Recess Week: My Week 12th – 18th February
This week Parliament was in recess, but there was no relaxing as there was a very busy week in the constituency, with visits to many fantastic organisations and meeting extraordinary people.
Friday the 12th February
Friday morning I visited Ysgol Y Wern Primary School in Ystalyfera. I had a really fun morning talking to the children about being an MP and taking questions from the children about a variety of different questions. It was great to see the children so engaged and interested in politics, even at such a young age, even if sometimes they could have given Jeremy Paxman a run for his money!
In the afternoon I paid a visit to Organised Kaos, a contemporary youth circus company based in Gwaun Cae Gurwen. Organised Kaos is a not-for-profit social enterprise where all the money they make is reinvested into their circus training school, making arts-based participation available to all members of the community. I was given a demonstration performance and the acrobats were incredible, contorting themselves and giving performances that looked amazing.
Sunday the 14th February
This year Neath has the incredible honour of hosting three of Wales Women’s Six Nations matches – against Scotland, France and Italy. The first match was last weekend where Wales took on Scotland Women. It was a thrilling, fantastic match with great performances on both sides and I’m so excited for the next match to come down to the Gnoll.
Monday the 15th February
On Monday afternoon the weather smiled on us as I went campaigning with a dedicated group of campaigners in support of our fantastic Assembly candidate Jeremy Miles. The weather may have been freezing but we all had a warm welcome on the doorstep.
Tuesday the 16th February
On Tuesday morning I visited Resolven Building Blocks, a registered charity based in the Neath Valley which provides high quality childcare for children from 0-12 years. It offers children a range of playing and learning opportunities. The school and its very dedicated staff are working hard towards obtaining the Healthy Pre-School Sustainability Award, which I wish them every luck in achieving.
I also attended the launch of Workways+ at Baglan Energy Centre. Workways+ is a continuation of the Workways programme, which was led by Neath Port Talbot Council, and helped around 4000 people get into work.
Tuesday afternoon was a visit to the DS Smith Packaging centre in Neath. It was great to see the hard work that everyone there does, providing a wide range of packaging and packaging styles. The next time I take something out of a package I’ll be thinking of them in the factory, and not the hairnet that I had to wear!
Wednesday the 17th February
I paid a visit to the NPT Parkinson’s Support Group on Wednesday morning. Supports groups such as these are vital to provide the companionship and essential support and information for people suffering long-term illnesses and it was great to go along and talk to them for the morning.
Thursday the 18th February
On Thursday I wrapped up a terrific week in the constituency with a visit to the Neath Port Talbot Children’s Rights Unit. The CRU is a fantastic new project which has been set up to ensure that children and young people’s rights are respected and protected. I met with two of the young people who are involved with the CRU, Hannah and Harri, and it is great to see two young people so engaged with wanting to help their community.