Hospices are a critical part of our healthcare service in Wales.

They provide essential care to more than 20,000 people in Wales affected by terminal illnesses each year.

In our area, we are very fortunate to have St David’s Hospice Care based in Malpas.

Established in 1979, St David's Hospice Care has grown to become the largest provider of hospice at home care in the UK, supporting more than 3,200 patients and families annually.

Its in-patient unit is wonderful and offers a peaceful environment with rooms overlooking fields and gardens.

The dedicated, skilled and compassionate staff provide invaluable support, kindness, and empathy to patients and their families at some of the most difficult times of their lives.

Most of us will have known loved ones who have been cared for by St David’s Hospice Care staff and know how incredible that care is.

The care and facilities are all provided free of charge.

Hospices only receive some funding from NHS Wales and so they rely heavily on its voluntary income. This means that fundraising efforts are crucial.

Before the pandemic approximately two-thirds of hospices’ income came from fundraising activities.

Each day the care costs £12,700 which rises in line with the cost-of-living each year.

There are lots of ways to get involved in supporting St David’s Hospice Care with plenty of events coming up to support.

To find out more contact: Stdavidshospicescare.org or call 01633 851051.

* Eight-year-old Newport resident, Lake, has recently told me about his thoughtful plan to ensure no child in care in Newport is without a Christmas present this year.

When Lake learned that 370 children are in care in Newport, he made this his mission.

You can support Lake by donating any unwrapped present. Lake will be with his mum, receiving gift donations at the Marshfield Village Hall craft fair on November 26.

* It’s been great news to hear of the potential acquisition of Nexpreia by Vishay Intertechnology's.

This will help to safeguard jobs that were put at risk by a decision made by the UK government.

Along with my colleague John Griffiths MS, I recently met with representative of Vishay to hear more about their ambitions for stability and growth within the business.

While there is still a way to go within this process, this is a positive step forward.