October half term is always a busy week in our city. You can find out about the free activities happening in Newport on the new Newport City Council websites.

The Newport Rising Festival and annual torch lit march are taking place this year on the 185th anniversary of the Chartist storming of the Westgate hotel. The build-up to the festival includes excellent workshops, from lantern making to guided walks. This week you can try lino printing and attend historic talks in the Rising Hub and the Corn Exchange. Learn more about the festival and how to get involved at newportrising.co.uk/lineup.

One of the best parts of my job is meeting passionate young people who care about their communities. It was a pleasure to recently meet representatives from Maesglas Primary and Jubilee Park Primary schools participating in the Newport Grand Council event at the Riverfront.

As a local elected representative, am always keen to encourage young people’s engagement in democracy and decision making. Meeting Newport school children and teachers on their visits to the Senedd, I am struck by their great ideas and interest in Welsh politics.

If your school or youth group would like to find out more about arranging a visit or session with the Senedd’s education team, please contact my office.

Congratulations to everyone involved in this year’s GAVO Volunteering Awards which took place last week. Nominees never seek recognition, but they absolutely deserve to be celebrated. Their contribution to our community is significant and the lives of so many people have been positively impacted by their work. Thank you for all that you do.

As the season’s change, it’s time to think about our flu jabs. Contact your GP or local pharmacy to make an appointment. You can check your eligibility for free vaccine at phw.nhs.wales.

As your Member of the Senedd, I am here to help Newport West constituents with issues which are devolved in Wales, including health, education, climate change, transport, housing, social care, the environment, culture and sport.

If you have any concerns or issues related to the Senedd, please do not hesitate to reach out. You can contact me at Jayne.Bryant@Senedd.Wales or call 01633 376627.