Buy Fair Trade Urges Gwenda Thomas AM

Gwenda Thomas AM is encouraging residents in Neath and the Swansea Valleys to buy Fair Trade goods as Fair Trade Fortnight kicks off.

The two week campaign, which runs until Sunday March 7, aims to promote a fairer deal for workers in the developing world.

A number of ‘Big Swap’ events are taking place across the country where consumers are able to swap regular products for fair trade products.

Mrs. Thomas said: “Fair Trade is about making sure that we all play our part in encouraging sustainable development which offers better working rights and process for marginalized producers and workers in countries across the world.”

“There is a lot we can do as consumers, communities and businesses and I would encourage everyone in the Neath Constituency to try and buy Fair Trade goods wherever possible.”

She added, “I am proud that Wales became the first ever Fair Trade nation in 2008. Enormous progress has been made in Wales regarding Fair Trade and the Big Swap is another great way to spread the message.”

To find your closest Big Swap event visit www.fairtrade.org.uk.

For more information on Fair Trade in Wales visit www.Fairtradewales.com or call 029 2080 3293

NEW BOILER SCRAPPAGE SCHEME ANNOUNCED

Pensioners in the Neath Constituency are set to benefit from a new boiler scrappage scheme introduced by the Labour-led Welsh Assembly Government.

A total of £2.5m has been allocated to the scheme which is expected to help up to 5,000 homes across Wales, with a further £1.4m allocated towards tackling fuel poverty tackle through the established Home Energy Efficiency Scheme (HEES).

Gwenda Thomas AM for Neath said, “The Welsh boiler scrappage scheme, which will be launched from April 1, will bring great benefit to pensioners needing to replace their inefficient older boilers. This is great news enabling those eligible to save £ 500 of the cost of replacing an old and inefficient boiler.”

“The Home Energy Efficiency Scheme has already assisted over 100,000 households with heating and insulation measures across Wales and so the extra £1.4m will ensure residents will continue to see the benefits of this.

Mrs Thomas advised, “Details of the application process are still being finalised but for updates please continue to contact my constituency staff in Pontardawe who will distribute information as it arrives.”

The key eligibility criteria of the scrappage scheme are:

• Applicants must be 60 or over
• Non-means tested
• £500 towards replacing an inefficient (G rated) boiler

Last chance to nominate in the search to find the UK’s favourite Lottery-funded projects

The countdown is on for people in the Neath constituency to nominate their favourite local Lottery-funded project for The National Lottery Awards 2010.

The National Lottery is encouraging all projects in the area, and the thousands like them across the UK that have received Lottery funding in the past 15 years, to enter the Awards and gain recognition for their work. However, time is running out as all completed entries must be in by 5pm on Friday 19 February 2010.

Former Coronation Street actress, Sally Lindsay, is supporting The National Lottery Awards 2010. She says: “Lottery players raise £25 million every week for projects both large and small, which are benefiting people, places and communities all across the UK. These Awards are the annual search to find the UK’s favourite Lottery-funded projects and are an opportunity to highlight just some of the fantastic work that is being done with that money, as well as recognising the dedication of the people behind the projects who are making a difference in their communities.

Sally continues: “The deadline for entries is drawing closer so if a Lottery-funded project has had a positive impact on your local area, made a real difference to your life or if you are personally involved with a project that is transforming your community with the help of Lottery funding, then now is your last chance to nominate.”

The entrants that make it to the finals of The National Lottery Awards will appear on a star-studded prime-time BBC1 TV show later this year. They will also have a chance to win a £2,000[1] cash prize.

The Awards have seven categories - each reflecting an area of Lottery funding: Sport; Heritage; Arts; Environment; Voluntary/Charity (in association with Woman magazine), Health and Education. So if you want to see a winner from Neath in one or more of these categories in 2010 call 020 7324 4366 to make your nomination or visit www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk.

GWENDA THOMAS AM CELEBRATES 1,000TH SCHOOL TO JOIN FREE BREAKFAST SCHEME

Neath Constituency’s AM Gwenda Thomas welcomes the news that the 1,000th school in Wales has signed up to the Labour-led Welsh Assembly Government’s Free School Breakfast Initiative.
Free breakfasts were introduced in September 2004 to ensure that all children in Wales started the day with a healthy breakfast of cereal, toast and a piece of fruit or fruit juice, and evidence has shown that such a breakfast is linked to better concentration and behaviour in schools.
Gwenda said: “Free school breakfasts are now being offered in 1,000 schools across Wales, for many children this free breakfast is the only meal they will have in the morning, and will improve their learning skills.”
A total of 16 local schools in the Neath Constituency, including Godre’rgraig Primary School, offer the scheme, and I would like to see more schools join.”
“This initiative is in line with the Labour-led Assembly Government commitment to promote equality, and enhances the well-being and education of disadvantaged children.”
Editor’s Notes
· Baden Powell Primary School in Tremorfa, Cardiff became the 1,000th school to join the Welsh Assembly Government’s Free School Breakfast Scheme in January 2010.
· 66% of primary schools across Wales now offer free school breakfasts.