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This is my first column for Caerphilly Observer since being elected as Welsh Labour’s Senedd Member for Newport and Islwyn. 

Boundary changes mean the new constituency includes the former Senedd constituencies of Islwyn, Newport West and Newport East. As your local Member of Senedd, I am here to help constituents with issues which are devolved in Wales, including health, education, climate change, transport, housing, social care, the environment, culture and sport.

The first full Senedd meeting of the new term took place during Volunteers’ Week. There are over 46,000 voluntary organisations in Wales, with one third of the adult population volunteering. We also know that many young people choose to give up their time to help others. 

The Gwent Association of Voluntary Organisations (GAVO) is the largest county voluntary council in Wales and next year will mark its centenary. I have urged the new Welsh Government to support volunteers and voluntary organisations who are the bedrock of our communities all year round. 

Grassroots sports clubs are another important thread in the fabric of our communities. They play a leading role in helping physical and mental health, whilst also tackling loneliness and social isolation. Plaid Cymru’s manifesto included a commitment to investing in sports and physical activity as part of the preventative health agenda. When I asked the minister for health to tell us how much that investment will be and where the money will come from, he did not answer.

Plaid Cymru said many things in opposition but delivery in government is hard. My Welsh Labour colleagues and I are determined to hold the government to account on behalf of our constituents. 

I can assure you that I will always work hard for you. The things that are important to you matter to me. I will be holding regular resident support surgeries across the constituency and the next one is in Risca. Please get in touch for more information. 

You don’t need to wait for a surgery to speak to me and my team. If you have any concerns, issues or questions related to the Senedd, please do not hesitate to get in touch at any time. You can email me at Jayne.Bryant-MS@senedd.wales or call 01633 376627.