In our role as Members of the Senedd we’re able to sponsor events and I was pleased to host the launch of the Booksellers Association’s report on ‘the cultural and community role of Wales’ bookshops’ at the Senedd. The report recognises bookshops as central to the cultural infrastructure of Wales and highlights the role that bookshops and booksellers play in our local and wider communities – Wales’ bookshops deliver an extraordinary range of community, cultural and educational activities, often at their own expense. The event brought together Members of the Senedd, booksellers, publishers and authors, with contributions from Meryl Halls, Caryl Lewis, Howard Davies, Gwyneth Lewis and Jo Knell, exploring the findings of the research and the challenges and opportunities facing the sector.

In my opening remarks, I talked about the difference reading books had made to my life and how important independent local bookshops are for our communities in Wales. It was good to have the chance to mention our own Mold Bookshop which has served our community for decades – thanks to Caroline for reaching out about the report and hosting the event. The report launch was also covered on ITV the other night – if you missed it you can catch up at www.itv.com/watch/news/new-report-reveals-the-important-role-bookshops-play-in-wales/v9wdr2g?fbclid.

It was announced recently that more than two million bus journeys have now been taken by young people across Wales since the introduction of the £1 bus fare scheme in September last year. The Welsh Government’s flagship scheme, which regular readers will know I’ve been championing since it started, offers all young people aged between five and 21 years a single fare for just £1 and a £3 day ticket when travelling with participating bus services. The scheme is a positive step forward in making public transport more affordable and accessible for young people and these initiatives form part of the Welsh Government’s wider commitment to greener, fairer travel options across Wales.

Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) were meant to protect sensitive information – not to silence people who’ve experienced harassment, abuse or bullying at work. Too often, that’s what we’ve seen, here in the UK and around the world. I’ve never used an NDA and I welcome new UK legislation banning their use to stop people speaking out about harassment and abuse. But I believe we should go further – NDAs should not be used as a tool to cover up bullying either. Last week I raised this in the Senedd and how it should apply to our devolved democracy – you can see many of my contributions in the Senedd on my Facebook page at www.facebook.com/HannahBlythyn.

I enjoyed the chance to sit down for a chat with Louise and Kevin from Nationwide when I dropped into the Mold branch recently. During the visit, I heard more about just how many people in the constituency bank with them – 38% of households in Delyn bank, save or have a mortgage with Nationwide – but also about how they try to go that extra mile to support customers, from digital explainers to dementia-friendly support.

The visit came on the back of the building society’s commitment to keep a branch presence in communities across the country until at least 2030. I know this announcement was welcome news not only to their customers but to high streets as a whole, as we have sadly witnessed the opposite trend in recent years as many well-known banking names have shut up shop in our towns. I know how important banks are to our people and places, that’s why I will be continuing efforts to make sure there’s a better banking presence across the area, including the ongoing push for a Banking Hub in Holywell like there now is in Prestatyn and Flint.

Recently, I dropped into a Senedd event hosted by FareShare Cymru – a charity that rescues surplus food that would otherwise go to waste and shares it with charities, community groups, schools and hubs across Wales. The charity’s work helps to reduce food waste and tackle food insecurity by supporting organisations to make nutritious meals for people who need them most. FareShare Cymru volunteers work day in, day out to strengthen communities across Wales and the work the charity does can really make a difference – you can find out more at fareshare.cymru.

As always, if you would like advice and/or support, please don’t hesitate to get in touch on any of the following contact details – 52 High Street, Mold, Flintshire, on 01352 753464 or by email hannah.blythyn@senedd.wales. You can also keep up to date via my Facebook page – www.facebook.com/HannahBlythyn. Constituents are, of course, welcome to contact my office to arrange an appointment to see me, you don’t need to wait for an advice surgery.