Harding, a mental health professional with more than 20 years of experience.
Keir founded Beam Consultancy and is passionate about improving services for people suffering from severe and complex mental health issues.
People like Keir and those who work at Advance Brighter Futures do not seek praise but it is right their outstanding efforts are celebrated.
Congratulations to @ABFWXM & @Keirwales on winning their respective categories at the Mental Health & Wellbeing Awards.
Their pioneering work provides crucial support to people in & around #Wrexham and I’m pleased they have received national recognition.https://t.co/WUXRS9JHKK
— Lesley Griffiths (@lesley4wrexham) March 18, 2024
For 30 years, Care Forum Wales has championed the social care sector, offering a voice to its members whose primary role is to look after some of the most vulnerable people in society.
The organisation represents more than 450 independent care homes, nursing homes and other social care providers throughout Wales. The united members share best practice and resources and work to influence policy makers.
Last week, I sponsored a special event at the Senedd celebrating Care Forum Wales’ achievements over the past three decades.
Mario Kreft MBE, the Chair of Care Forum Wales, presented outgoing First Minister, Mark Drakeford with a Special Recognition award, praising his contribution and long-term support for the sector. The recognition was fully deserved and the First Minister is leaving some big shoes to fill.
For 30 years, @careforumwales has championed the social care sector, offering a voice to its members whose primary role is to look after some of the most vulnerable people in society.
I was proud to sponsor this very special celebratory event at the @SeneddWales. pic.twitter.com/BUB7Jv48W4
— Lesley Griffiths (@lesley4wrexham) March 12, 2024
I am pleased Wrexham has received a share of Welsh Labour Government funding to help tackle the empty properties in the city centre.
Wrexham Council secured £500,000 via the Transforming Towns Loan Fund. Since the Fund’s inception in 2014, more than £73m has been provided to local authorities across Wales helping revitalise town and city centres and bringing over 600 vacant units back to life.
Under the scheme, people can obtain an interest free loan which may be used to acquire, refurbish, convert or redevelop a Wrexham city centre property.
£500,000 awarded to tackle empty properties in the city centre https://t.co/pC3wVElKjY pic.twitter.com/tnyWVWNu1M
— Wrexham Council (@wrexhamcbc) February 22, 2024
Business Wales provides free independent advice and support to people starting, running and growing a business in Wales.
Following the loss of EU funding, the Welsh Government announced in 2022 it would commit almost £21m every year until 2025 to sustain the service.
According to the latest figures, a new business supported by Business Wales is twice as likely to still be operating after five years when compared to an unsupported business.
In Wrexham, 228 individuals have been assisted since May 2021. Over 90 new enterprises have been created and almost 200 jobs have been safeguarded.
Business Wales is here to support anyone in Wales looking to start a business. Whether you’re just starting out or you’re ready to move to the next stage, we can help. https://t.co/ZiKHjGWic9 pic.twitter.com/t22qDSKatc
— Business Wales North (@BusinessWalesN) March 15, 2024
Finally, I want to congratulate all those who organised and took part in Wrexham’s St David’s Day parade. The turnout was amazing and it was lovely to see over 750 local school children participating.
Fantastic turnout at the #StDavidsDay parade in #Wrexham
Well done to the organisers and to the 750+ children taking part from local schools.
— Lesley Griffiths (@lesley4wrexham) March 1, 2024
If you’re a constituent in Wrexham and there is anything I could help you with, please email me: [email protected] or call 01978 355743. You can sign up to my regular e-newsletter by clicking here.
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