In his regular blog for Caerphilly Observer South Wales East AM Lindsay Whittle gives his take on recent news.
Urdd Eisteddfod
It was a real pleasure to attend the Urdd Eisteddfod at Llancaiach Fawr over last week’s half-term.
When I was leader of Caerphillly Council, I put forward the idea of the Urdd coming to the county borough and it was brilliant to see it become a reality.
There was an enormous amount of planning and fundraising and that resulted in the event being an undoubted success. I wanted to pay a tribute to all those that worked so hard and I know the children that attended enjoyed the huge range of activities.
Community cohesion
As Plaid Cymru’s equalities spokesperson, I spoke in the Senedd in a debate on community cohesion, the progress and challenges.
While raising awareness is important, I think tackling the issues effectively is the key. We all want to live in a Wales free from prejudice. I believe immigration fears are now out of control, due largely to the right-wing press.
I grew up on a council estate where, in our street of 50 houses, we had five Polish, one Italian, one Irish and three English families. All of those are now firmly entrenched in our community.
What is important is that the strategy brings about a reduction in hate crime and anti-social behaviour and better relationships between communities. I look forward to the day when prejudice of all kind is banished to the gutter where it rightly belongs.
I also spoke in a debate about the registration of care workers. I think it is crucial that they receive adequate training.
Care workers are on the frontline. They are often the first one’s to spot if a resident in a care home is, for instance, dehydrated or not eating properly, so it is vital they are given the support through training. It helps them and it helps those they care for.
Rockwood Hospital
I was invited to visit Rockwood in Cardiff which does some fantastic work with people that have suffered brain injuries as a result of perhaps an accident or a physical attack. These type of injuries change lives but I was so impressed by the dedication of staff at this hospital.
Of course, you hope that you will never need their help but if you do you could not be in better hands.