Like many of you I am looking forward to the Royal Welsh Show, and hoping it may be a little cooler than last year’s, writes Joyce Watson MS.

On Tuesday 25th I will launch the 2023 Not in my Name campaign with the Women’s Institute at the FUW Pavilion. For 11 years we have campaigned together to change attitudes across Wales to violence against women and girls. The launch will highlight the extra challenges facing rural communities to tackle abuse.

I spoke in a recent Senedd debate on rural communities. As someone who grew up, worked and raised my family in mid and west Wales, I am keen to see communities where young people feel confident about planning their futures. 

Farming and tourism are important, but so are manufacturing and green technology, focusing on better jobs, better skills and better connected communities. 

OTHER NEWS:

This month the Senedd voted to pass the first made-in-Wales Agriculture Bill. The Bill will give Welsh Ministers the powers to provide a system of support to farmers, working effectively to tackle the climate and nature crisis that threaten food production here in Wales.  

A new national, 24/7 service for people needing urgent mental health support has been launched across Wales. Call 111, select ‘option 2’ and you will be transferred to a dedicated member of a local mental health team, offering compassionate support. The number is free for landlines or mobiles, even phones without credit left.

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The Welsh Government has announced £500,000 to provide young people across Wales with work experience placements to help them reach their full potential.

The scheme will support up to 500 learners aged 14-16  who are at risk of leaving education.

These young people will gain a high quality work experience placement in a sector they are interested in. Careers Wales will work with schools and employers to match people with  the right placement for them, helping them gain self-belief, confidence and access to opportunities.  

Finally, July marks the 75th anniversary of our NHS. For all its challenges, this is a time to celebrate what the institution represents, its values, and the people within the services who are dedicated to providing care. We all have milestones in our lives where the NHS has been there for us and our loved ones. 

Here’s to the future of our National Health Service.