• I spoke in the Senedd during the debate on the Review Designated Landscapes in Wales. Living in Wales, we are very fortunate to have such a great outdoors to enjoy. It is vital to quality of life and tourism. Our designated landscapes have particular qualities of beauty and must be protected for future generations. As the Welsh Government considers future strategy and policy on these matters it must work with the national parks, A.O.N.Bs and environmental groups to ensure we arrive at the best possible balance for the future of Wales. We should all be proud that a quarter of Wales has been recognised for its outstanding natural beauty and is protected in this way.
• I was pleased to the city’s inaugural ‘Fit and Fed’ event at the RASCAL Hope Centre in Somerton.
‘Fit and Fed’ is a campaign run by Communities First and various partners across Newport to try and alleviate children’s holiday hunger, isolation and inactivity. The programme allows children in poverty aged 8 and over to engage in free local, varied, fun, safe and vibrant sport and physical activities, whilst receiving a much needed nutritious meal.
It was great to see children enjoying the games and sports at the Hope Centre. The ‘Fit and Fed’ campaign was offering vital service to tackle the ‘Holiday Hunger’ epidemic that exists within our most disadvantaged communities across our city. I hope that this event will be the first of many in Newport.
• Finally I had the pleasure of attending a coffee morning with the Toc H Group in Eveswell Community Centre.
I met with the group, along with Sarah Rochira, the Older People’s Commissioner for Wales, to discuss any concerns they may have.
The group offers older people in our community a place to socialise every week as well as running a number of activities such as fitness classes and day trips. Toc H meet every week in the community centre and I’d recommend it to anyone who fancies popping along for a cup of tea and a chat. Toc H runs on Friday mornings at 10 am in Eveswell Community Centre.
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