AM Backs Campain

CARL SARGEANT AM SUPPORTS OFT CHRISTMAS CAMPAIGN


Carl Sargeant, AM for Alyn and Deeside, is backing a new Office of Fair Trading Campaign being launched in Wales tomorrow, 21st November.
The campaign is being launched following the collapse of the Farepak hamper company last year when 12,000 people in Wales lost their Christmas savings.
The OFT was asked by HM Treasury earlier this year to carry out an awareness programme to help consumers understand their options when saving for Christmas. The scheme in Wales involves the OFT working with community groups and consumer organisations. It involves running sessions for groups of people helping them to understand their options for Christmas saving and choose what's best for them.
The OFT has produced a toolkit including a leaflet, a short film, presentations, research findings and background information that form the basis of the twenty minute training sessions.
Mr Sargeant said: “Last year, thousands of people were affected by the collapse of Farepak, including a number of constituents. Community groups including many tenants groups provided invaluable advice and support to those affected. The OFT is committed to working alongside such groups locally to increase knowledge and skills about savings, not only for this Christmas but for many years to come. This is very much a long-term campaign.
“This campaign is not about telling people what they can and can't do with their money. What is important is that people who want to save for Christmas can do so, knowing what their options are and what risks are involved. Consumer education is a key element of the campaign which, in the long term, aims to equip consumers with the skills to analyse the options available to them, make comparisons between different choices, make balanced judgements, assess levels of risk, and research relevant information to make the best choice for them.”
Community groups from Wales are being invited to assist with the campaign by running sessions about the options when saving for Christmas and other short-term savings schemes.

National Year of Reading

CARL SARGEANT AM WELCOMES YEAR OF READING

Carl Sargeant, AM for Alyn and Deeside, has welcomed the news that Welsh Assembly Government has earmarked 2008 as a National Year of Reading in Wales and has announced a £350,000 funding boost over the next two financial years as part of a new push to promote the benefits of reading to children in Wales.
Mr Sargeant said: “It is impossible to overstate the importance of being able to read. Reading is the foundation for learning throughout life. It is essential that we have effective approaches for the teaching of reading and take every opportunity to introduce children both to the pleasure of reading and the learning to be derived from books.
“Many of us are thinking about buying Christmas presents for loved ones at this time of year, and books are the ideal gift for children and young people. There’s an exciting array of children’s literature that really sparks the imagination, and books for our youngest children with different colours, textures and sounds help develop skills early on.
“I warmly welcome the new funding and the announcement of the National Year of Reading. Both will build on the Assembly Government’s unique strategy for the promotion of basic skills in Wales including the Read a Million Words initiative and Quick Reads.”

Transforming the Local Environment

CARL SARGEANT AM HIGHLIGHTS NEW LOTTERY GRANTS PROGRAMME
Carl Sargeant, AM for Alyn and Deeside, is highlighting a new grants programme launched by the Big Lottery Fund.
The Big Lottery Fund is offering grants of between £1000 and £10,000 to inspire communities to get involved in transforming their local environment and creating and caring for local green spaces that are good for wildlife and good for people. The Breathing Places programme is a UK wide small grants programme developed in partnership with the BBC. It complements the BBC’s Breathing Places campaign by giving funding to small groups.
Mr Sargeant said: “A Breathing Place is a green space that benefits wildlife and the local community. It may be local woodland, roadsides, parks, local nature reserves or wildlife areas, ponds, green corridors and wildflower meadows.
“The aim is to increase the number and range of people making use of, and helping to develop and maintain, breathing places, and make a lasting improvement to the natural environment of new and existing breathing places.“Voluntary and community groups, schools, statutory health bodies, community councils and town councils are able to apply.”
The closing date for applications is 18 January 2008. Further information and application forms can be found at http://www.biglotteryfund.org.uk/prog_breathingplaces.htm?regioncode=-uk&status=theProg

AM Welcomes Measures

CARL SARGEANT AM BACKS ACTION ON HOSPITAL SUPERBUGS
Carl Sargeant, AM for Alyn and Deeside, is welcoming the introduction of new measures to tackle superbugs and protect patients in hospitals.
Local AM Carl Sargeant has welcomed the new plans, introduced by Welsh Labour Health Minister Edwina Hart, which will bring about strict infection controls in GPs surgeries, nursing homes, physiotherapists and dental practices to reduce the number of patients with infections entering hospitals.
The new strategy will ensure:
• New cleanliness audits• Ward sisters are given more power over cleanliness• A review of staff uniform changing facilities• National standards over infection control
Mr Sargeant said: ‘’Thanks to Welsh Labour’s action on hospital superbugs – such as strict hand washing and hygiene measures – the number of hospital infections, including MRSA and Clostridium Difficle, have been falling steadily.
‘’These new plans will go even further in minimising the risk of spreading infections and protecting patients.
‘’Staff, patients and all healthcare organisations need to ensure they all understand their role in reducing infections.
‘’Welsh Labour is already looking at how to give ward sisters more power over standards of cleanliness and whether on-site staff changing facilities should be re-introduced in hospitals to control the spread of infections.
‘’This Labour led Assembly Government is determined to tackle hospital superbugs and providing patients with the best possible environment for treatment and recovery.”

Congratulations to Flintshire Countryside Service

CARL SARGEANT AM WELCOMES LOCAL KEEP WALES TIDY PRIZE


Carl Sargeant, AM for Alyn and Deeside, has added his congratulations to Flintshire Countryside Service for their success in the Keep Wales Tidy Awards 2007.

Mr Sargeant praised the local volunteers for their efforts, which have been recognised with the Tourism Industry award. The employment of a coastal ranger at one of Flintshire's most popular tourist destinations has resulted in 21 differing groups joining forces to carry out improvements at Gronant Dunes and Talacre Warren. Their efforts have improved the aesthetic appearance of the area and led to a reduction in flytipping and late night drinking.

Mr Sargeant said: "It's great to see so many people from right across Flintshire, especially young people, rolling up their sleeves and getting their hands dirty to clean up the community.

''People are concerned about the rubbish they see on their streets, parks and rivers - and they want something done about it.

''That's why it is so important that the Labour Assembly Government is behind local efforts all the way.

''Under Labour the amount of rubbish we recycle in Flintshire has increased dramatically and tougher fines have been introduced over dog-fouling, littering and fly-tipping.

''And Welsh Labour is already ensuring that the Assembly Government will be able to make Welsh laws over these issues so we can give local people and Flintshire local authority all the power they need to clean up our streets.''

Support For Campaign

"TIME TO CONFRONT BULLYING," SAYS CARL SARGEANT AM

Carl Sargeant, AM for Alyn and Deeside, is backing the Labour led Assembly Government's anti-bullying week (November 19th- 23rd).
Following last year's successful campaign Welsh Labour's Education Minister Jane Hutt has said this year's campaign will aim to raise awareness over bullying outside the classroom.
Welsh Labour wants to see local schools focus on tackling the increasing problem of bullying over text messages or on social network websites and also wants schools to focus on racist and homophobic bullying.
Mr Sargeant said: ''We're becoming increasingly aware of bullying over the internet or on mobile phones which is why this year's campaign will raise awareness over bullying in and out of school.
''Welsh Labour wants to help children, parents and teachers stamp out this sort of behaviour.
''Bullying takes many forms, which is why it is vital that we address the issue of cyber-bullying and look at ways to tackle racist and homophobic bullying.
''The most important thing is that young people who are being bullied talk to someone. Teachers, parents and fellow pupils can help. I hope that schools across Alyn and Deeside will get involved in this year's anti-bullying campaign. We have to all work together and tackle bullying every day in whatever form is takes.''

AM Support For Awareness Week

CARL SARGEANT AM SUPPORTS MOUTH CANCER AWARENESS WEEK
Carl Sargeant, AM for Alyn and Deeside, is highlighting Mouth Cancer Awareness Week, which takes place 11th – 17th November.Mr Sargeant said: “The week, organised by the British Dental Health Foundation, aims to raise public awareness of mouth cancer, which kills one person every five hours in the UK.“The campaign highlights the particular dangers of heavy smoking, chewing tobacco, and drinking alcohol. It shows people how they can change their lifestyle to lower their risk of contracting the disease. “Early detection is vital to survival, and the campaign is encouraging people to visit their dentist at least once a year for a check-up. Dental practices and pharmacies are supported to improve patient education, particularly for at-risk groups.“Mouth cancer is particularly associated with people over 40 who smoke and/or drink alcohol. However, younger people who do not fall into any obvious risk group can fall victim to the disease, so it is always best to keep up to date with those regular dental appointments.“Mouth cancer can occur in all parts of the mouth, tongue and lips, whether you have your own natural teeth or wear dentures. Fortunately, mouth cancer can respond well to treatment, and if it is detected early the outcome can be good.“I am pleased to be able to highlight this awareness raising campaign because we don’t often talk about mouth cancer, and it is not one of the conditions that many of us know much about.”
People who are concerned or would like to find out more should contact the Foundation's Dental Helpline on 0845 063 1188 for advice.

A Great Way To Learn Road Safety

CARL SARGEANT AM HIGHLIGHTS ROAD SAFETY WEBSITE FOR CHILDREN
Carl Sargeant, AM for Alyn and Deeside, is highlighting an exciting and interactive website created just for children, to help them learn about road safety in a fun and entertaining way.
At http://www.hedgehogs.gov.uk/, children can name their own cartoon hedgehog who will act as their guide around the site. The site will help educate children about how to stay safe when walking on foot, when riding a bicycle or skateboard, or when traveling in a car.
Mr Sargeant said: “This really is an excellent resource. Parents and carers can help reduce the risks that their children face on the roads by educating them about road safety, and I would certainly recommend this site as a great tool to assist in the teaching process. Now that the evenings have got darker it is more important than ever that children are road safety savvy.
“We know that children learn best when it is fun and engaging. The Hedgehogs website has some great games which will educate children about all aspects of road safety from the basics of the green cross code to how to cycle safely when animals are about. There are also activity sheets to download to liven up boring car journeys.”
Further road safety advice for parents can be found at: http://www.thinkroadsafety.gov.uk/advice/parents.htm

AM Welcomes Funding Boost

CARL SARGEANT AM WELCOMES EDUCATION FUNDING BOOST
Carl Sargeant, AM for Alyn and Deeside, has spoken of his delight that an extra £371 million has been allocated in the new Welsh Assembly Government budget over the next three years to give children in Wales a flying start and provide lifelong learning and skills. Mr Sargeant said: “I warmly welcome the news that the youngest children in Wales will benefit from the new budget with additional funding for Flying Start and the Foundation Phase. The number of Modern Apprenticeships will also be substantially increased and extra funding will be allocated to roll-out the Welsh Baccalaureate programme. Students entering Welsh Higher Education Institutions will also continue to be assisted with the cost of fees.”The budget for Children, Education, and Lifelong Learning over the next three years is more than £6 billion, and the new allocations include:• The Flying Start programme for 0-3 year olds provides health visiting, high quality free childcare for two year olds, parenting programmes and basic skills initiatives for children living in disadvantaged areas. Additional allocation of revenue and capital funding increasing the total available to £32m in 2008 – 09 / £33m in 2009 – 10 / £36m in 2010 – 11. This will enable a 10% increase in activity above previously planned levels. • The draft budget will enable the roll-out of Foundation Phase with an extra £15m in 2008-09 and for future years. Foundation Phase is a new approach to learning for children from 3 – 7 years of age based on learning through play, active involvement and practical activities. • The provision of affordable childcare will be explanded and it is planned to spend £120m over the next three years. • Significant additional funding to Learner Provision of some £87m over three years, including £25m to substantially increase the number of Modern Apprenticeships, in line with the One Wales commitment. • Additional funding of some £13.5m over the next three years for the roll-out of the Welsh Baccalaureate Qualification. • Significant additional funding to student support of £61m / £74.5m / £77.9 over the three years to provide support towards the cost of fees for Welsh students entering Welsh Higher Education Institutions. • Funding for the youth service will be increased, including capital and revenue funding.
Mr Sargeant added: “Our programme establishes a right to learn and we want to ensure the very best start for our children and young people right through to developing adult learning and skills training.”

AM Supports for Welsh Backs Website

“DON’T TAKE BACK PAIN LYING DOWN,” SAYS CARL SARGEANT AM
Carl Sargeant, Assembly Member for Alyn and Deeside, is highlighting a website which offers guidance and advice to people suffering from back pain. The web site sponsored by the NHS and the Assembly’s Health Challenge Wales gives smart advice to back pain sufferers with an aim to encouraging quicker recovery rates.
Carl Sargeant AM said: “'Welsh Backs is a joint initiative developed in response to Health Challenge Wales - the nation's challenge to improve health. Welsh Backs aims to reduce the physical burden faced by over two thirds of the population of Wales who will at some time suffer from back pain. Welsh Backs is based on similar initiatives in Scotland and Australia that have been successful in changing beliefs about back pain.
“The website has lots of information and practical tips for back pain sufferers, as well as information to help employers support their workers who are experiencing back pain.”
• Back pain will affect nearly 80% of us during our lives – probably more than once.• Back pain is rarely serious and there are lots of things you can do to manage your pain. • For more advice contact your employers occupational health service, your GP or visit the website http://www.welshbacks.com/

Congratulations To Local School

CARL SARGEANT AM CONGRATULATES CUSTOM HOUSE LANE JUNIOR SCHOOL ON GOOD INSPECTION
Carl Sargeant, AM for Alyn and Deeside, is congratulating the staff, pupils, governors, and parents of Custom House Lane Junior School on a good school inspection report.
Mr Sargeant said: “I am delighted that the Inspectors have determined that Custom House Lane Primary School is a school which fulfils its aims very well and has many outstanding features. The report states that the pupils are well taught, happy, and well cared for, and benefit from a well planned and imaginative curriculum.
“The good inspection report is a testament to the hard work and dedication of staff, governors, parents, and of course the children themselves. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate them all on a good report.”