Wales has much to be proud of as a nation when it comes to recycling. Number one in the UK, second in Europe and third in the World – all thanks to the efforts of the people of Wales. With each year that passes recycling becomes more and more embedded into our culture as a country, with people increasingly reusing items, as well as recycling them.
To mark Recycling Week 2020, which began on Monday, I launched the Welsh Government’s newest campaign “Be Mighty, Recycle” alongside vegan chef and athlete, Matthew Pritchard.
Although as a country we have a great track record and continue to improve, we still have to work together to help make Wales a “zero waste” nation by 2050. Recent research shows that around 50% of households in Wales will still put at least one item in their general waste, which could be recycled.
Here in our corner of the country, we have fantastic examples of how communities can come together to tackle not just the waste problem we face, but the challenges of global warming too. Initiatives like Plastic Reduction Mold, who are sharing best practice with other towns, and small businesses signing up to the Refill scheme, all play a part in helping to protect our environment and our future.
I would encourage Leader Readers to visit Flintshire County Council’s website, www.flintshire.gov.uk/en/Resident/Bins-Recycling-and-Waste/Home, for more information or follow my Facebook page, Hannah Blythyn MS, where I often share information on recycling and other environmental issues.
This week I would also like to encourage Leader Readers who are eligible to book for their winter flu jab. With coronavirus still within our communities, protecting ourselves from the risk of the winter flu is more important than ever.
In response to the increased risk of pressure on the NHS and to vulnerable individuals, the Welsh Government have expanded the eligibility for the vaccine this year to include households of those who are shielding, and lowering the age to 50. If you think you may be eligible then I would encourage you to find out by visiting Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board’s website – https://bcuhb.nhs.wales/health-advice/immunisations/flu/
As ever I am on hand to offer my guidance and support to anyone who has any questions about the flu vaccination programme.
Last week I wrote to Parkfields Community Centre in Mold, as well as Emerge Community Arts who are based there, to congratulate them on their successful applications to the National Lottery Community Fund. The National Lottery Community Fund have continued to support projects across the UK in recent months, particularly those offering support to the most vulnerable during the peak of the coronavirus pandemic. Both groups have been granted funding to support children and young people in the coming months, as we adapt to the challenges of a “new normal”.
Emerge Community Arts have kindly invited me to take part in a virtual session and I look forward to visiting Parkfields Community Centre in the future, to see how this funding is benefitting our communities.
If any community groups or organisations would like assistance in looking for funding to support a project which you run to benefit the community, then please get in touch and I will do my best to support and signpost you to the right people.
Finally, I am still getting out and about with my team to deliver the update to homes across the entire constituency and many Leader readers may have already received their copy. If you have any questions about my work, or if there is anything which I can be of assistance with, then please do get in touch by emailing Hannah.Blythyn@senedd.wales or calling my office on 01352 762102.