Heledd Fychan Canol De Cymru - South Wales Central

On Saturday (11 November) Heledd Fychan Member of the Senedd for South Wales Central attended the launch of British Red Cross’ new dedicated volunteer team. Working in partnership with South Wales Fire and Rescue Service, they will provide support to people affected by crisis across Rhondda Cynon Taf. 

Plaid Cymru has called on HSBC to reverse their decision to cut it’s Welsh language telephone service.

Politicians were informed of the bank's decision by letter on Wednesday morning, November 8.

In response to the decision, Plaid Cymru submitted an urgent question to the Welsh Government in the Senedd, urgently contacted the Welsh Language Commissioner, and requested an urgent meeting with HSBC in Westminster.

Plaid Cymru MS Heledd Fychan, is urging families across South Wales Central to embrace the brand-new Wales History Trails Passport Challenge, after its successful launch during this year’s Welsh Museums Festival. Taking place between 28 October and 5 November, the Festival is supported by the Welsh Government and aims to increase museum visibility and footfall.

In response to the ongoing issues with Wales’s rail services, Plaid Cymru held a crucial debate in the Senedd Wednesday (25^th of October), urgently urging the Welsh government to take immediate action. Despite the impassioned pleas of Plaid Cymru members, the motion was ultimately voted down, which will leave commuters and residents in South Wales, particularly in the Rhondda, deeply disappointed.

I recently attended public meetings regarding the potential closure of two Taff Vale practices: one in Cilfynydd and the other in Ynysybwl. The overwhelming feeling by residents is clear – these surgeries are a lifeline for these communities. The closure of either one of these branches will have a devastating impact on those already struggling to secure appointments. I’ll be working closely with the local councillors Paula Evans, Amanda Ellis and Hywel Gronow to ensure we explore all options and fight to save these GP surgeries.

As winter approaches, many households are already struggling with high living costs. Many are finding it hard to afford the essentials, with renters, people with disabilities, families with children under 18, and those reliant on benefits hit the hardest.  

This month I held my fifth cost of living networking event. A huge thank you to all the organisations and community groups that attended and especially the networks speakers from Pontypridd Foodbank, Riverside Advice and Manage Money Wales & The Community Sharing Shop.

Following the publication of a consultation by RCT Council proposing to close the school, Heledd Fychan MS recently visited Rhigos Primary School, meeting with both staff and pupils.

During the visit, Ms Fychan spoke with the Chair of Governors, staff and learners and learnt how special a school it is, and why parents and the local community have launched a campaign to save the school.

It was recently announced that nearly 500 workers at the UK Windows and Doors sites in Treorchy, Williamstown, Llwynypia, and Taff's Well would be losing their jobs. This news is absolutely devastating for the workers and their families so close to Christmas. 

Heledd Fychan MS joined staff and volunteers from Macmillan Cancer Support in Wales at the Senedd in Cardiff Bay to mark the charity’s annual Coffee Morning fundraising event.

The event was an opportunity to find out more about how Macmillan in Wales is supporting people living with cancer, as well as meeting with inspirational Macmillan volunteers, fundraisers and professionals.

This year, the cancer charity is celebrating its 33^rd annual Macmillan Coffee Morning which sees millions of pounds raised in events organised in homes, schools, workplaces and community spaces.

I had the pleasure of meeting with the CEO and Chair of Sport Wales at the Senedd this week. It was an exciting opportunity to discuss the future of community sport and the investments being made to support it.

It was great to hear about the £885,182 investment from the Be Active Wales Fund for the 2022-23 period, benefiting community sport clubs in South Wales Central. This substantial funding will undoubtedly have a positive impact on sports initiatives in the region.