Press Release: CASH BOOST FOR AIR AMBULANCE

- Welsh Labour outlines review of ambulance services

NEATH AM Gwenda Thomas has today welcomed the extra investment by the Welsh Assembly Government in the Air Ambulance service in South Wales.

Welsh Labour Health Minister Edwina Hart has outlined a £337,000 boost for the service next year and outlined a review of the service and patient transport services across Wales.

The extra money follows a £77million Assembly Government modernisation fund for the ambulance service. £55 million has already been made available this year to upgrade ambulances, air ambulances and control centres with state-of-the-art digital radios to help improve response times.

People in Neath will also benefit from a £16 million investment for an extra 119 emergency ambulances and 67 patient care service vehicles.

Neath Labour AM and Deputy Health Minister Gwenda Thomas said:

"I'm very pleased that we have been able to make this extra money available for the air ambulance service – which further proves Welsh Labour’s commitment to modernising the ambulance service in Wales.

"Patients in my constituency and across Wales are going to benefit from extra ambulances and better response times thanks to the investment in new vehicles and state-of-the-art digital radios.

"I am also pleased that the Health Minister Edwina Hart has announced plans to review the air ambulance service by the end of year so that the Assembly Government can look at ways of funding this important service in future.’’

The AM also welcomed a review into the patient transport services. The review will bring local health and volunteer organisations to look at ways of improving the experience of patients who use the service.

Press Release: AM WELCOMES SMALL CLASS SIZES IN NEATH SCHOOLS

NEATH Labour AM Gwenda Thomas has welcomed figures published today [Wednesday 28 November 2007] which show that schoolchildren in Neath continue to benefit from small class sizes.

Thanks to Welsh Labour’s record investment in education since the Assembly came into being in 1999 - the percentage of junior classes in Wales with over 30 pupils stands at only 3% of the total, compared with 25% in 1999. Only 1% of infant classes in Wales contain more than 30 pupils.

Neath Labour AM GWENDA THOMAS said:

"I am delighted that schools in my constituency and Neath Port Talbot Local Education Authority have continued to work to keep class sizes down so that virtually all infant and junior classes in my constituency have 30 pupils or under. Thanks to the Labour-led Welsh Assembly Government's investment in our schools - smaller class sizes are benefiting our youngest children by giving them more teacher time and a better chance to improve their reading and numeric skills.

"And through the new and innovative 'Foundation Phase' for early years education this Labour-led Assembly Government is committed to giving the very youngest children the best possible start.

"The roll out of the new Foundation phase in our schools from September next year will offer a radical new learning experience for 3 – 7 year olds. International evidence reveals that children do better if they start formal education later on and that children are put off learning altogether if they are tested too early.

"It will move early years education away from a rigid desk and blackboard style of teaching and place an emphasis on learning through play.

"Active involvement and participation in learning improves children’s speaking and listening skills. Improving the personal and social skills of young children will encourage a more positive attitude towards learning throughout the rest of their school days and beyond.’’

Press Release: LABOUR MINISTER SEEKS TO END POSTCODE LOTTERY FOR HOMECARE CHARGES

- Deputy Minister Gwenda Thomas outlines plans for Assembly power over homecare charging

OLDER people and vulnerable adults who rely on social care in the home will be charged based on their circumstances and not where they live, Neath AM and Deputy Minister for Social Services Gwenda Thomas announced today.

Plans outlined today in the National Assembly by Welsh Labour's Deputy Minister for Social Services Gwenda Thomas will see the power to set maximum charges for social care in the home and to exempt groups from charges being devolved to the Welsh Assembly Government from the UK Government.

Currently, charges for homecare and other social services are decided by locally by each of the 22 local authorities in Wales. This has resulted in wide variations across Wales. With new legal powers over charging for these services, the Assembly Government will be able to deliver a fairer and more consistent charging policy for all adult users of homecare services.

Neath AM and Deputy Social Services Minister Gwenda Thomas said:

"Welsh Labour is committed to helping the most vulnerable people in our community.

"The Labour-led Assembly Government fully recognises the need to end the postcode lottery that exists for the charges for homecare, and that's why I'm leading the Assembly Government’s effort to deal with this issue so that people in my constituency and throughout Wales who rely on homecare get a far fairer deal.

"A fairer charging policy will help older people and the disabled to get the services they need to help them in their day to day lives.

"The Labour-led Assembly Government wants to shift social care away from residential care so that more people can remain in their own home and still get the day-to-day support they need.

"Access to personalised care gives older people and the disabled who use these services more independence in their daily lives even when they have to rely on support from others.’’

-Ends-

Notes to editors

The charging for homecare and other non-residential social services is currently at the discretion of individual local authorities. This has resulted in significant variations in charging policies for similar services across Wales.

The Legislative Competence Order (LCO) - Charging for Non-Residential Social Care (Domiciliary Care) - will enable the Assembly Government to legislate against such disparity.

LCOs are an Order in Council made under section 95 of the Government of Wales Act 2006. The Order is submitted by the Assembly in draft to Parliament for approval. Once granted it will extend the scope of the Assembly to pass an Assembly Measure at any time within the subject matter of the Order.

The Order is restricted to charges imposed by local authorities in respect of non-residential social care. It would not enable the Assembly to legislate in respect of charges levied by private care providers for non-residential social care. A significant amount of research and consultation with stakeholders will be undertaken in order to determine how best to achieve a fairer and more consistent approach.

Press Release: EXTRA BOOST OF EARLY YEARS EDUCATION IN NEATH

- AM welcomes funding boost for childcare and early years education

THE YOUNGEST children in Neath are set to benefit from the Labour-led Welsh Assembly Government’s extra investment in early years education and childcare.

Neath Labour AM Gwenda Thomas has welcomed Welsh Labour Education Minister Jane Hutt’s announcement that £45 million extra has been set aside for the innovative new education scheme for all 3 – 7 year olds’ in Wales.

The 'Foundation Phase' is a new approach to teaching the youngest children based on learning through play, active involvement and practical activities. The extra £45 million will allow the roll out of the scheme across Neath Port Talbot from September next year.

Funds for the Flying Start childcare scheme will increase by £8 million over the next three years. Flying Start provides high quality free childcare for two year olds – and allows parents to save money and keep working – and the extra money will allow a 10% increase in the number of childcare places.

An additional £3m over the next three years will be made available to meet the requirements of the Childcare Act 2006, which comes into force in April 2008. This funding will enable local authorities to research and map the availability of childcare available to decide what interventions are necessary. In addition, an extra £4.2m will be ring-fenced for community focussed schools over three years for out-of-hours childcare.

Neath AM GWENDA THOMAS said:

"The education and welfare of our youngest children is one of Welsh Labour's main priorities. This extra money is going to give the youngest children in my constituency the flying start in life that they deserve.

"Extra money for childcare is going to make a real difference in the lives of local families. I am delighted that more children will benefit from this scheme and that local mums will be able to keep their jobs or go back to work without worrying about paying for quality childcare.

"The new Foundation phase will offer a radical new learning experience for 3 – 7 year olds. International evidence shows that children do better if they start formal education later on and that children are put off learning altogether if they are tested too early.

"Welsh Labour’s Foundation phase will move early years education away from a rigid desk and blackboard style of teaching and place an emphasis on learning through play, both inside and outside.

"Active involvement and participation in learning improves children’s speaking and listening skills. Improving the personal and social skills of young children will encourage a more positive attitude towards learning throughout the rest of their school days and beyond.

Press Release: HEALTHY SCHOOL MEALS ACTION PLAN

- Welsh Labour to target child obesity and unhealthy diets

MORE healthy food is on the menu in local schools thanks to the Labour-led Welsh Assembly Government’s Action Plan to give schoolchildren a balanced and nutritious diet.

Neath AM Gwenda Thomas is backing Welsh Labour Education Minister Jane Hutt’s seven point action plan to improve food and nutrition in Neath's schools. The Appetite for Life Action Plan will see a £6.6 million investment in healthy school food across Wales over the next two years.

The seven point plan includes:

• Setting new nutrient, food and drink standards – including offering more fruit
• Improving catering staff training on healthy foods
• A school wide approach, involving pupils and staff and strengthening food education in the curriculum
• Raising awareness over healthy diets in schools
• Looking at sourcing healthy food locally
• Calculating the costs of a healthy school meal
• Establishing a regular review to monitor progress in delivering more healthy food

GWENDA THOMAS AM said:

‘’The Labour-led Welsh Assembly Government wants to see healthier food on offer in local schools. Improving the health of our children is one of the Assembly Government’s top priorities. All of us know the importance of a balanced diet and how essential it is to children and young people if they are to grow into healthy adults.

‘’That is why I am backing this action plan – we need higher standards of nutrition in school meals to improve children’s diets.

‘’This plan will look at the best way of delivering healthier school meals and improving the diets of our children. Training staff, strict health standards, using healthy local food sources and raising awareness about healthy foods are all essential in combating the problems of child obesity and poor diets.

‘’Good progress is already being made in some schools with the free healthy school breakfast scheme and an increase in the number of fruit tuck shops and water coolers on offer.

‘’I look forward to seeing these plans in action in schools across my constituency.’’

Neath Guardian Column: Thomas Talks - 15 November 2007

"On Sunday, I was once again honoured to be able to represent the people of Neath and the surrounding valley communities at the annual remembrance Sunday service and march in Neath. The Deputy Mayor and Mayoress of Neath Port Talbot Cllr. Malcolm and Mary Gunter, and the Council Leader Cllr. Derek Vaughan, who layed a reith on behalf of Peter Hain MP were also present, along with other senior dignitaries, including county borough councillors and Neath town councillors. Members of my staff attended similar services on my behalf in Pontardawe and Glynneath.

"This is the time of year the nation as a whole stops and remembers the sacrifice that the many who lost their lives gave serving their county in both world wars and the many other conflicts since then. We all owe them a tremendous debt of gratitude, and the best way I believe we can repay that debt is by never forgetting the tremendous courage that our armed forces, past and present display throughout the world as they strive to bring peace and stability in areas of the world that suffer from instability and conflict.

"The Royal British Legion, who arrange the remembrance services each year deserve to be congratulated not only for arranging the annual parade, but also for the work they do throughout the year in supporting and assisting armed forces’ veterans in many ways, and I would like to thank them for all their hard work locally.

"I was delighted to be able to visit Crynant Primary school last Friday to officially open their new adventure trail. From September 2008, every primary school in Neath will begin teaching every child between the ages of 3 and 7 under a new scheme known as the ‘foundation phase.’ Emphasis will be placed on developing children’s knowledge, skills and understanding through experiential learning, - learning by doing and by solving real life problems both inside and outdoors. This is a very exciting development for education in Wales, and is a distinctive welsh policy for schools in Wales.

"In the last few weeks, I have launched my new website. As Neath’s AM, I think it’s vital that I use every possible way of communicating with my constituents. You can find my website by logging on to http://www.gwendathomas.com/

Press Release: TIME TO CONFRONT BULLYING SAYS NEATH AM

- Anti-bullying week targets bullying in and out of school

Neath Labour AM Gwenda Thomas has added her support for the Labour led Assembly Government’s anti-bullying week (November 19th- 23rd).

Following last year’s successful campaign Welsh Labour’s Education Minister Jane Hutt has said this year’s campaign will aim to raise awareness over bullying outside the classroom.

Welsh Labour wants to see local schools focus on tackling the increasing problem of bullying over text messages or on social network websites and also wants schools to focus on racist and homophobic bullying.

Neath AM Gwenda Thomas said:

’’We’re becoming increasingly aware of bullying over the internet or on mobile phones which is why this year’s campaign will raise awareness over bullying in and out side of the school environment .

‘’Welsh Labour wants to help children, parents and pupils stamp out this sort of behaviour.

‘’Bullying takes many forms, which is why it is vital that we address the issue of cyber-bullying and look at ways to tackle racist and homophobic bullying.

‘’The most important thing is that young people who are being bullied talk to someone. Teachers, parents and fellow pupils can help. I hope that schools across my constituency will get involved in this year’s anti-bullying campaign. We have to all work together and tackle bullying every day in whatever form is takes.’’

Press Release: NEATH AM WELCOMES NEW REGENERATION INITIATIVES IN NEATH

Neath AM Gwenda Thomas has today welcomed the announcement by the Welsh Assembly Government that Communities in Neath will benefit from an extra £582,000 of Communities First funding.

The funding, which was announced by the Deputy Minister for Regeneration, Leighton Andrews AM today, means that three new areas in Neath will now join the the Communities First programme.

The inclusion of these areas follows their identification in the Welsh Index of Multiple Deprivation 2005 as being in the 10% most deprived communities in Wales, but currently without Communities First Status.

A new partnership will be created in the Neath North ward covering the town centre area. Similarly a new partnership has been created in Neath South.

The funding will pay for professional staff to work with the community to develop new community projects and to build existing regeneration initiatives.

GWENDA THOMAS AM said:

"I'm very pleased that the Welsh Assembly Government has made this extra money available for regeneration initiatives in Neath town centre and for communities in the Neath south ward. This announcement today, and the £80m regeneration of Neath town centre already announced by Neath Port Talbot council is a significant and welcome boost for the town.

"Excellent examples of how the Communities First initiative has benefited communities in Neath are all too visible in Fairyland and in the Melyn, where people have come together to make a real, lasting and positive difference to their communities.

The Deputy Minister, LEIGHTON ANDREWS AM said:

“The funding I’ve announced will enable Communities First to become established in these areas in preparation for Communities Next – the second phase of the Welsh Assembly Government’s community regeneration programme.”

Press Release: NEATH AM WELCOMES KEEP WALES TIDY PRIZE FOR LOCAL GROUP

NEATH AM Gwenda Thomas added her congratulations to the Dyffryn Clydach Volunteers for their success in the Keep Wales Tidy Awards 2007.

Gwenda Thomas AM praised the local volunteers for their efforts, which have been recognised with the Tidy Wales Award Trophy - presented to the group by the Minister for Environment, Sustainability and Housing, Jane Davidson AM.

They also received the Rhiannon Bevan Award which was presented for the first time last year. The award is in memory of Rhiannon who until her recent death had served as chairman of the Keep Wales Tidy Board for many years.

The Dyffryn Clydach volunteers were formed in 1987 and over the past 20 years they have been removed hundreds of tonnes of rubbish in their locality. They have also converted numerous littered and vandalised locations into safe, local amenity areas.

During the past year they have been working at 20 different locations. In addition to removing 56 tonnes of litter they joined forces with Crynant School to create bird boxes and constructing fishing platforms for the disabled.

GWENDA THOMAS AM said:

‘‘It’s great to see so many people, especially young people, getting involved to clean up our communities.

‘’People are concerned about the rubbish they see on their streets, parks and rivers – and they want something done about it.

‘’That’s why it is so important that the Labour led Welsh Assembly Government is behind local efforts all the way so that we can all be proud of the comminities that we live in.

‘’Under Labour the amount of rubbish we recycle in Neath has increased dramatically and tougher fines have been introduced to combat dog-fouling, littering and fly-tipping. But there is always more that we can all do to help make the local environment that much cleaner and healthier.

‘’Welsh Labour is already taking steps to ensure that the Assembly Government will be able to make Welsh laws over these issues so we can give local people and Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council all the power they need to clean up our streets.’’
-Ends-

Hilary Benn visits Neath

I was delighted to be able to welcome The Rt. Hon Hilary Benn MP, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to Neath last week.

Pictured along with myself are the Deputy Mayor and Mayoress of Neath Port Talbot Malcolm and Mary Gunter, Neath MP Peter Hain, Leader of Neath Port Talbot Council Cllr Derek Vaughan and the President of the Neath Constituency Labour Party, Mr. Clive Phillips.

Championing the cause of carers

This is an article I wrote for the Western Mail in my role as Deputy Minister for Health and Social Services, which was published today.

Deputy Social Services Minister Gwenda Thomas explains plans to improve the lives of people looking after loved ones

"AS SOMEONE who has been a carer myself for more than nine years, I know how demanding and rewarding it can be.

Like many carers, it was something I wanted to do. As a result I have a greater understanding of the invaluable role that carers play in looking after loved ones. It has highlighted how different people cope with different situations.

I was extremely lucky I had the help and support of my family and friends but not all carers are in that position.

A great deal has been done to raise awareness of the role that carers provide and more needs to be done to build on the achievements so far.

Carers make a huge difference to the lives of so many people in Wales, providing much needed support to family or friends.

It is essential that the social services, the NHS and other service providers recognise carers’ key role and engage with carers as partners.

To mark the importance placed on carers, in January 2000 we published a carers’ strategy to improve the health and well-being of carers and the people they care for.

Much work has already been done to improve the situation for carers, but a re-focused strategy was published in March this year backed with an extra £1m a year for carers’ services.

Between 2000 and 2006, the Assembly Government provided more than £28m in specific grants to local authorities to develop services for carers. This money has now been mainstreamed into local authorities’ revenue support grant.

Projects approved under the carers’ grant included respite services, help around the house, young carers’ projects and information services. This was boosted in 2006-07 by the mental health carers’ grant and by the announcement of an extra £9m capital funding over two years to support around 10,000 people with telecare technology, which will help vulnerable people to be safe at home and £3m a year to provide extra support for carers of people who have mental health problems.

Before joining the Assembly, I chaired the social services committee at the former West Glamorgan County Council and later at Neath Port Talbot Council. Before that I worked for the Courts Service and Benefits Agency. This made clear to me that there was often a cycle of poverty, debt and dependence on benefits and that this was an intergeneration issue for many vulnerable people. We are working to address this.

In June last year, the then deputy Health and Social Services Minister John Griffiths was appointed as carers’ champion. I was pleased to assume this role in May this year.

In his short time as champion, John achieved a lot with the publication of the action plan for carers. He highlighted the importance of wider carers’ issues within the Assembly Government and focussed attention beyond health and social services.

I intend to build on John’s achievements. Next year, as a result of the One Wales document, we will be reviewing the UK Government’s carers’ strategy and looking to bring forward legislation to cover carers’ rights.

Each local health board in Wales also has a carer member. The involvement of carers on LHBs is intended to ensure that carers’ issues are better understood and are taken into account in local service planning and commissioning.

December 7 will mark carers rights day and this is an excellent opportunity to make carers aware of their rights.

Later this year, we hope to appoint a new Children’s Commissioner following the death of Peter Clarke earlier this year and also to appoint the first Older Person’s Commissioner. Both will have a role to play for championing the rights of carers.

By working closely with colleagues in government, the health service, local authorities and the voluntary sector I am determined to improve the quality of life for carers and those they care for.

Gwenda Thomas presents £1,000 cheque to Breast Cancer Care

I was delighted to present a £1,000 cheque earlier today to Breast Cancer Care. The money was raised by staff and customers at the "Hair Design by Pat" salon in Herbert Street, Pontardawe.

Hair by Gail in Gwaun-cae-Gurwen has also presented a cheque of £1,500 to Breast Cancer Care today.

Breast Cancer Care’s vision is that everyone affected by breast cancer will receive the highest standards of treatment, support and care, and I'm sure the money raised here locally will go towards ensuring this is realised.

For more information on Breast Cancer Care's work, please visit http://www.breastcancercare.org.uk/

Column: Neath Guardian - Thomas Talks - 31 October 2007

My column in the Neath Guardian, 31 October 2007:

"The fire which devastated the Gwyn Hall in Neath last week is a bitter blow and this is, without a doubt, a very sad time for the town and everyone associated with Neath. The Gwyn Hall has been an iconic landmark in Neath ever since it was built during the reign of Queen Victoria during the 1880’s, and has been a much loved venue for musical events and amateur dramatic productions in Neath ever since. It was, of course, the venue which saw much of Neath’s young talents begin their rise to stardom. It also served as Neath’s town hall for many years, and played host to many of the major political events in Neath’s modern history.

"I was made aware of the blaze late last Thursday evening, and visited the scene of the fire the following morning. I had the opportunity to thank the emergency services personally during the morning, but I would like to take this opportunity to publicly thank and praise the efforts of all the emergency service personnel, including the approximately sixty two fire-fighters from the Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue service that attended the fire. Their efforts, skill and bravery during the night ensured that the fire did not spread to nearby buildings. Fire-fighters attended the scene from across Wales, some from as far as Llandrindod Wells. Their commitment and bravery is very much to be commended. The biggest relief of all is that nobody was killed or injured as a result of the blaze.

"It is far too early to say yet what the future is for what remains of the Gwyn Hall, but as Neath’s AM, I’m fully committed to working alongside the County Borough Council in whatever way I can and I will be keeping in close contact with the leader of the council Derek Vaughan to see what if anything the Welsh Assembly Government can do to assist the council in the weeks and months ahead. Derek Vaughan has already said that the events of last week will pose a significant challenge. I’m sure we will all rise to that challenge together.

Press Release: Deputy Minister urges people to consider adoption

Deputy Minister for Social Services Gwenda Thomas is encouraging people to consider adopting or fostering children in Wales ahead of National Adoption Week, which starts on Monday, 5 November.

The week runs until Sunday, 11 November and aims to raise awareness of adoption and calls on people from all walks of life to find out about adopting a child. This week aims to build on the achievements of Fostering Fortnight in May which highlights the benefits of fostering. Latest figures show that there has been a 2.5 per cent increase in the number of children looked after by local authorities in Wales. Of those looked after, 13 per cent had three or more placements in a year.

The Deputy Minister, Gwneda Thomas said:

“We recognise and value the important role that foster carers play in caring for vulnerable children and young people. Whether people are currently foster carers or would like to find out more information about foster care or adopting a child, their local authority can give them all the necessary help, advice and support.

"Fostering and adopting can be extremely rewarding and benefit both the parent and child. Adopting a child can provide the long-term stability and love that a child needs to improve their quality of life and have the best start in life.

"While local authorities and their staff work hard to give the necessary care and support to the children in their care, they cannot give the love and attention that a foster carer or adoptive parents can. Whether you are single, married, or a couple, fostering or adoption can be for you. Your local authority can give you all the information you need to go through the application process in your effort to provide a child with a loving and caring home.”