Bethan Jenkins AC/AM South Wales West

Plaid Cymru AM for South Wales West, Bethan Jenkins has visited Crossroads Caring for Carers Centre in Bridgend to meet with local carers of all ages.The Bridgend Carers Centre is a voluntary organisation that supports carers of all ages in their individual and often isolated caring situations

Speaking from the centre, Ms Jenkins said:

“I am genuinely touched by the selflessness and dedication of the carers I have met today. Caring for a loved one can be lonely and challenging and I will continue to press for better support from local authorities and government for carers. The sterling work undertaken by the centre in Bridgend provides invaluable support for carers.”

The British Association of Social Workers (BASW) today (Wednesday 3rd June) welcomed the announcement by the Wales Assembly Government that it plans to establish a Task Group to explore ways of improving the recruitment and retention of social workers and boost the status of the profession in Wales. The move is a response to BASW research highlighting the challenges facing social workers, including the high turnover of staff, excessive bureaucracy and the personal risks associated with front line social work.

Plaid AM for South Wales West, who sponsored the event in the Senedd said:

‘ I welcome the Deputy Minister for Social Services move in setting up the Task Group. I am sure that its work will pave the way for the reforms necessary to tackle the challenges facing social work practice. Graham Williams, the Director of Social Services Wales is to lead the Group, and I am pleased that members of the National Assembly will be updated on the progress made in the areas highlighted by BASW.”

Addressing the event, BASW Chief Executive Hilton Dawson said the Task Group offered an invaluable opportunity for Wales to take a lead on advancing the status of the social work profession.

Bethan Jenkins AM with Hilton Dawson, Chief Executive of BASW.

The fight to get extra cash for Gorseinon Collge has been taken up by Plaid AMs Dr. Dai Lloyd and Bethan Jenkins.

The College has already made some cutbacks in staffing numbers and is also considering the closure of educational establishments such as Canolfan y Bont in Pontarddulais due to a shortage of cash.

The Plaid AMs today (Friday) met with College Principal Nick Bennett to discuss the College’s Financial plight, including the closure of Canolfan y Bont in Pontarddulais.

Dr. Lloyd stated:

“The College’s financial difficulties are having a real impact on staffing numbers and in terms of what the college can deliver.

“Plaid feels strongly that we should try and protect key educational services locally and this is why we have met with the Principal today to try and see if there is any way that we can assist.”

Bethan Jenkins added:

“It is clear that the College needs extra recurring funding from the Assembly, and also some European funding in order to maintain educational provision locally.

“Plaid is committed to doing all that we can to protect services such as Canolfan y Bont, and we will be contacting Ministers at the Assembly and Officials at the Welsh European Funding Office to ensure that all is being done to provide the College with the extra funding that is needed.”

Hundreds of transplant patients and families came together to celebrate the efforts of Kidney Wales’ fundraisers at the annual Walk for Life Dinner on May 28.

A record total of more than 95,000 pounds was announced on the night at Cardiff City Hall – all raised by Kidney Wales supporters through the Walk for Life, which took place on March 29.

More than 55 fundraising walks were organsied that day across Wales, which alongside the efforts of other fundraisers who have taken part in marathons and sponsored swims helped raise the record total.

Money raised from the event will be used to refurbish the Children’s Kidney Unit in Cardiff, establish more dialysis units across Wales and create information links for patients through the People Like Us Council.

Roy J. Thomas, Chairman of the Kidney Wales Foundation said:

We thank all of our fundraisers for their superb efforts. Everyone of them has made a real difference to the lives of patients affected by kidney failure and their families.

Roy J. Thomas, Chairman of the Kidney Wales Foundation, said:

“We are grateful to Bethan for lending her support to our most important fundraising event of the year and joining the thousands of people across Wales who united for the Walk for Life to send a message of hope and support to children affected by kidney disease and failure.”

The Neath Walk for Life was one of more than 55 walks organised by fundraisers across Wales on March 29 in aid of the Kidney Wales Foundation. Money raised from this year’s event is being used to support projects specifically aimed at transforming the lives of children affected by kidney problems. Other local walks included Aberavon, Porthcawl, Carmarthen and Ammanford.

Plaid Cymru Assembly Member for South Wales West, Bethan Jenkins, has tabled a statement of opinion at the National Assembly for an elected head of state to coincide with Republic Day on June 2nd.
The UK-wide day is organised by campaign group Republic who want the monarchy replaced with a democratically elected head of state.
Speaking today, Ms Jenkins said:

“It’s time for an elected head of state, and it’s also time for a proper and full debate on the role of head of state. The current archaic institution of the monarchy does not reflect the modern-day notions of accountability, transparency and democracy. A full public debate is essential so that the constitution can better reflect contemporary society.

“I have tabled this statement of opinion to urge my fellow Assembly members to encourage debate on this issue and hope people across Wales on June 2nd will take part in discussions on the future of the office of head of state.”

Ms Jenkins also emphasised the importance of reform of the UK constitution in light of recent revelations on MPs’ expenses. Ms Jenkins added:

“Faith in the current political process has hit a new low and I support efforts to modernise the UK Parliament and making it more transparent and accountable. The House of Lords must be reformed and it is high time Westminster adopted proportional representation and fixed terms.”

ENDS
Notes to Editors
Statement of Opinion:
Republic Day June 2nd 2009
The National Assembly:
Notes that June 2nd is Republic Day
Notes that Republic Day is a day of action and is co-ordinated by Republic, the campaign for an elected Head of State.
Calls on republicans across Wales to express their opposition to the monarchy
Affirms that the monarchy is unaccountable, undemocratic and hugely wasteful.
Calls for a national debate on the establishment of a democratically-elected head of state.
For Further information please contact Steffan Lewis on 029 20 898 713