Federation of Small Business
It was a pleasure to attend a function at Caerphilly Castle hosted by the FSB last week.
We hear plenty in the media about the big companies creating jobs but small businesses are the lifeblood of communities. They not only create jobs but also money spent with them tends to stay in the local community rather than heading off to big shareholders.
In my own Penyrheol ward we have some excellent independent traders who play a key role in the community helping to raise money for good causes.
I’m also campaigning hard for more Welsh produce and goods to be used by the public sector in Wales rather than being bought elsewhere. That would help create thousands of jobs and also give a welcomed boost to Welsh small businesses.
Royal British Legion
I met representatives from the Royal British Legion and talked about Post Traumatic Stress suffered by our service personnel in conflicts. They do great work with older veterans and those from more recent conflicts like Iraq and Afghanistan
I believe the Legion should be raising their profile further. Many people tend to associate them only with Poppy Day in November but like other organisations they are looking to increase their fundraising.
I’m aware that they are looking to trial a shopfront in Cardiff, a method of fundraising many other charities find very profitable. Obviously, key is that shops are in popular locations for shoppers. I hope if it proves a success, we’ll see them spreading out
RVS
I visited the Royal Voluntary Service at Ysbyty Ystrad Fawr recently to see the work they do. The shop serves hospital patients, staff and visitors with proceeds raised going towards the cost of services and equipment.
But the RVS is much more than that. They run lunch and social clubs and offer valuable befriending service and work on providing a suitable support packages for people in their homes.
If you would like to volunteer or find out more about their services call 0845 608 0122. It is sure to be very rewarding.
Lindsay Whittle
Plaid Cymru South Wales East AM
I propose the introduction of a law by the Welsh Assembly to ensure that all meat served by public bodies in Wales (NHS, Schools, Prisons etc…) is Welsh meat.