Gwenda Thomas AM Column for Neath Guardian November 08

Consultation launched on how best we can pay for care in the future

As Deputy Minister for Social Services I have launched a consultation that will explore how care will be best paid for across Wales in the future. The consultation process called ‘Paying for Care in Wales: creating a fair and sustainable system’, will take place between November 2008 and March 2009, and will focus on how the current system of paying for care will need to change in order to meet future needs. The consultation will run in parallel with one in England and has been prompted by predictions that care services will face a £6bn funding gap across the UK in 20 years. The shortfall between the cost of care services and the money that is available to pay for them in future years is due to the fact that the general population is growing older and the percentage of working age people is decreasing. This demographic trend over the next decade is worrying policy makers around the world. However we must also remember the care system doesn’t just involve the elderly.

In Wales the population is projected to increase in 20 years by about 5% to 3.14m. While the number of children is expected to drop by 6% over the period, the number of people aged 65 to 84 is set to rise by 24% to 582,000 and those over 85 by around 29% to 93,000, in effect over 21% of the population will be over 65.

I want everyone to have their say about these questions: How should we share the responsibility for paying for care in the future? Who should contribute more? If you need care and support, who should pay for it? You or your family? Everyone through the tax system? How should the government allocate its funding in the future? If you need care and support should the financial help you get depend on the kind of support you need? How much money you have? Should these decisions be made nationally or locally?
There are a number of ways in which you can give your views on the key issues by 28 February 2009: By a website: information and views can be submitted at http://www.payingforcareinwales.net .By E-mail/Writing: you can e-mail your views to payingforcare@wales.gsi.gov.uk or write to the Paying for Care Team, Older People and Long Term Care Policy Directorate, Welsh Assembly Government, Cathays Park, Cardiff CF10 3NQ. By telephoning 02920 823096 you can receive hard copies of the consultation document.
Gwenda Thomas is Deputy Minister for Social Services.

Groundwork to receive £ 3.2M from Assembly Government

‘I am very pleased with the announcement made by Leighton Andrews AM today of the funding awarded to Groundwork Wales.’ Gwenda Thomas AM for Neath stated today.

‘Groundwork Wales have had extensive involvement in environmental regeneration projects in the Neath constituency. These have included the provision of river benches in Godregraig, hanging baskets in Crynant, the construction of sensory gardens, murals and a vast range environmental improvements. They have also worked in partnership with local schools and youth groups upgrading play areas and involving the children in all aspects of horticultural and green activities.’

Gwenda Thomas continued by saying, ‘ This is a delightful charity which not only improves the lives of local people but also addresses serious environmental issues, and I hope that the £ 3.2M funding from the Welsh Assembly Government will ensure the continuation of the excellent work of Groundwork Wales’.

Winter 2008 Home Heat Helpline Campaign

‘I am acutely aware of the difficulties facing people this winter. With increases in fuel bills and essential items, many of my constituents are worried about keeping warm this winter’, states Gwenda Thomas AM for Neath.

‘I was therefore pleased to be informed of the launch of a winter campaign this week for the national Home Heat Helpline (HHH) by the Energy Retail Association. I must urge anyone who is facing difficulties to contact them on the free-phone number 0800 33 66 99 or online at www.homeheathelpline.org.uk, or alternatively, contact my constituency staff for help and support.’

Borg Warner

It has been announced this week that Borg Warner Automotive in Margam will begin to announce redundancies shortly with a proposed complete closure by 2010.

Gwenda Thomas AM stated’ “ Although Borg Warner is situated on the Kenfig Industrial Estate, I am well aware that a number of the employees affected are residents of my Neath constituency. It is my intention to keep well informed of this worrying news and would like to offer my support to anyone who wishes to seek my assistance.”

Swansea and West Wales Safety Group

The group supports the health and safety function in this area and over the past few years they have won a number of awards for excellence in this field. They have just won another - The Alan Butler Award run by RoSPA. The Alan Butler Awards, which have now been running for over ten years, play an important role in recognising, celebrating and communicating the work of health and safety groups.
The objectives of the awards are:
§ to recognise the high standards of work achieved by groups
§ to encourage all groups to set and achieve high standards
§ to use the winning entries as an example of good standards
§ to increase awareness of the Safety Groups
The award is presented in the House of Lords in January.


Gwenda Thomas stated: “For over sixty years the Swansea and West Wales Occupational Safety Group have been committed to improving occupational health and safety in the Swansea and West Wales region. Over one hundred local organizations varying from heavy industry, manufacturing and the service sector to local government are members. They have done a superb job in ensuring the safety of workers in the work place, over the past few years they have won numerous awards and this latest award, The Alan Butler Award is well deserved and is a just recognition of all the good work they have done in the field of Occupational Safety”.

Neath Port Talbot College signs UK's first green building charter

Gwenda Thomas AM today commended Neath Port Talbot College for signing the UK's first green building charter, committing themselves to support progress towards a built environment that contributes low or zero net carbon emissions as quickly as practically possible.

' I am delighted that once again, Neath Port Talbot College are at the forefront of nationwide initiatives along with many leaders in the construction industry in Wales. It is imperative that we must take responsibility for the future of the built environment to help alleviate carbon emissions and reduce energy consumption.'

'Read a Million Words Together' Campaign

Gwenda Thomas Welcomes ‘Read a Million Words Together’ Campaign

Gwenda Thomas AM today welcomed the major new campaign to encourage boys to read launched by the Deputy Minister for Skills, John Griffiths.

Gwenda Thomas stated ‘This is a much needed initiative targeting boys between the ages of 9 and 14 who are reluctant readers and need appropriate, exciting reading material, along with the support of teachers and family members, to provide motivation and remove the stigma of reading being ‘uncool’.’

‘GET INVOLVED IN ENTERPRISE WEEK’ CALL

Local businesses, schools and voluntary organisations across Neath are being urged to take part in next week’s Enterprise week, which aims to encourage and celebrate all aspects of enterprise in the area.

Labour AM for Neath Gwenda Thomas is calling on anyone with an interest to organise an event or get involved with a range of activities which are being planned to mark the week-long initiative which begins on Monday, 17th November.

This year’s event will also be part of the first ever Global Entrepreneurship Week. With more than 70 countries taking part, it will address big global issues including poverty reduction and climate change. More than 200 Enterprise Week events are already being planned across Wales, with the support of the Labour-led Welsh Assembly Government.


Gwenda Thomas AM said:

“Enterprise Week is a fantastic initiative encouraging people to not just have ideas but to endeavour to make them happen. This can include from simply changing a viewpoint or outdated procedure in the workplace through to actually starting up a new business or social enterprise.

We have so much local talent and enthusiasm in Neath I am really pleased to see different groups getting involved, so that our children and young people are given both an awareness of business and enterprise and a chance to develop the necessary skills. I hope that this year’s Enterprise Week helps to unleash young people’s enterprising ideas and address some of society’s biggest issues, from poverty reduction through to climate change.

The Labour-led Assembly Government has also made sure that practical help and expert advice will be at hand to assist Welsh businesses and entrepreneurs meet their ambitions and face the challenges of the global economic downturn.

By bringing together businesses, schools, government and voluntary organisations, I am confident that Enterprise Week will help us to turn the corner and get more and more people involved and thinking about how can use their enterprise skills in many areas of their life.”

Anyone interested in arranging an event for Enterprise Week or attending one of the many events being held across Wales can find out more by visiting http://www.enterpriseweek.org.uk”

Closure of Neath Guardian's Office

Gwenda Thomas AM today expressed her concerns over the loss of Neath Guardian’s local editor and office due to a range of cuts instigated by Trinity Mirror, the paper’s owners.

“ I have written to the Chief Executive of Trinity Mirror registering my opposition to the closure of the office and the amalgamation with the Glamorgan Gazette and the Port Talbot Guardian. This will be a great loss to the members of the community which rely on this publication for local news,” stated Gwenda Thomas.

“I know that the editor, reporters and staff have worked hard to build up a rapport with the people and businesses in Neath, as well as myself and other political representatives, and feel that the loss of our local office will damage the fluidity of reporting and interaction required to produce a quality, topical, local paper.”

“I have asked for their comments on this strategy, as a matter of urgency,” said Mrs. Thomas.

ASSEMBLY GOVERNMENT LEADS THE WAY IN PAYING BILLS ON TIME

Local Labour AM Gwenda Thomas today welcomed figures which show that the Labour-led Welsh Assembly Government is leading the way in paying its bills to Welsh companies in record time.
According to the latest figures, the Assembly Government took an average of 5.89 days to pay for invoices between April and October this year, with fewer than five per cent of payments taking longer than ten days.
The Labour-led Assembly Government also recently agreed to increase the proportion of payments made within ten days and to work to ensure that the thirty day target for payments is met across the public sector in Wales.
Gwenda Thomas AM said:
"The Assembly Government’s excellent record of paying its bills on time will be welcome news to businesses across Wales during the current global economic difficulties. It’s good to see Labour in the Welsh Assembly once again leading the way and showing how it should be done.
I also welcome the fact that the Assembly Government wants to improve its payment record even further and I want to see all public sector bodies in Wales playing their part in improving the time in which they pay their bills.
Paying their bills on time is one of the best ways that public bodies like Councils and Government Departments can help our smaller and medium sized businesses get through these global economic difficulties.
The Assembly Government’s payment record is also in stark contrast to the way in which the Tories are acting in some parts of Wales. I am glad to see that the Labour -run Neath Port Talbot Borough Council pays over 93% of its bills in 30 days, this compares with Tory-led Monmouthshire's poor record of only paying 40% in 30 days. The Tories claim to be the party of business, what help are they giving to business by taking so long to pay their bills?
This just goes to show how big the gap is between what the Tories say and what they do when they are in power at any level. "

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Neath Guardian Column October 2008

I was privileged to be at the launch of Action for Children (Gweithredu dros Blant) on the 9th of October. Action for Children has replaced the National Childrens Home; they changed their name to one that better describes what they do and value – Action for Children. They are committed to helping the most vulnerable children and young people in the UK break through injustice, deprivation and inequality, so they can achieve their full potential. These vulnerable children and young people are in life least able to defend themselves. This is where organisations like Action For Children do such excellent work.
Action for Children helps nearly 170,000 children, young people and their families through nearly 450 projects across the UK. In Neath they do excellent work providing community short break services for disabled children, young people and their families, family outreach services ranging from early preventative support to intensive work with families where there are serious concerns for children's safety or welfare; they also run a referred playgroup in the Pontardawe area.
This re-launch coincides with a major change for children and young people’s policy in Wales. The Welsh Assembly Government will shortly assume greater powers to make laws to meet the needs of vulnerable children and their families. These new powers will enable the focus to be on the most vulnerable, but this cannot be done in isolation, we need the help of partners such as Action For children.

Another great privilege was to be invited to the first Neath Port Talbot Golden Hearts Awards on the 14th October, these are to recognise and celebrate the invaluable contribution of those who provide social care in the borough. There were many nominations for individuals and teams in the private, public and voluntary sectors, the number and quality of these nominations was outstanding. It was marvellous to see so many examples of dedication, commitment and innovation. The host was Derek Brockway the weatherman, and entertainment was provided by Andrew Harley and Neath Male Choir, they were all excellent.
All the awards were moving in showing people’s dedication but I was very touched by the Young Carers Award presented to unpaid carers under the age of 18 who care for a parent or other family member. These young people are superb examples of the youth of today and fill me with hope for the future.
However we must do all we can to ensure that children and young people do not have inappropriate levels of responsibility.
Gwenda Thomas is Deputy Minister for Social Services.

Provision of Treatment Centres for wet age related macular degeneration using Lucentis

Gwenda Thomas AM welcomes the provision of a wet age-related macular degeneration centre using Lucentis in the Amman Valley, Ammanford;

Gwenda Thomas AM said: “This will be of great value to my constituents in the Upper Amman Valley and surrounding areas who will attend for treatment in this centre. This shows the commitment of the Labour led Welsh Assembly Government in delivering its commitments to health care”.

Retention of the General Medical Practice in Resolven

Following lobbying by Gwenda Thomas AM in her role as a constituency Assembly Member and Councillor Des Davies of Resolven, Neath Port Talbot Local Health Board has decided to retain practice facilities in Resolven.
Gwenda Thomas AM said “I really welcome the decision by Neath Port Talbot Local Health Board to retain the GP Practice in Resolven. Councillor Davies and I put forward a really strong case to retain the practice. In conjunction with this there are plans to provide a new Primary Care Centre in Glynneath which will offer a broader range of services for the people of the Vale of Neath. This is part of the investment being put into medical services by the Labour led Welsh Assembly Government. ”

Dental Places available to patients from Neath

Neath Port Talbot LHB currently has 4 practices that are able to treat new patients.
These are practices in Neath, Port Talbot, Briton Ferry and Brynamman. Patients should call 01792 326500 for more information.


Gwenda Thomas AM stated: “I welcome the provision of new dental places in Neath provided by the Neath Port Talbot Local Health Board. This is fulfilling the pledge of the Labour led Welsh Assembly Government in aiming for a healthier Wales by ensuring that all people who want one can have access to an NHS Dentist.”

Gwenda Thomas at the Launch of Action For Children on the 9th of October at Techniquest, Cardiff Bay

Gwenda Thomas AM Column for Neath Guardian September 2008

It gave me great pleasure to see how well our Paralympians did in Beijing and it was excellent to see the success our swimmers had under the training of Neath-born coach Billy Pye.
Apart from possessing outstanding athletes, Wales has a higher proportion of older people than anywhere else in the UK and the numbers are increasing. More than one in five of Welsh people are aged over 60 and in 20 years’ time just under one in three of us will be over 60.
As the general population gets older we are all aware of the media portrayal of the strains that this will place on our health and social services. Conversely, I’m sure we all appreciate the powerful influences for good that older people can have over all our lives. Different cultures such as those of South East Asia place a much higher appreciation on the positive influence and contribution that older people can have, however in Wales this is not always so.
It is good that we are living longer and healthier lives which is why the Welsh Assembly Government is committed to improving the lives of older people by ensuring that services are in place to help the older generation live independently with dignity, care and most importantly enjoying life. The strategy for older people provides a 10-year framework to improve services for older people. This strategy was commended at the International Federation on Ageing conference in Montreal last week, for considering the needs of our ageing population regarding economic activity, housing and social inclusion.
I was delighted to launch phase two of the strategy – Living Longer, Living Better – in March. On top of the £13m already allocated I have made an additional £7m available for the next three years. This will guarantee that the strategy will continue its momentum and ensure that older people in Wales will continue to benefit.
October 1st is the UK day for older people, the focus this year will be the valuable contribution older people in Wales make within their communities. Last year a commitment was given to develop a co-ordinated approach to the relationships that can be built through shared interests and activities between older and younger people.
I hope that these commitments will dispel the myths and fears regarding older people as successfully as the Paralympics have improved society’s view of disabled people.

Proposed Waste Recycling Facility at Former Abernant Colliery site near Rhydyfro, Cwmgors

The proposed plans for the development of a Waste Recycling Plant at the former Abernant Colliery site near Rhydyfro in the Swansea Valley have been recommended for refusal by the Planning Department of Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council.

Refusal was recommended on these points:

§ The proposal was in breach of the proximity principle. This advocates that waste should be disposed of (or otherwise managed) close to the point at which it is generated; Abernant is not close to the point of production of the vast majority of the waste, these being the urban conurbations of Neath, Port Talbot, and Swansea. The processed waste will be hauled to a cement works in the Midlands with only 6% of this going to the nearby landfill site of Pwllfa Watkin.
§ Approximately 90% of the Facility was outside the B2 designated General Industrial Area of the Council’s Unitary Development Plan pertaining to Abernant Enterprise Centre.

Gwenda Thomas AM stated: “Many local residents have approached me with their concerns about the Abernant Recycling Plant, so I am very pleased that the Council’s Planning Department have recommended refusal for this proposal. I am delighted that the nearby villages of Cwmgors , Gwaun Cae Gurwen and Lower Brynamman will be spared the presence of this waste recycling facility as it would have been so close to the Pwllfawatkin tip.

Opening of Blaengwrach Community Church

Back in 2005, a building project was started to develop a new community facility at Saint Mary’s, Blaengwrach which Gwenda Thomas fully supported. £300,000 was required for the renovation and work began in early 2006.
St Mary’s church has been renovated with a new roof & flooring and extensive repairs to the interior & exterior walls, bell tower, windows & pathways. A modern disabled-access toilet & kitchenette, efficient under-floor heating project and combined a new natural light system with modern lighting have been fitted. Outside, the stone walls are in the process of being rebuilt and the development of some garden areas as places of stillness; internally historic stone monuments have been conserved and re-sited to create a wonderful sense of both traditional and new building design. The Centre, which is equipped with new light-weight furniture of tables and chairs, is going to provide a very special place for meetings in the community.
The project has received the support of many national funding bodies including the Labour led Welsh Assembly Government and has been identified as key in the “Valleys Strategy”, a document outlining the Neath Port Talbot Borough Council’s long term plans for economic development in its valley communities. In addition to continuing as a place of worship, St Mary’s Centre will bring a sense of renewal to the local communities.


GWENDA THOMAS said:
It gave me great pleasure to be at the opening of Blaengwrach Community Church, a facility such as this will be a tremendous asset for the community. I feel that this project will invigorate the community in Blaengwrach and will aid in the social and economic development of this area.
The provision of areas of stillness is a beautiful idea, for in this hectic and pressurised world of ours a place of stillness is difficult to find.
I cannot say how much a tremendous asset this church is for the community. I congratulate all who have been involved in this magnificent effort.

Welsh Assembly Grant Money for Crynant flood alleviation works

A grant of more than £270,000 has been awarded by the Welsh Assembly Government for flood alleviation works in Crynant. This will reduce the risk of flooding to homes in the vicinity of Ynyswen Terrace, Crynant.

The money is part of the £5.8 million grant aid that the Welsh Assembly Government has made available this year to support Local Authority flood and coastal risk capital schemes and projects.

In their application for the £273,993 grant Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council’s report described a history of frequent flooding from two watercourses crossing the A4109. Four properties are at risk of flooding and the A4109 itself floods to a depth of 300mm. The Council aims to start work on the new scheme later this month.
Gwenda Thomas AM said “I really welcome the awarding of money by the Labour –led Welsh Assembly Government to alleviate the problems of flooding here. This has always been a black spot for flooding and is excellent news for local residents who have suffered the effects of this for many years.”

GCSE success

Today is the culmination of two years of hard work by Neath pupils and we are very proud of them all. Once again they have proved that there is a wealth of talent in the area. I would also like to acknowledge the efforts of teachers and parents, and the positive policies of the Local Education Authority.

I wish them all the best in the future and I’m sure that they will continue to be successful.

Leo Abse 1917 - 2008

I am deeply saddened to hear of Leo Abse’s passing. Leo represented my husband Moc, then a member of the General and Municipal Workers Union, following an industrial accident that caused him to lose the sight in his eye. It was a difficult period and we are personally grateful for the support that he gave us.

He was accessible to ordinary people and able to really connect with them. The thoughts of Moc and I are with Leo’s family at this sad time. He will be missed by all.

- Gwenda

Congratulations for your A levels

Gwenda Thomas AM has congratulated all A and AS level students in Neath for their hard work and success. In particular, results in Ysgol Gyfun Ystalyfera and Neath Port Talbot College continue to show improvement.

Gwenda Thomas AM said:

“I’m pleased that all Neath students are getting such good results. It really reflects the hard work that they and their teachers have put in. I wish them all the best for the future.”

Commenting further:

“The high level of education and teaching in the area, in partnership with the ambitions of the students themselves are showing the best of what Neath can offer. “

Hillside Secure Centre

Assembly Member Gwenda Thomas has welcomed the highly positive report from the Care and Social Services Inspectorate in Wales for the Council–run Hillside Secure Unit in Neath. The centre is designed to deal with the emotional, behavioural and mental health needs of troubled young people.

Gwenda Thomas AM said:

“I would like to congratulate all the staff who have worked tirelessly to deal with often, very difficult cases. Their professionalism and passion are clear in this report. This is an important service that aids the rehabilitation of young offenders and other vulnerable young people. “

Commenting further:

“Local residents can have confidence that this service is being run effectively and looking after the needs of these young people. “

Post Office Closure Plan

“I am very disappointed that Post office Ltd. intends to close the Aberdulais, Maesyffynnon, Cwmgors and Neath Abbey Post Offices in the Neath Constituency. I am however pleased that the Post Office has listened to the strong case put forward for the retention of the Leonard St. Post office and that this will be saved.”

“My real concerns are for the residents of the communities served by the Post Offices scheduled for closure. This plan will affect those residents who are most vulnerable and who can least afford transport costs to the alternative Post Office premises proposed. These are the elderly, disabled, young mothers, unemployed and other similar groups. This closure plan is socially divisive and will effectively isolate these communities from financial and postal services.”

“I would ask the Post Office to look again at providing outreach services for Postal Services for communities where these closures are going to take place.”

Fears over plant plans - S. Wales Guardian Article

Wednesday 23rd July 2008

Assembly minister Gwenda Thomas has expressed concerns about plans to develop a waste recycling plant at the former Abernant Colliery site near Rhydyfro.

She fears it will lead to increased numbers of heavy goods vehicles thundering through Pontardawe and Rhydyfro, causing a hazard for pedestrians and motorists alike.

And she has also expressed concerns that nearby residents will have to put up with bad odours and increased numbers of vermin.

Ms Thomas said the plans propose the composting of up to 100,000 tons of commercial waste each year.

Waste will include food products and will be converted into fuel pellets for burning in an incinerator.

“My real concerns are for the residents of the surrounding area,” she said.

“I am worried that there will be serious problems associated with the operation of this plant.

“One problem will be increased traffic by heavy goods vehicles to and from the site.

This will, of course, affect the residents of Pontardawe and Rhydyfro as the lorries will pass through these places.”

Ms Thomas also says there is a possibility of bad smells arising from the site and affecting surrounding areas, the presence of increased numbers of rats, cockroaches, flies, and the possible polluting of nearby watercourses by foul water.

“As the residents of this area already suffer from the presence of the landfill site at Pwllfa Watkin, this waste recycling plant should not be a further imposition on the local population,” she added.

The original article can be found here.

Statement on Proposed Waste Recycling Facility at Former Abernant Colliery site near Rhydyfro, Cwmgors

I am very concerned about proposed plans for the development of a Waste Recycling Plant at the former Abernant Colliery site near Rhydyfro in the Swansea Valley.

These plans propose the composting of up to 100,000 tons of commercial waste each year; this waste will include food products and will be converted into fuel pellets for burning in an incinerator.

My real concerns are for the residents of the surrounding area. I am worried that there will be serious problems associated with the operation of this plant. One problem will be increased traffic by heavy goods vehicles to and from the site; this will of course affect the residents of Pontardawe and Rhydyfro as the lorries will pass through these places.

I am also worried about the possibilities of bad odours arising from this site and affecting surrounding areas, the presence of increased numbers of vermin such as rats, cockroaches, flies, and the possible polluting of nearby watercourses by foul water run off.

As the residents of this area already suffer from the presence of the landfill site at Pwllfa Watkin, this waste recycling plant should not be a further imposition on the local population.

Gwenda Thomas AM and Peter Hain MP Joint Statement on the proposed closure of Post Offices in Neath for submission to Post Office Ltd.

NEATH AM GWENDA THOMAS has been working closely with NEATH MP Peter Hain to fight for the future of the Post Offices under threat in the Neath area.

The public voiced their opinion in the meeting organised by Cllr. Doreen Jones in Aberdulais. Meetings have also taken place regarding the other Post Offices under threat such as Cwmgors and Maesyffynnon and numerous people have contacted both our offices. The Post Office officials have been made aware of the practical problems resulting from their closure programme as well as the social cost of the cutting of services.

Post Offices are at the heart of the community and if they are lost it will be sorely felt.

The Post Office Development Fund has done a lot in the past to improve Post Offices and we are pleased that this will resume in about six months time.

We will also press for the Post Office management to look at alternative options where the sub post master or mistress does not wish to continue. This could be installing Post Office facilities in other premises or existing premises as in Aberdulais. We stand ready to lobby the UK Government should this prove necessary given the need to provide an accessible facility for the people of Aberdulais. The needs of the elderly and disabled must be of paramount importance.

We will jointly lobby the Minister for Social Justice and Local Government so that the favourable terms which Post Offices receive under the Small Business Rate Relief scheme will be extended to those premises which agree to undertake postal services in place of closed Post Offices.

Thursday 10th July

Neath Guardian Article 9th July 2008

I am pleased to see that Neath Port Talbot College are providing nursery accommodation at Coleg Pontardawe, on the Afan and Neath Campuses.

These are called Lilliput Day Nurseries and they offer 127 full-time, and part-time places. They care for 200 children.

Each nursery is staffed by a leader, deputies and qualified nursery nurses, many of them are ex-learners from the College. This means good quality childcare for learners, staff and the local community is provided. College staff are given peace of mind knowing that their children are well looked after while they pursue their career and daily work.

I know that one of the main barriers to learning for mothers or fathers with young children is a lack of trusted, flexible childcare. Lilliput Day Nurseries services are reliable, flexible and of good quality. This is reflected in recent Care Standards & Social Services Inspectorate for Wales Inspection Reports.

Many nursery places are funded by the Welsh Assembly Government’s Learner Support Fund so there is often no cost to the learner and the learner also has peace of mind that their child is well looked after and happy while they are studying, going out on work placements or taking examinations.

The nurseries also train students by providing work experience and short-term practical placements as a vital part of their learning experience. In addition, long-term modern apprenticeships are provided for learners, allowing them to qualify to NVQ Level 2 and 3 in Childcare. Most are employed on qualifying as Nursery Nurses. Some have gone on to take up supervisory positions with local childcare providers or taken childcare positions abroad in America and Australia.

In today’s competitive job market there has never been a greater need for a work force which is better qualified and skilled and this skilled workforce will enable us to compete as a nation internationally. This nursery helps to achieve this by allowing parents to improve their skills base, it is also important in that mothers or fathers may compete on an equal footing and abolish social divisiveness which is line with the aspirations of the Welsh Assembly Government. I am pleased that these nurseries which are of such value to the community have been provided by a partnership of Neath Port Talbot College, the Welsh Assembly Government and the Labour led Neath Port Talbot Council.

Western Mail Column: ‘Working together will improve social care sector’

Working together is the key to improvement, says Gwenda Thomas

TOO often the public only hear about the shortcomings in social care services.

While these failings need to be improved, they only represent a small proportion of the services that are provided to the most vulnerable people in society.

There are a huge range of social care services throughout Wales that work with people and families, who are experiencing problems and need support.

The demands on these services are ever growing and there are higher expectations as we as citizens want to have a greater say about the services.

The Welsh Assembly Government has already taken positive steps towards taking social care forward. We are currently seeking additional powers in the area of charging for non-residential social care.

As things stand, charging for home care and other non-residential social services is at the discretion of individual local authorities.

This has resulted in significant variations in policies for services across Wales.

We have a One Wales commitment to achieve a fairer and more consistent approach to charging for all adult recipients of non-residential social services.

By legislating against such disparities we will fulfil this and we are currently in the process of obtaining the necessary new powers.

Earlier this year I announced a new £4.5m-a-year, three-year scheme to help older and disabled people live more independent lives.

The new funding is being put towards preventing unnecessary hospital admissions and supporting people to live in the community.

By ensuring that every stage of the care pathway is as effective and integrated as possible we can increase capacity for services to support people to live more independent lives.

The Assembly Government’s 10-year strategy – Fulfilled Lives, Supportive Communities – sets out our vision for social services as a core service within local government covering adults and children.

We are also seeking to use the new opportunities for Legislative Competence Orders to extend the powers of the Assembly Government in relation to children’s services and carers’ rights, enabling us to bring forward distinct service initiatives of our own here in Wales.

This will be seen in the strategy we are developing for vulnerable children being accommodated. It will be supported by two legislative planks – the Children and Young Person’s Bill and our own Measure, which will focus on children at risk because of parental problems.

There are some 4,800 children in care – parental drug or alcohol misuse and mental health problems are the main causes of entry of into care.

But a wider group of children who are known to social services and other agencies either do not enter care, or do so after a time, and yet fail to thrive and reach their full potential.

We will shortly consult on new arrangements to improve the delivery of health and social care to families where substance misuse coexists with concerns about the welfare or vulnerability of a child and to pilot a new integrated family support services.

We have an opportunity to set a new direction for services for our most vulnerable children.
We must strive to achieve good quality care for children, adults and older people – whether in family, residential or community settings and have to use all our resources to best effect to do so.
Social services must work closely with health services and with voluntary and private providers to develop service models for the future which can respond flexibly and effectively to people’s needs.

Everyone in the sector is aware that there are occasional instances where individuals and their families are sometimes let down by the care system. But there is also plenty to shout about when it comes to social care in Wales.

I am confident that by ensuring all stakeholders work together we will further improve the sector for the benefit of those that need it most.

Gwenda Thomas AM is Deputy Minister – Health and Social Services

Neath Guardian Column - 19 June 2008

Last week, it was announced that the number of people in employment in Wales is at record levels, stands at 1,360,000, up 20,000 over the previous year. This means that 72.5 per cent of the working age population of Wales is in work. The unemployment rate in Wales now stands at 5.3%, with the inactivity rate also falling dramatically over the last twelve months. Who could have thought, even fifteen years ago, that Wales, in 2008, would be on the brink of full employment?

Also last week, the Labour-led Assembly Government was able to announce that Wales is well on the way to becoming the world’s first Fair Trade Nation. The announcement follows a two-year campaign to increase the availability of Fair Trade products across Wales, and encouraging schools, businesses and other organisations to switch to Fair Trade.

When I started my column in the Guardian last year, I promised to use it to promote local charities and other voluntary groups and organisations in my constituency. This month, I want to mention the work of the Soroptimist International movement in Neath.

Soroptimist International is a worldwide organisation for women in management and professions, working through service projects to advance human rights and the status of women. I was delighted to have been asked to attend and speak at the Diamond Jubilee Banquet of the Soroptimist’s in Neath at the Glyn Clydach Hotel a few weeks ago, and was delighted to be able to welcome guests from Soroptimist International branches in Yorkshire, France and Romania to Neath and to Wales.

The president of the Soroptimist’s in Neath is Christene Thomas, and as part of her work, she has chosen a number of charities she will support during the next twelve months. She is supporting Cerebra, which provides Services to Brain Injured Children and Young People. One in forty children suffers a disability as a result of brain injury. On Monday evening 23 June, Christene has arranged for Cerebra, which is based in Carmarthen, to give the Soroptimist’s in Neath a presentation on the work they do. She is also supporting Barnados Cymru, and The Smile Train, which is dedicated to helping children in the world who suffer from cleft lip palate by empowering and training doctors to allow them to perform the operations and research to find a cure.

If you wish to contact me for any help and assistance that you feel I can provide you as your local Assembly Member, you can contact my office on 01792 869993 or e-mail blocked::mailto:gwenda.thomas@wales.gov.uk. You can also keep up-to-date with my activities as your AM by logging on to http://www.gwendathomas.com/

Statement by Gwenda Thomas AM – A&M Transport

Following the news that A&M Transport of Pontardawe has called a meeting of creditors with a view of going into liquidation, Pontardawe-based Neath AM Gwenda Thomas said:

“I’m very disappointed to learn that A&M Transport has asked to be put into liquidation.

“My immediate priority is to ensure that everything possible that can be done will be done to safeguard the futures of the workforce.

“I’ve been in contact with the First Minister, Rhodri Morgan this morning to see what assistance the Welsh Assembly Government can give to support the employees that will be affected by this decision.

NEW £25MILLION COMMUNITIES FIRST FUND PROVIDES ‘A SHOT IN THE ARM’

Efforts to regenerate some of the most disadvantaged communities in the Neath, Dulais and Swansea Valleys have received another shot in the arm today, thanks to a new £25m fund which has been announced by the Labour-led Assembly Government.

Neath AM Gwenda Thomas has welcomed news of the new Communities First ‘Outcomes Fund’, which will be open for bids by Communities First partnerships, including those in Neath, Lower Brynamman and Gwaun Cae Gurwen, Ystalyfera and Godre’rgraig the Dulais Valley, and Pontrhydyfen and Tonmawr.

The partnerships will be able to apply for money from the fund, but will need to demonstrate that their proposals will help deliver key Communities First priorities. They will also need to show that they are working in partnership with local public bodies and have engaged with local people in planning local services.

The Fund, which will be worth at least £25million over three years, is the centrepiece of plans for the next phase of Communities First, the Assembly Government’s flagship community regeneration programme, which Labour launched in the Assembly back in 2001.

Gwenda Thomas AM said:

“The new Outcomes Fund will be a real shot in the arm for every Communities First partnership in my constituency.

“It also shows how the Labour-led Assembly Government is committed to taking the Communities First programme to the next level so that it does even more to regenerate our communities.

“I am pleased to see that the next phase of Communities First will give the programme an even clearer focus on getting practical improvements in place on the ground to tackle poverty, regenerate these areas and improve employability.

“I am looking forward to seeing the Communities First programme going from strength to strength as it enters this next phase and I am sure that it will continue to make a real difference to the lives of so many people in my constituency.”

-Ends-

Communities First wards in Neath Port Talbot are:

Neath Port Talbot CBC: Cymmer + Gwynfi + Glyncorrwg; Sandfields West + Sandfields East; Onllwyn + Seven Sisters; Ystalyfera + Pantyffynnon, part of Godre’graig; Briton Ferry West + Neath East; Pelenna; Fairyland, part of Neath North; Brynbryddan and Penllyn, part of Bryn and Cwmavon.

New review to look at child deaths in Wales

Deputy Minister for Social Services, Gwenda Thomas, today (Thursday, 12 June) announced that the Welsh Assembly Government will be funding an all-Wales pilot to review child deaths at a CEMACH (Confidential Enquiry into Maternal and Child Health) conference held at Cardiff.

Developed from and building upon the CEMACH model that analysed child deaths in a number of selected areas for one year it is anticipated that a Wales-wide pilot – focusing on child suicides - will identify avoidable factors and contributors to child deaths.

There are approximately 300 child deaths every year in Wales – of which almost half are babies under 28 days of age.

Speaking at the conference earlier today, Deputy Minister for Social Services, Gwenda Thomas, said;

“The Assembly Government is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.

“ We need to look at what can be done by local authorities, the NHS and other agencies to address these issues at a local level as well as what the Welsh Assembly Government might do at a national level.

“I am confident that an all-Wales pilot for Child Death reviews will identify avoidable factors that contribute to child deaths and consequently help us to eliminate or reduce them as far as possible.”

According to the findings of the CEMACH “Why Children Die” report that was presented to stakeholders earlier today more that half of the deaths of children over the age of 28 days may have been avoidable or potentially avoidable.

Said Gwenda Thomas; “The CEMACH report provides us with analysis of child deaths in one year and in a number of selected areas giving us a snapshot of the position at one point in time.”

“By undertaking further work and analysis we can develop effective policies to address unexpected child deaths.”

An unexpected death is defined as the death of a child that was not anticipated as a significant possibility 24 hours before the death, or where there was a similarly unexpected collapse leading to or precipitating the events that led to the death.

Subject to an assessment of the pilot, the aim would be to introduce a full Child Death Review scheme from 1 April 2010, following consultation with stakeholders on any proposed regulations and guidance.

Post Office Closures - Consultation

Royal Mail has announced this week that five post office branches in the Neath constituency are being proposed for closure under its Network Change Programme.

The five branches proposed for closure in the Neath Constituency are Aberdulais; Neath Abbey; Cwmgors; Leaonard Street, Neath and Maesyffynon, Glynneath.

Constituents are invited to leave comments on these proposed closures here, so that I am able to send a clear, strong and united message to Royal Mail on behalf of my constituents.

Neath AM ‘disappointed’ at Post Office closure plans for Neath

Neath Labour Assembly Member Gwenda Thomas has expressed her disappointment at the decision announced today (Tuesday 3rd June) by Royal Mail that five post office branches in her constituency are being proposed for closure under its Network Change Programme.

The five branches proposed for closure in the Neath Constituency are Aberdulais; Neath Abbey; Cwmgors; Leaonard Street, Neath and Maesyffynon, Glynneath.

She announced plans to consult her constituents on the proposed closures, and will work closely with Neath MP Peter Hain, local councillors, including the Leader of Neath Port Talbot Council, Derek Vaughan and other local community leaders to ensure that the views of the people in each of the affected areas are taken fully into consideration during the consultation period.

Commenting on the proposed closures, Neath AM GWENDA THOMAS said:

“I’m deeply disappointed that Royal Mail has announced its intention to close five of its branches in my constituency.

"We will campaign to keep as many of these Post Offices open as possible, but we need people to speak up and tell us what they think, so that we send a clear, strong and united message to Royal Mail.

"Although Post Office issues are not devolved to the Welsh Assembly Government, I'm fully committed to making sure that as a public representative, representing the people of Neath, that I listen to the views of the people of Aberdulais, Cwmgors, Neath, Neath Abbey, and the Lamb and Flag area of Glynneath , and I urge them to contact me with their views on these proposed closures.

"I will then make the views of my constituents known to Royal Mail, and I will be working closely with colleagues to ensure that those views are taken fully into consideration during the consultation process.

Constituents can contact Gwenda by writing to Gwenda Thomas AM, Assembly Member for Neath, 7 High Street, Pontardawe, Swansea, SA8 4HU, by e-mail, gwenda.thomas@wales.gov.uk, or by leaving a comment at www.gwendathomas.com

Commenting on the proposed closures, Neath Port Talbot Council Leader and Neath North Councillor DEREK VAUGHAN said:

"'I am concerned at the number of closures announced for Neath Port Talbot and as a local Councillor I am particularly concerned about the proposal to close the Leonard Street Post Office in my Ward.

"Such a closure would have a huge impact on elderly residents. I will be demanding a meeting with the Post Office to discuss their proposals ''.

Commenting on the proposed closure of Maes y Ffynon Post Office, Blaengwrach County Councillor ALF SIDDLEY said:

"I was most disturbed to hear that the Post Office in the Lamb and Flag area of Glynneath is on the list of post office proposed for closure.

"The Post Office has always been an integral part of Community life, and plays a crucial role, just like the local school and village shop. When any of these vital services are closed, it has a devastating impact on the local community, especially on those members of the community who rely the most on their local post office, such as those who do not have a bank account or access to a bank, and the elderly and disabled people.

"I trust the County Councillors for Glynneath will stand with me and my colleagues to oppose this planned closure.

Bringing the community together

Deputy Minister for Social Services, Gwenda Thomas, brought different age groups closer together today (Monday, 02 June) when she launched the consultation of the Assembly Government’s first draft Intergenerational Strategy for Wales at the Senedd in Cardiff Bay.

The draft strategy is a key action point of the Assembly Government’s ‘Strategy for Older People in Wales’, that recommended a development programme be established to promote the development and improved awareness of the benefits of intergenerational links.

As a consequence of identifying the importance of promoting intergenerational relationships and cooperation Wales is the first country in the world to build the United Nations Declaration on older people into a national policy.

The draft Intergenerational Strategy for Wales contains a number of examples of good practice in Wales and a source of further advice on how intergenerational approaches are an effective way to address a number of key government priorities such as building active communities, developing respect and understanding across the generations, promoting citizenship, regenerating neighbourhoods and addressing inequality.

Speaking at the conference, Deputy Minister for Social Services, Gwenda Thomas, said:

"Ensuring that people from across the generations work together, share their experiences and expertise is vitally important - which is why intergenerational practice is and will continue to be a key priority issue for the Assembly Government’s Strategy for Older People in Wales.

"We have been funding development work for the last four years but now is the time to step it up a gearBy developing a greater understanding and respect between generations we increase our chances of building more cohesive communities which is why today’s launch of the consultation is not only important news for the older people in Wales but for the country as a whole.

A number of projects have been established to bring younger and older people together throughout Wales. Working with Schools, Libraries and Community groups the projects have included butter making, cookery, fashion shows, film making, history, gardening, community improvement projects and many more.The draft strategy will now go out to consultation until 30 August and it is anticipated that the Intergenerational Strategy will be formally launched in the Autumn.

Western Mail Column: ‘We all have a role to play protecting the vulnerable’

Deputy Minister for Social Services Gwenda Thomas explores how we can all make a difference and overcome the challenge of elderly abuse.

As with anything, the first step towards tackling a problem is to recognise that the problem exists. Like child abuse, or domestic abuse, it is only when we face up to the realities that we can do something about it.

In recent years there has been a growing awareness and better understanding of the abuse of older and vulnerable people, although it should be acknowledged that systematic and structured approaches across Wales to address this are still at a relatively early stage of development when compared to the arrangements that exist for child abuse.

I know that all too often older people and their families may not be fully aware of arrangements that exist to protect vulnerable adults and of the help and support that can be available.
The Welsh Assembly Government is taking steps to address this. Most recently I gave funding to a consortium led by Learning Disability Wales to produce a DVD on the protection of vulnerable adults, which is aimed at adults, including older people, with learning disability themselves.

This will help ensure they have the information they need about their rights, to protect themselves from harm and abuse and to know what to do if abuse happens. The DVD will be published this autumn.

We also need to consider how to make it easier for members of the public to raise specific concerns. These are clearly issues that we need to work with the statutory agencies to address.
Tackling adult abuse is not just a matter for the Welsh Assembly Government, service providers, statutory authorities, regulatory bodies or the police to deal with. All citizens and organisations have a role to play in protecting vulnerable adults from abuse whenever and wherever it occurs.

I know too that the Commissioner for Older People has a particular interest in protecting older people from abuse as she recently addressed an Elder Abuse Seminar organised by Age Concern Cymru. The Welsh Assembly Government’s own focus has to be those areas falling within our devolved powers and responsibilities.

Firstly, we need to ensure that we have the necessary and appropriate national framework in place to strengthen local arrangements, clarify principles of good practice and help the development of approaches to prevent abuse of vulnerable adults, and to identify and deal with abuse when it happens and seek to prevent its re-occurrence.

Secondly, WAG’s Care and Social Services Inspectorate also has an important role in adult protection, including:

• Providing professional advice to support policy developments and encouraging good practice across Wales;
• working with local authorities when the local authority carries out its lead role in this area in relation to individual service users. The inspectorate checks that regulated services overall protect the safety and well-being of service users;
• the inspectorate produces an annual monitoring report on adult protection and will be undertaking an inspection of local authority adult protection arrangements in 2008-09.
  Our main guidance on adult protection is “In Safe Hands”. That statutory guidance identifies councils as having the lead responsibility for developing local adult protection arrangements.

Local authorities need to work closely with a number of other agencies, including commissioners and providers of health and social services; providers of sheltered and supported housing; regulators of services; the police and voluntary and private sector agencies. Every part of Wales has already had local adult protection arrangements in place for a number of years.

We have also actively supported the UK Government in developing and implementing non-devolved measures such as the establishment of the list of people who are unsuitable to work with vulnerable adults and accordingly banned from such work.

However, we will not be complacent in fulfilling our adult protection responsibilities. Earlier this year, I established an Adult Protection Project Board to consider and report on the effectiveness of our adult protection policies to ensure that they are appropriate and robust.

I shall report on the outcome of the work of this group when its tasks have been completed.

Neath Guardian Colum - 21 May 2008

During the last few weeks in my role as Deputy Minister for Health and Social Services, I’ve been able to announce two innovative and exciting new policies.

In April, I was able to announce a new, wide-ranging strategy to tackle autism and improve services for those who are affected by the condition. An increasing number of people are being diagnosed with Autism in Wales and there is a need to improve the provision that is available for children, young people and adults with ASD.

Wales is the first country in the world to have established a cross-cutting national strategic action plan for ASD that will help the estimated 30,000 people that are either directly or indirectly affected by Autism in Wales. The Action Plan will drive improvements across both children, young people’s and adult services in health, social services and education services – and also expand into areas of housing, leisure and society in general, and is yet another ‘World first’ for Wales.

Last week, I was delighted to be able to announce that children under the care of Local Authorities in Wales are to benefit from an extra contribution of £150 a year to their Child Trust Fund as a result of additional funding from the Labour-led Welsh Assembly Government and from the UK Government.

Child Trust Funds, which were introduced in 2005, can help play a crucial role in achieving our aim of tackling child poverty in Wales. The account belongs to the child and can't be touched until they turn 18, so that children have some money behind them to start their adult life. Encouraging a savings culture and helping children learn about finance are crucial if we are to break the vicious circle of child poverty and I’m confident that policy will help us reach our goal.

The Labour-led Welsh Assembly Government has agreed to top up payments to local authorities from £50 per year per child to £100 per year per child. This is intended to encourage local authorities to contribute to the Child Trust Funds of children that they are responsible for as corporate parents. The UK Government, who have been impressed with this ‘made in Wales’ initiative, has now introduced their own scheme to top up the CTF accounts of all children looked after in the UK for a year or more since 1 April 2007 by £100 per year per child.

If you wish to contact me for any help and assistance that you feel I can provide you as your local Assembly Member, you can contact my office on 01792 869993 or e-mail gwenda.thomas@wales.gov.uk. You can also keep up-to-date with my activities as your AM by logging on to www.gwendathomas.com

NEATH PORT TALBOT GETS A ‘TIDY’ BOOST

A new £131,964 funding boost from the Labour-led Assembly Government will help make towns like Neath and Pontardawe tidier for all, Labour Neath AM Gwenda Thomas said today.

The Labour-led Assembly Government’s ‘Tidy Towns scheme’ is to provide councils in Wales with £3million of funding for projects which improve the state of our towns and villages, and will give communities the chance to take responsibility for the quality of their local environment.

Keep Wales Tidy gas also been given £1 million of Assembly Government funding to appoint a Tidy Towns Champion in Councils including Neath Port Talbot, who will facilitate projects aimed at improving the quality of the local environment.

GWENDA THOMAS AM said:

“The Tidy Towns scheme is a brilliant idea, which I’m sure will help to make places like Neath and Pontardawe even cleaner, greener and safer places to live.

I am also proud that Welsh Labour, which promised this scheme in last year’s Assembly election, is now delivering it in Government in the Assembly.”

“A poor quality local environment can have a major impact on whether people feel happy or safe in their own community, so I welcome the fact that this funding will be able to fund a wide range of projects which will breathe new life into our towns and villages.

Projects to tackle litter, remove graffiti, create new community gardens or wildlife habitats could all be covered by the Tidy Towns scheme, and I look forward to seeing communities across my constituency taking up the reins to improve their local environment.”

Councils get helping hand to provide extra support for children in care

Neath AM and Labour's Deputy Minister for Social Services, Gwenda Thomas, revealed today that children under the care of Local Authorities in Wales are to benefit from a further improved Child Trust Fund Reimbursement scheme as a result of additional funding from the Welsh Assembly Government.

Intended to encourage local authorities to contribute to the Child Trust Funds (CTF) of children that they are responsible for - the Assembly Government has agreed to top up payments to local authorities from £50 per year per child to £100 per year per child. In addition, the UK Government has introduced a scheme to top up the CTF accounts of all children looked after in the UK for a year or more since 1 April 2007 by £100 per year per child. WAG has agreed to administer the scheme in Wales and will receive the necessary funding from the UK Government.

The Welsh and UK schemes will be combined and as a consequence Local Authorities in Wales will now be reimbursed to provide children looked after for a year or more since 1 April 2007 with an annual top up of £200 – compared to £100 in the rest of the UK.

Gwenda Thomas said "Child Trust Funds can help play a crucial role in achieving the Assembly Government’s aim of tackling child poverty in Wales. With further improved funding we can build on the success of our Looked After Children Scheme to help boost the savings of children in Wales and improve opportunities later in life. Encouraging a savings culture and helping children learn about finance are crucial if we are to break the vicious circle of child poverty and I’m confident that this announcement will help us reach our goal."

It is estimated that under the revised eligibility criteria 500 children will benefit from the scheme in 2008/09 rising to 640 in 2009/10 and 770 in 2010/11 at a cost to the Welsh Assembly Government of £50,000, £64,000 and £77,000 respectively. The UK Government's contribution will mirror the Welsh Assembly Government’s contribution.

Neath Guardian Column

It’s that time of year again….the Local Elections are now only a week away, with polling day being on Labour day, Thursday 1st May. It’s vitally important in a healthy democracy that everyone entitled to vote uses their democratic right to vote. It’s your chance to express your view on how well you feel you are represented by your local councillor(s), and on the quality of the public services provided to you by Neath Port Talbot Council, such as your local schools, social services, the award-winning refuse collection service and the innovative neighbourhood management scheme.

There are two Neath Port Talbot Councillors in the Neath area that have both decided to call it a day after many years of dedicated public service. I wanted to take this opportunity to thank them both publicly. Elwyn Jones, who has represented Aberdulais and Cilfrew, and Malcolm Jones, who has represented Pontrhydyfen and Tonmawr, have both done so with integrity, commitment and enthusiasm for many years, and I have been honoured to have been able to work with them for the past 9 years as AM for Neath, and for many years previous to that. I’m very pleased to be supporting Doreen Jones and Lance Whiteley as their replacements, who will be, if elected, prove to be sterling replacements.

The official opening of the Amazon.co.uk distribution centre in Jersey Marine last week is a terrific boost for Neath and Port Talbot, bringing with it 1,200 new jobs, with many more during peak periods. The fact that Amazon are in Jersey Marine is in itself a wonderful testament to the hard work and determination of the Labour-led Welsh Assembly Government and the Labour-controlled Neath Port Talbot Council to ensure that Amazon chose Wales over other potential sites elsewhere in the UK.

If you wish to contact me for any help and assistance that you feel I can provide you as your local Assembly Member, please do not hesitate to contact my constituency office in Pontardawe on 01792 869993 or e-mail gwenda.thomas@wales.gov.uk. You can also keep up-to-date with my activities as your AM by logging on to www.gwendathomas.com

Western Mail Column: Wales must take care as it leads the way on ASD

Deputy Minister for Social Services, Gwenda Thomas, outlines how the Assembly Government is tackling this challenge of improving the provision for people with Autistic Spectrum Disorder

Autism is a lifelong developmental condition that can occur in varying degrees of severity resulting in difficulties with social interaction, communication and imagination.

Thankfully, awareness of ASD in Wales has come on in leaps and bounds over the past five or six years, but there is still so much more that we can all do.

That is why I was delighted to be able to announce on behalf of the Welsh Assembly Government last week the launch of a new, wide-ranging action plan that will help the estimated 30,000 that are either directly or indirectly affected by Autism in Wales.

As a result of establishing the Autistic Spectrum Disorder Strategic Action Plan, Wales is the first country in the world to have established a national action plan for autism.

But we are conscious of the fact that with introducing an innovative policy comes responsibility, as our colleagues in England, Scotland, Ireland and beyond will now be looking to us to act as pioneers in this respect.

This new cross-cutting action plan, that has been allocated £1.8m for the first year – in addition to the £1.7m previously allocated to support children with ASD in the revenue support grant since last year – is intended to drive improvements across both children, young people’s and adult services in health, social and education services in Wales and expanding into areas of housing, leisure and society in general.

So, how do we see the action plan actually helping those who are either directly or indirectly affected by autism in Wales?

Integral to the success of the action plan is the appointment of an implementation support manager that will be able to drive forward the first key actions – which is why I am delighted with the appointment of Hugh Morgan, chief executive of Autism Cymru, to this crucial role.
One of the key actions is the appointment of an autism “champion” by each local authority in Wales, who will be tasked with mapping out needs and services at local level.

Hugh’s role will be vital in this respect. He will have to liaise with the LA champions and draw together the delivery of the action plan. This will provide the foundation for future work and is integral to its success. I am more than confident that Hugh and local agencies will deliver against this very challenging agenda.

While the first year is crucial to future developments, it is evident there is an ongoing need to undertake other actions to vastly increase the awareness and training of practitioners within the education, health and social care sectors.

We are also committed to establishing a Welsh Assembly Government Task and Finish Group this year, to investigate, evaluate and report on the evidence for effective interventions and models of services for adults with autism, an area that has not been adequately explored previously.

This will involve many stakeholders in the public, private and voluntary sector, including both major autism charities, Autism Cymru and National Autistic Society.

The Welsh Assembly Government has shown it’s commitment to this issue and the publication of the ASD Strategic Action Plan, the allocation of funding, the appointment of someone of Hugh’s calibre are all developments to be celebrated.

Autism is a global phenomenon and I’m both proud and excited by the fact Wales is playing a leading role in helping to develop responses to it on the world stage.

World first to improve autism services in Wales

New, wide-ranging efforts to tackle autism and improve services for those who are affected by the condition were announced today [Tuesday, 22 April] by the Welsh Assembly Government's Deputy Minister for Social Services, Gwenda Thomas.

The Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Strategic Action Plan is to be launched today at the 3rd Wales International Autism Conference organised by Autism Cymru in Cardiff. Funding for the next 3 years has been identified with the first years funding of £1.8m being announced to drive forward key actions for the first years.

Wales is the first country in the world to have established a cross-cutting national strategic action plan for ASD that will help the estimated 30,000 people that are either directly or indirectly affected by Autism in Wales.

The Action Plan will drive improvements across both children, young people’s and adult services in health, social services and education services – and also expand into areas of housing, leisure and society in general.

Wales has secured another coup in the appointment of Hugh Morgan OBE, Chief Executive of Autism Cymru, to the post of Implementation Manager to drive forward the very important first 12 months developments in the mapping of needs and services which has to be undertaken by every Local Authority in Wales.

Speaking at today’s conference, Deputy Minister for Social Services, Gwenda Thomas, said:

"An increasing number of people are being diagnosed with Autism in Wales and there is a need to improve the provision that is available for children, young people and adults with ASD.

"It’s crucial that people with Autism have every opportunity to fulfil their potential which is why the Welsh Assembly Government has committed to having an ASD Strategic Action Plan in place which addresses the needs of all ages, touches on all agencies and involves individuals and their families/carers in the decision making process.

"We are doing something positive in Wales to address this issue and we can be proud of the fact that we are witnessing yet another ‘World first’ for Wales with the launch of this new Strategic Action Plan today.

"The Welsh Assembly Government has worked closely with both major Autism charities to develop our Action Plan. With real partnership working between a wide range of public, private and voluntary sector organisations we will see a positive and sustainable change that will benefit the individual with ASD, their families and society.

"I am delighted to have Hugh Morgan in the key role of Implementation Manager and am sure his world renowned expertise will only further enhance this ground breaking strategy.

RECYCLING BOOST FOR NEATH PORT TALBOT WELCOMED

Recycling efforts in Neath Port Talbot are to be boosted by an extra £2.1m over the next year, thanks to the Labour-led Welsh Assembly Government.

Neath Labour AM Gwenda Thomas has welcomed the announcement by the Welsh Minister for Environment, Sustainability & Housing, Jane Davidson AM, of additional cash to increase recycling and composting rates and to cut the amount of waste going to landfill in Neath Port Talbot.

The funding is part of a £50 million Wales-wide package to local authorities under the Assembly Government’s ‘Sustainable waste management grant’. This is an increase of £15 million over the previous year.

Welcoming the announcement, Gwenda Thomas said:

"This is a major investment in the way our waste in Neath Port Talbot is managed, which will lead to more recycling and composting and less waste going to landfill.

“The extra cash will support Neath Port Talbot Council as it moves towards the target for recycling and composting 40 per cent of waste by 2010 and I am pleased to see that the Assembly Government is asking councils to target the extra funding on looking at ways to recycle food waste.

"We have made a great deal of progress with recycling in Wales, with the Labour-led Neath Port Talbot Council making terrific progress in increasing the percentage of waste being recycled, with the award winning curb side recycling scheme being a particular success story.

Gwenda added:

“However, we still have a lot to do and today's announcement will lead to further progress at a time when more and more people of all ages are telling me that they want to do their bit for the environment.

“Climate change is one of the biggest challenges we face, and dealing with our waste effectively is one important way of tackling it. This investment clearly shows that the Labour-led Assembly Government is committed to a cleaner, greener Wales.”

Neath Guardian Column: 27 March 2008

I was delighted by the announcement made last week by the Labour Leader of Neath Port Talbot Council Derek Vaughan of a further set of very exciting regeneration initiatives for Neath and the surrounding area.

Investment in the area will reach £100m, with an £80m redevelopment of the Town Centre being topped by a further announcement that the Milland Road area and land surrounding the Canal will also be developed, with Neath Railway Station and Victoria Gardens also in line for a significant revamp.

The regeneration of our towns and our valley communities is a top priority for both the Labour-led Welsh Assembly Government and the Labour-led Neath Port Talbot Council. This was demonstrated last year by the appointment of the AM for the Rhondda, Leighton Andrews, as the Deputy Minister with specific responsibility for economic and community regeneration. In recent months, the Labour-led Welsh Assembly Government has announced that the highly successful Communities First initiative has been extended further into Neath, in particular the Neath South and Cimla wards. The initiative has been a spectacular success in areas such as Fairyland and the Melyn.

As Neath's AM, I’m also determined to support Derek Vaughan and the council in its aim to rebuild the Gwyn Hall, so that Neath has the first class arts and cultural venue that it deserves. I’d also like to thank the Friends of the Gwyn Hall for all the work they are doing to ensure that the Gwyn Hall is returned to the people of Neath.

The Labour-led Welsh Assembly Government has also funded two housing renewal areas in Neath Port Talbot, which have proven to be highly successful. I was delighted to see that the Council are pressing ahead with plans to declare areas of the Neath East Ward, which includes Melincryddan, as a housing renewal area within the next year.

The strong partnership between the Labour-led Welsh Assembly Government and the Labour-led Neath Port Talbot Council is allowing initiatives such as these to happen.

If you wish to contact me for any help and assistance that you feel I can provide you as your local Assembly Member, please do not hesitate to contact my constituency office in Pontardawe on 01792 869993 or e-mail gwenda.thomas@wales.gov.uk. You can also keep up-to-date with my activities as your AM by logging on to www.gwendathomas.com

Western Mail Colimn: Bridging generation gap is important

Gwenda Thomas explains how the strategy for older people will work

THE second phase of the strategy for older people in Wales is set to build on the achievements of the first phase, which has seen the introduction of popular schemes such as free bus travel and free swimming for older people, and the appointment ofment a Commissioner for Older People – unique to Wales.

The strategy was originally launched in 2003 and the first phase aimed to raise the profile of older people’s needs and ensure that their views were sought in the development and delivery of local services.

I am proud to be able to say that the strategy has been successful and has been recognised internationally as best practice for the way to engage in which older people have been engaged in the decision making process.

The new phase of the strategy, – from April 2008-2013 – will be supported by an additional £7m from the Welsh Assembly Government to ensure that it is effectively implemented. It will concentrate on four key strategic and cross-cutting themes – engagement with older people; economic status of older people; health, wellbeing and independence; and implementation. Overall, this will help older people to stay independent and active for longer.

Indeed, as the number of older people grows, the challenge that this places on society grows too. One key to addressing this challenge is to unlock the potential for older people to play an even greater role in their communities.

Too often older people are treated as passive recipients, rather than active consumers with their own views. We must challenge this misconception and support independence rather than enforcing dependence, and our policies and services should reflect individual need rather than being predetermined by chronological age.

When creating services for older people we must recognise that they are as diverse as any other group in our society in terms of age range, gender, orientation, race, culture, religion and health; and, correspondingly, they have a wide range of goals, needs, knowledge and abilities.
As part of One Wales we are committed to developing a Wales that is inclusive and offers equity in opportunity and treatment to all people who live in Wales. For older people this is particularly significant.

Addressing the implications of an ageing Wales is not a quick fix – and one of the real challenges for the strategy over its next phase will be to evolve our approach so that issues about ageing and older people are mainstreamed.

As phase two of the strategy begins, I look forward to working with the new commissioner for older people Ruth Marks, who takes up her post next month.

This post will be at the heart of our wider vision for the future governance of Wales and will act as a very practical tool to help older people speak out about problems or issues of concern, and to seek redress when things go wrong.

Over the next five years I expect to see the good work already started to continue and develop further.

One key area of work is breaking down stereotypes. Research tells us that many older people in Wales are unable to live the lives that they want or deserve because they feel marginalised and discriminated against, with too many barriers preventing them from making a contribution.
These barriers prevent older people from using their knowledge and skills for the benefit of our economy and everyone in our society.

It is therefore essential that we take action to combat the prevalence of age discrimination and to build upon the role older people play in our society so that they are fully engaged in decision making.

To do this the Assembly Government is working with young and older people to help shape its future policy on intergenerational practice – people from across the generation gap working together to share experiences and expertise. Re-establishing links between generations is a very effective way to dispel myths and fears and encourage mutual respect between young and old.
I am also encouraged by the work being carried out across Wales to ensure that older people receive respect and dignity when in a care setting.

There are many challenges ahead, for example in addressing poverty among pensioners, making life-long learning a reality for more and increasing economic activity, to mention but a few
One of the real challenges for the strategy over its next phase will be to evolve our approach so that issues about ageing and older people are mainstreamed – that is they are integrated on an equitable basis in all aspects of public policy. We are on the right road and making steady progress.

Gwenda Thomas AM is deputy Minister for Social Services

New Service Framework for the Future Provision of Advocacy Service for Children in Wales

Joint Statement by Jane Hutt AM, Minister for Children, Education, Lifelong Learning and Skills and Gwenda Thomas AM, Deputy Minister for Social Services, Welsh Assembly Government.

"The Welsh Assembly Government has a long-standing commitment to provide universal access to effective advocacy services for all children and young people in Wales. The right of children and young people to be heard directly on matters that affect them is a key component of our approach to developing policy that is firmly grounded in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. It is particularly important that children and young people have every opportunity to seek redress when things go wrong and that service providers learn from the experience of service users in order to truly become citizen focussed.

We therefore have great pleasure in announcing today new measures to strengthen the voice of children and young people in the provision of public services in Wales. The Government intends to put in place a New Service Framework for the Future Provision of Advocacy Service in Wales. The new framework will be implemented over the next two years. At the heart of the Framework will be a new;

· National Independent Advocacy Board. The Board will take an independent, strategic overview of the development and delivery of advocacy services in Wales and will make recommendations to the National Assembly and to the Welsh Assembly Government. The Board will have a key role in advising on the regulatory framework for advocacy services; promoting best practice and identifying and developing the evidence base. Critically, the Board will also advise Welsh Ministers on the commissioning arrangements for advocacy at national, regional and local level and publish an opinion on arrangements made by the statutory Children and Young People Partnerships to commission and secure the provision of integrated specialist advocacy services. The Board will also consider the existing statutory framework and advise on whether this should be amended to allow for the continuing development of advocacy services.

The Board will be supported in its work by the Advocacy Development and Performance Unit that will be established within the Assembly Government. The Unit’s key function will be to commission, manage and monitor an all-Wales Advocacy and Advice Service and, in consultation with National Independent Advocacy Board, to develop the regulatory framework for the service and the occupational standards and training provision for staff working in the service.

The advocacy service itself will comprise:

- a new National Advocacy and Advice Service to provide a single point of contact via telephone or text 7, days a week for all children and young people in Wales. This will ensure universal access to first line advocacy and support on the full range of concerns expressed by children and young people. The national service will make the necessary links with other support services such as Childline Cymru, NSPCC and, where appropriate, will make referrals to the local/regional specialist integrated advocacy services and school based counselling services. The new service will be in operation in 2009/10.

- a locally/regionally commissioned Integrated Specialist Advocacy Service covering health services, social care services and education, with a particular focus on providing statutory advocacy and broader support to assist vulnerable children and young people. The integrated specialist service model will be commissioned locally or regionally through the Children and Young People Partnerships, beginning later this year.

In devising this framework the Welsh Assembly Government has given particular consideration to the recommendations contained in the recent report of the Children and Young People Committee. We are very grateful for the careful, serious and thoughtful examination that the Committee gave to this important topic. We agree with much of what the Committee has recommended, especially in respect of developing a skilled advocacy workforce. We wish to pay tribute to the work of the Committee and to their commitment to strengthen the voice of all children and young people through the development of robust advocacy arrangements for those who are most disadvantaged and vulnerable. The Government will be making a detailed response to the Committee’s report in due course.

Alongside the Committee’s report we have also considered evidence and views from a wide range of stakeholders; including respondents to our consultation last summer, and most importantly, to the contributions of children and young people themselves.

Central to the concerns of most stakeholders and to the Committee was the question of the independence and the perceived independence of specialist advocacy services. The Government shares the underlying principles on which the Committee has made its recommendation for a national commissioning body for such services but also notes the challenge that differing notions of independence present. There continues to be a difference of views on what constitutes an independent service.

The key strength of the service framework that we intend to put in place is the link it will make between the voice of the child or young person and mainstream services for children and young people. The Assembly Government sees the provision of advocacy services as an opportunity to develop awareness of children’s rights amongst service providers, to challenge those occupational and local cultures that do not effectively engage children and young people in the design and delivery of services and to ensure, wherever possible, the speedy resolution of difficulties. In this way, local responsibility for resolving grievances or remedying service deficiencies is not undermined.

However, these arrangements will need to have the confidence of children and young people. They will have an important role on the National Independent Advocacy Board which will oversee the arrangements that we intend to put in place. It is our intention that the Independent Advocacy Board will provide a unique, informed and fully independent account of the quality of advocacy services for children and young people in Wales to a degree that is unparalleled elsewhere in the UK or Europe. We also intend, by regulation, to require local/regional arrangements to be commissioned on at least a
three-year basis.

The Welsh Assembly Government also respects the need to have a continuous programme for improving the independence of services to strengthen the voices of children and young people and to ensure there is sufficient capacity and flexibility in the law so as to allow the Welsh Assembly Government and future Governments to respond to an ever-changing environment and expectations.

Wales already has an international reputation for innovation, working in partnership and for placing the voice of the child at the heart of its policies and programmes. The New Service Framework for the Future Provision of Advocacy Service in Wales represents a major step forward in Wales’ promotion of Article 12 of the UNCRC to ensure the rights of children and young people to have a say in what they think should happen when adults are making decision about them and to have their opinions taken into account."

Living longer, living better – launch of second phase of Older People’s Strategy

Deputy Minister for Social Services Gwenda Thomas will today [Thursday, 13 March] launch phase two of the Welsh Assembly Government’s Strategy for Older People at the Living Longer/Living Better conference at the Marriott Hotel, Cardiff.

The second phase will build on the achievements of the first phase, which has seen the introduction of popular schemes such as free bus travel and free swimming for older people, as well as the appointment of a Commissioner for Older People.

Originally launched in 2003, the first phase of the strategy aimed to raise the profile of older people’s needs and ensure that their views were sought in the development and delivery of local services.

It has been successful in achieving that aim with strong support from older people and age organisations. The strategy has also been recognised internationally as best practice for the way in which older people have been engaged in the decision making process.

The new phase of the strategy, from April 2008-2013, will focus on a range of key strategic areas including continuing to improve the health and well-being of older people and ways of enabling them to stay independent and active for longer.

Gwenda Thomas said:

“Older people now have the opportunity to live life to the full and are making an invaluable contribution to their families and their communities.”

“There are of course many challenges ahead. We must, for example, shed the stereotypes that surround older people, address poverty amongst pensioners, make life long learning a reality for more and increase economic activity.

“’One Wales’ strongly signals our commitment to developing a Wales that is inclusive and offers equity in opportunity. For older people living in Wales this is particularly significant.

“We are already on the right road, with the introduction of schemes such as free bus passes and free swimming for Older People and establishing the ground-breaking ‘made-in-Wales’ Commissioner for Older People.

“But addressing the implications of an ageing Wales is not a quick fix - and one of the real challenges for the strategy over its next phase will be to evolve our approach so that issues about ageing and older people are mainstreamed.”

Local Authorities and other partners, including the voluntary sector, were originally allocated £13million to ensure that the first phase of the strategy was effectively implemented. An additional £7 million for the next 3 years has now been added to this amount, making a total investment of £20 million, to ensure the effective implementation of the Strategy.

The Strategy for Older People is available at: http://wales.gov.uk/about/strategy/strategypublications/strategy_olderpeople/?lang=en

AM WARNS SUPERMARKETS OVER PLASTIC BAG GIVEAWAYS

LOCAL Supermarkets need to get their act together over the ‘mountains of carrier bags’ they give away every week - or face a Government imposed levy, local Labour AM Gwenda Thomas warned today.

Gwenda was responding to the news that the UK Government has announced that it will use powers to put a levy on single use carrier bags if retailers don’t take enough action themselves by the end of the year.

Gwenda Thomas AM said:

"The mountains of plastic bags which our local supermarkets are giving away each week are causing enormous harm in our communities.

"I am very pleased to see the Government making it clear that retailers have until the end of the year to do more, or face legislation to impose charges on these bags from early next year."

"Many of us only use these bags for a few minutes to carry our shopping home, but they can damage our environment for years to come. Discarded plastic bags are a real blight in many communities and they can take thousands of years to break down, often on landfill tips.

Gwenda added:

"The Assembly Government has already signed up to a voluntary code with supermarkets aimed at reducing the amount of single use carrier bags used in Wales, but this is just the start. The Assembly is currently asking for new powers over environmental protection and waste management, which would also make an impact in this area.

"At the same time, we all have a responsibility to cut down on the number of carrier bags we use when we are shopping. Re-usable bags are better for the environment and they could soon be better for our pockets as well."

Press Release: PONTARDAWE COMMUNITY PROJECT CONGRATULATED ON £300,000 FUNDING BOOST

A community project in Pontardawe aimed at building a small show arena has been congratulated by Neath AM Gwenda Thomas after it was awarded a £300,000 funding boost from the Labour-led Welsh Assembly Government.

Arena Pontardawe is one of 49 community projects across Wales to share in more than £5.5 million funding from the Assembly Government’s Community Facilities and Activities Grant.

The scheme supports the creation of new facilities and services and promote the regeneration of communities.

Gwenda Thomas, Labour Assembly Member for Neath said:

“This is a significant funding boost for a project, which will make a real difference to Pontardawe and the Swansea Valley.

“I know that a lot of hard work has been put in by those involved with Arena Pontardawe, and I want to congratulate all those involved in making this funding boost possible.

The group’s aim is to build a small show arena, seating around 300 people and accommodating flexi space for both businesses and training groups. It will be compliant with the Disability discrimination act, providing increased educational opportunities and training courses. It will create bonds between diverse groups encouraging social interaction and a sense of belonging.

Gwenda added:

"The funding announced today is part of the Labour-led Welsh Assembly Government’s agenda of breathing new life into communities such Pontardawe. We want to work with local organisations to regenerate our communities, improve services and upgrade facilities.

“One of our greatest strengths in the Swansea Valley is our shared sense of community spirit, and I am confident that this latest boost to the area will help to build this and our confidence as a community.”

Press Release: NEATH AM WELCOMES REFORM OF HOSPITAL PARKING CHARGES

Neath Labour AM and Deputy Health & Social Services Minister Gwenda Thomas has today warmly welcomed a move by the Labour-led Welsh Assembly Government to allow patients, visitors and staff to park for free at almost every hospital in Wales by the end of 2011.

The announcement means that from April 1st this year, car parking on all NHS Trust sites is to be provided free of charge for patients, staff and visitors, unless external contracts are in place.

Where commercial parking contracts are in place, NHS Trusts are being told to reduce parking costs for patients, staff and visitors from 1st June this year. These reduced-cost schemes will then have to remain in place until the end of the contract.

Gwenda Thomas AM said:

“This will be very welcome news for patients, their families and NHS staff across my constituency.

“Under the current system, charges vary widely across Wales. This means that patients, staff and visitors can all be hit with the expense and inconvenience of parking charges, often when they are at their most vulnerable.

“Parking costs have been a major issue for many of my constituents, who will now benefit from free parking at the major hospitals serving my constituency, such as Singleton and Morriston hospitals.

“While Neath Port Talbot Hospital operates a commercial contract and Abertawe Bro Morgannwg NHS Trust (which comes into existence from April 1st) is legally bound to honour the terms of this contract, I am sure that patients, visitors and staff will join with me in welcoming the fact that they will face reduced parking charges from June 1st.

“At last year’s Assembly election, Welsh Labour promised that we would reform charges for hospital parking and today’s announcement means that we are well on the way to doing just that by the end of this Assembly term.”