Our towns matter. They’re more than just places on a map, they’re where we grow up, build our lives and create our futures – that’s why I’ve always believed in backing them. Last week in the Senedd, I asked the First Minister about the Welsh Government’s commitment to investing in our towns across North Wales and to go further by putting local people at the heart of decisions that shape their communities. From Rhyl’s new Queen’s Market to the transformation of Theatr Clwyd, the Welsh Government is investing in our towns. I’m proud to have played a part in establishing the Transforming Towns approach that’s seen a significant amount of investment across the country and nearly £5.5m alone in Flintshire and Denbighshire. You can see many of my contributions in the Senedd on my Facebook page at www.facebook.com/HannahBlythyn.

I’m proud to see once again our green spaces across the constituency recognised as part of the record-breaking Green Flag Awards. From Bailey Hill in Mold to Greenfield Valley Heritage Park, these places play such a significant part in our lives – they’re vital for our wellbeing, our wildlife and our communities. The full list for Wales includes 315 spaces recognised for their excellence, securing Wales that global benchmark of the highest number of Green Flags. A huge thank you to all the volunteers, community groups and the local authorities who make this possible. Your hard work has helped put our favourite North Wales spaces on the map with a Green Flag award.

We recently saw the School Essentials Grant open for applications – a really helpful way to get hold of uniform, school equipment, books and laptops as well as paying for school trips for families on low incomes. Grants of up to £125 per child are available, going up to £200 for Year 7 students to reflect the extra cost of going to secondary school. To qualify, families need to be on certain benefits and children need to qualify for Free School Meals – grants are administered by Flintshire County Council, so to find out more and apply, go to www.flintshire.gov.uk/en/Resident/Schools/Education-Benefits.aspx.

Age Cymru recently launched a new, free and confidential telephone advice line specifically for older carers in Wales. Whether you’re new to caring or have been doing it for years, the new telephone line provides information and advice tailored to the needs of older carers – advisors can help with a range of issues, including access to services, benefits, your rights as a carer and more, so it could be a real help to older carers in our corner of North Wales. You can contact the Older Carers Advice Line on 03300 564 365 to speak to a friendly advisor who understands your situation.

I recently had the chance to join the RSPB at Talacre to do a bit of birdwatching – we were looking for the Little Tern, which can sometimes be seen in Talacre and also at Gronant Dunes. Regular readers might remember that I’m the Senedd Species Champion for the Little Tern, which the RSPB has put on the ‘amber’ list of birds of conservation concern. Sadly, I didn’t spot any Little Terns but I did see some Sandwich Terns and Curlew!

And, finally, I’m recruiting – I’m currently looking for someone to join my busy team as a Caseworker and Constituency Coordinator. This role is based in the constituency and involves helping local residents with casework, coordinating constituency visits and events and ensuring the day-to-day running of the office is responsive to the needs of the people and communities I represent. If this sounds like something you’d be interested in, or if you know someone who might be a good fit, you can see full details at https://senedd.wales/work-opportunities/work-for-a-member-of-the-senedd/work-opportunity-caseworker-and-constituency-co-ordinator-for-hannah-blythyn-ms.

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.