AM's Support For Competition

CARL SARGEANT AM SUPPORTS NATIONAL WRITING COMPETITION
Carl Sargeant, AM for Alyn and Deeside, has called on teenagers in Alyn and Deeside to take part in a thought provoking writing competition.
This fun competition, organised by financial education charity the ifs School of Finance, is open to any UK resident aged between 14 and 19.
The competition enables teenagers to test their writing skills by writing a 1,000 word article with the headline: “Should Government encourage home ownership?" As well as the title “ifs Young Business Writer of the Year”, the winner will also receive a £500 cash prize.
Every year the ifs Young Business Writer of the Year competition is judged by a business or finance journalist from a leading broadsheet newspaper. Past judges include Robert Cole from The Times and James Daley from The Independent. This year Peter Taylor, City Correspondent for the Daily Telegraph, will judge the competition.
Peter will be awarding marks for demonstrating research, evaluation, analysis and written argument skills as well as for overall reporting style.
Mr Sargeant said: “The ifs competition can help improve writing standards in general, assists in fostering an interest in business & finance and also encourages students to think about what is a very important issue, especially given the current economic climate.
“I therefore hope that 14-19 year olds in Alyn and Deeside take the opportunity to participate in the competition and wish them every success in doing so.”
Anne Kiem, Dean of Further Education at the ifs School of Finance, said; “We very much welcome the support of Carl Sargeant AM in highlighting the educational benefits of this competition.
“Once again, the ifs Young Business Writer of the Year competition has a thought provoking and highly topical question. It will be very interesting to see the different views young people have about home ownership as well as the Governments role in encouraging this.” Anyone aged between 14 and 19 who wishes to enter the competition simply has to e-mail their article (which must not exceed 1,000 words) to ybwy@ifslearning.ac.uk between now and the competition closing date of Monday 26 January 2009. For more information please visit http://www.financialcapability.co.uk/

Stay Safe This Halloween

“KEEP YOUR LITTLE MONSTERS SAFE THIS HALLOWEEN,”SAYS AM
Carl Sargeant, AM for Alyn and Deeside, is highlighting top tips for staying safe this Halloween.
Mr Sargeant said: “Halloween can undoubtedly be a great deal of fun, but trick or treaters should abide strictly to some basic rules in order to have a safe and fun Halloween.”
Top tips to stay safe this Halloween:• Young children should always go trick-or-treating with an appropriate adult. • Plan your route and always let people know where you are. • If you are going out unsupervised, let your parents know where you are going and what time you will be home. Don’t take short cuts. • Never go into a stranger’s house. • Always carry a torch when you go out. • Do not approach houses with a ‘No trick or treating’ sign – they are there for a reason. • Ensure you have reflective tape on your costume. • Don’t trick strangers – consider how you would feel if it was your Grandparents that were afraid. • Throwing eggs at homes and property is classed as criminal damage – and police will deal with all incidents of anti-social behaviour accordingly.
Mr Sargeant added: “Please remember that Halloween can also be a frightening and distressing time for some of the more vulnerable members of our community – especially the elderly. With this in mind, trick or treaters should think carefully about which doors they knock on this Halloween. Better still, why not stay at home and have a Halloween themed party with your friends and neighbours?“As happens every Halloween, Safer Neighbourhoods teams will be patrolling to deter any incidents of anti-social behaviour and to deal swiftly and effectively with any incidents that do take place. “If you do decide to go trick or treating, please respect the wishes of any household displaying a 'No Trick or Treat' poster. It's there for a reason! If everyone follows this simple advice there is no reason why this Halloween cannot be both safe and fun.”

AM Welomes Your Opinion

CARL SARGEANT AM WELCOMES PUBLIC DEBATES ON PRESUMED CONSENT


Carl Sargeant, AM for Alyn and Deeside, has welcomed the announcement of dates for a series of debates to gather public opinion on whether Wales should become the first UK country to introduce a system of presumed consent for organ donation.
A discussion document will also be issued and published on-line by the Assembly Government this Friday to invite wider comment from the public. Respondents will be able to use a website to electronically indicate their preference of different systems of organ donation consent. Telephone interviews with a representative sample of the population will also be carried out.
Mr Sargeant said: “The purpose of these debates is to gauge views on whether the Assembly Government should seek a legislative change in order to increase the number of organ donors.
“This is an issue that many people have very strong feelings on, so I welcome this opportunity for everyone to have their say.
“If constituents cannot make it to any of the public debates, I would still recommend that they engage with the consultation by responding to the written discussion document. I would also be keen to hear what constituents think of the proposal and will feed any comments into the consultation process. Constituents can contact me by emailing carl.sargeant@wales.gov.uk or by writing to me at National Assembly for Wales, Freepost SWC 3358, Cardiff Bay, CF99 1GY.”

AM Welcomes Local School

CARL SARGEANT AM WELCOMES YSGOL DERWEN SCHOOL TO ASSEMBLY
Twenty eight pupils and their teachers from Ysgol Derwen School in Higher Kinnerton have today visited their Assembly Member Carl Sargeant at the National Assembly for Wales.The pupils met with Mr Sargeant in the Assembly Chamber’s public gallery, where Mr Sargeant talked to the pupils about the environmental aspects of the Assembly chamber, including its geothermal heating system. Mr Sargeant said: “I really enjoyed meeting with the pupils of Ysgol Derwen School and their teachers. Welcoming local groups from Alyn and Deeside to the Assembly is one of the most special parts of my job. It is great to see such an enthusiastic group of young people. The pupils proved to be particularly clued up on environmental and sustainable living issues. I hope the children enjoyed their visit as much as I did.”The children were also treated to a full and interactive guided tour of the Assembly building and the Pierhead building which houses a museum about the Assembly. Mr Sargeant will be visiting the pupils at their school next month.

AM Slams Council Spending

CARL SARGEANT AM SLAMS COUNCIL SPENDING REVELATION
Carl Sargeant, AM for Alyn and Deeside, has slammed plans by Flintshire County Council’s new Executive Councillors to spend over £100,000 on new offices, furniture, and IT equipment. This revelation brings the new Independent council’s lavish spending plans to £200,000 this week alone.
Mr Sargeant said: “Whilst people across Flintshire are feeling the pinch during the current tough economic conditions, Flintshire County Council Executive obviously aren’t. This spending is disgusting, and shows just how out of touch these councillors have become – the power has clearly gone to their heads.
“At a time when budgets are under real pressure, the Executive are planning on spending on lavish new accommodations for themselves. I am sure every local taxpayer can think of 100,000 better ways in which the council could spend their money, such as by increasing support for pensioners during the winter.
“This is the second revelation of wild spending in this week alone. I dread to think what other plans they have.”

AM Support For Scheme

CARL SARGEANT AM HIGHLIGHTS RSPCA PETRETREAT SCHEME
Carl Sargeant, AM for Alyn and Deeside, has attended a RSPCA briefing at the National Assembly for Wales on their PetRetreat scheme (Tuesday 21st October 2008).
PetRetreat is the RSPCA's information, advice and pet fostering service for families fleeing domestic abuse. PetRetreat operates a network of foster carers who can provide temporary homes for animals belonging to people who are fleeing from domestic abuse. PetRetreat was established after the RSPCA was approached by Womens Aid, an organisation that supports the women and children victims of domestic abuse, for advice and help about the other silent victims of domestic abuse - pets.
Mr Sargeant said: “Since its inception in 2002, PetRetreat has helped 500 families and 600 pets - all victims of domestic abuse. The service is so important because family pets are sometimes used as a tool to manipulate and control victims of domestic abuse. One of the reasons people do not leave their abusive partners for the safety of refuges is the fear of leaving their pets behind. Pets are used as a way of controlling the victim even further either by threatening to harm the animals if they leave, or by actually hurting the animal in front of the victim.
“I would urge anyone in this position to contact PetRetreat who will be able to offer help and advice. The RSPCA are also always looking for people who may be able to offer a temporary home to pets under this scheme. PetRetreat seeks homes for all kinds of animals – not just cats and dogs.”
To contact PetRetreat to seek help or talk about becoming an foster carer, please call 0300 123 8278, or email: petretreat@rspca.org.uk. For further information, see http://www.rspca.org.uk/.

Sunshine in my Heart

CARL SARGEANT AM IN WORLD RECORD BREAKING SUCCESS
Carl Sargeant, AM for Alyn and Deeside, has taken part in a successful attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the most people simultaneously performing sign language to a song at different venues.
Carl Sargeant AM joined fellow AMs, Afasic Cymru, and Assembly staff in Cardiff Bay to sign “Sunshine in my Heart.” At the same time, 14,000 people in venues across Wales were signing the same song. This is three times the number of people involved in the previous World Record.
Mr Sargeant said: “I am delighted to be involved in setting a new Guinness World Record for signing.
“Six percent of children will, at some stage, have a speech, language or communication difficulty, and at least 1 in 500 children will experience severe long-term difficulties. “In coming together to set a new World Record for signing we are also raising awareness of the children and young people who are affected by the hidden disability of speech, language and communication impairments.”

AM Support For Campaign

CARL SARGEANT AM SUPPORTS WEAR IT PINK CAMPAIGN
Carl Sargeant, AM for Alyn and Deeside, is joining forces with Breast Cancer Campaign for its award winning fundraising event, wear it pink, on Friday 31 October 2008.
This year’s theme is ‘dare to wear’ and Carl Sargeant AM is urging residents, young and old to get their craziest pink outfits on, whether it be a pink lab coat, pink glasses or just a pink tie.
Taking part in wear it pink couldn’t be easier. Whether you are in an office, at school, or simply popping to the shops, on 31 October donate £2 and wear an item of pink, the more daring the better! Your donation will allow the campaign to continue funding innovative world class research across the UK.
Carl Sargeant AM said: “Every year over 2,400 women in Wales are diagnosed with breast cancer. Like many others, I know people who have lost friends and family members to breast cancer. I would like to encourage everyone in my constituency of Alyn and Deeside and throughout the country to support wear it pink on October 31, to raise valuable funds for breast cancer research.”
To help Campaign reach this year’s target of £3.5 million, take part in the UK’s original and best pink day. Call freephone 0800 107 3104 or visit http://www.wearitpink.co.uk/ and register to receive your free fundraising pack now.

CARL SARGEANT AM URGES PEOPLE TO GET THEIR FLU INJECTION
Carl Sargeant, AM for Alyn and Deeside, is urging constituents who are 65 and over – and those who are younger but with chronic conditions like asthma, diabetes or heart disease – to get their annual flu injection at their local GP surgery to protect their health this winter.Despite an increase in the uptake of the flu jab in recent years, there was a fall last year [2007/08] to an average of 64 per cent in the over 65 age group from 68 per cent in 2005/6. The national target is 70 per cent.The annual seasonal flu vaccination programme is part of the Welsh Assembly Government's Keep Well This Winter campaign, which provides advice and support to people aged 65 and over to help them stay fit and healthy during the winter months.Mr Sargeant said: “A flu vaccination is such a simple and effective way in which older people and those in at risk groups can protect their health during the winter months.“I urge all constituents in these groups to contact their local practice to find out when they are having flu vaccination sessions, or to book an appointment.”To arrange a flu jab, contact the Practice Nurse at your local GP surgery or for more information about the flu jab, contact NHS Direct on 0845 4647 or visit www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk

AM Welcomes Support

CARL SARGEANT AM WELCOMES IMPROVED SUPPORT FOR ADULTS WITH DIABETES
Carl Sargeant, AM for Alyn and Deeside, is welcoming new Welsh Assembly Government guidelines which will form part of a delivery strategy for the management of adults with diabetes in Wales. Almost 5% of the population in Wales are known to have diabetes, and it is estimated that about 50,000 people with diabetes remain undiagnosed. The guidelines have been developed by the All Wales Diabetes Consensus Group and subjected to a consultation process. They aim to provide a framework to support the improvement of equity of access to high quality diabetes services throughout Wales, and assist the NHS to implement the standards set in the National Service Framework for Diabetes.Mr Sargeant said: “Getting the right support is vital in helping adults with diabetes to manage and live with their condition. Having access to the right knowledge and expertise and effective services is also of the utmost importance.“I welcome these new guidelines which are specifically designed to help the NHS in delivering high quality care for adults with diabetes right across Wales. The guidelines will help allow services to plan, organise, and deliver their care in a sustainable way.The Guidelines will also help to develop a more robust monitoring system for the delivery of the Diabetes National Service Framework with the ultimate aim of improving services and care for people with diabetes in Wales.

AM Welcomes Scheme

CARL SARGEANT AM WELCOMES REACT SCHEME
Carl Sargeant, AM for Alyn and Deeside, is welcoming today’s announcement of a £35 million scheme to help people who have been made redundant. The ReAct programme will help over 12,000 redundant workers gain new employment or training, and is made possible with over £15m from the European Social Fund, which is managed by the Assembly Government.As part of a package of measures provided by ReAct, redundant workers will receive a training grant designed to replace outdated skills with those sought by prospective employers. The new scheme will also help to remove barriers to training such as travel and accommodation costs. Over 1,000 employers will be encouraged to recruit redundant workers with a £2,000 wage subsidy – and will also receive grant support to enable their employees to undertake training to equip them with the skills they need for their new job.Mr Sargeant said: “This programme is tailor made for people who have been made redundant. It will help equip them with the skills and opportunities they need in these tough economic times. “The Welsh Assembly Government is committed to making every possible use of the opportunities of using European funding to promote prosperity for all our communities, and considers that ReAct will play a key part in helping Wales face up to the impact of the world-wide downturn.”

AM Meets With Age Concern Officer

CARL SARGEANT AM TO MEET AGE CONCERN TO DISCUSS ELDER ABUSE
Carl Sargeant, AM for Alyn and Deeside, is to have one of his regular meetings with Louise Hughes, Age Concern’s North Wales Project Officer with responsibility for tackling Elder Abuse (Friday 17th October 2008).
The Age Concern Elder Abuse project is funded by Comic Relief, and has been designed in response to the need to develop advocacy work in Wales as a key means of tackling the abuse of older people and to the need to develop policy and practice in this area. The project represents a major opportunity to make a key and pioneering contribution to work in the field of tackling elder abuse.
Elder abuse can take many forms – it can be financial or material, emotional or psychological. It can be physical or sexual, or can take the form of neglect.
Mr Sargeant said: “I welcome the opportunity to meet again with Age Concern and to discuss how we as politicians in the National Assembly for Wales can help further deliver the campaign objectives, and to look at how the project is progressing in Wales.“We need to increase the general public awareness of elder abuse, and ensure that people develop a complete zero tolerance for it.“It is also important that we increase awareness and understanding of the value of advocacy in the protection and empowerment of older people.”

AM Raises Awareness

CARL SARGEANT AM HOSTS ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS DISCUSSION
Carl Sargeant, AM for Alyn and Deeside, has hosted a round table discussion on Ankylosing Spondylitis at the National Assembly for Wales (on Tuesday 14th October 2008).Attendees included representatives of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) Wales Sub-Group on Arthritis, the National Angkolysing Spondylitis Society, leading clinicians, and people with the condition.Ankylosing Spondylitis is a chronic, painful, degenerative inflammatory arthritis primarily affecting the spine. The condition affects approximately 1 in 200 men and 1 in 500 women. Men, women and children can all suffer from AS. It typically strikes people in their late teens and twenties, with the average age being 24. However, symptoms can start at other periods of life. AS is more common in men, with nearly three times as many men having it as women.Mr Sargeant said: “I have been very pleased to host this event because there is such low public awareness of this condition. “Young men are most at risk of developing this condition, with the average age being 24. Young men are not renowned for being overly concerned about their health, so they often suffer needlessly for some time before seeking help from their GP. Early diagnosis and intervention are important because the condition, which cannot be cured, can be effectively managed. “The condition is also often misdiagnosed. I am confident that our event will also help raise awareness among health professionals. We need to ensure that people with the condition access the appropriate medical and physiotherapy services as early as possible.“Many concerns and ideas were raised at the meeting, and we will be feeding them into the policy and decision making process at the National Assembly for Wales. This meeting is just the start.”

AM Welcomes Local Students

CARL SARGEANT AM WELCOMES TECHNOLOGY AWARD WINNER TO ASSEMBLY
Carl Sargeant, AM for Alyn and Deeside, has today welcomed technology students from Hawarden High School to the National Assembly for Wales.One of the students, Tom Houghton, was being recognised by Innovation 2008 – the Wales Design & Technology award scheme – at a prestigious ceremony in the Swalec stadium. They group then visited the Assembly where Carl Sargeant AM gave them a tour of the Senedd Building and highlighted technologically interesting and significant aspects of the building and the chamber. Run by WJEC in association with the Welsh Assembly Government’s Department for the Economy and Transport, Innovation celebrates its 10th anniversary this year. Mr Sargeant said: “The scheme encourages young people throughout Wales to be technologically innovative and to appreciate the importance of design and technology. It allows us to showcase our talented young people, and inspire future innovators.“I am immensely proud that a student from Alyn and Deeside has been honored for his technology work at this prestigious award ceremony. His work has been selected for special recognition from among many thousands of Design & Technology examination entries.”

AM To Host Discussion

CARL SARGEANT AM TO HOST ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS DISCUSSION
Carl Sargeant, AM for Alyn and Deeside, is to host a round table discussion on Ankylosing Spondylitis at the National Assembly for Wales (on Tuesday 14th October 2008).Attendees will include representatives of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) Wales Sub-Group on Arthritis, the National Angkolysing Spondylitis Society, leading clinicians, and people with the condition.Ankylosing Spondylitis is a chronic, painful, degenerative inflammatory arthritis primarily affecting the spine. The condition affects approximately 1 in 200 men and 1 in 500 women. Men, women and children can all suffer from AS. It typically strikes people in their late teens and twenties, with the average age being 24. However, symptoms can start at other periods of life. AS is more common in men, with nearly three times as many men having it as women.Mr Sargeant said: “I am pleased to host this event because there is such low public awareness of this condition. “Young men are most at risk of developing this condition, with the average age being 24. Young men are not renowned for being overly concerned about their health, so they often suffer needlessly for some time before seeking help from their GP. Early diagnosis and intervention are important because the condition, which cannot be cured, can be effectively managed. “The condition is also often misdiagnosed. I am confident that the Assembly event will also help raise awareness among health professionals. We need to ensure that people with the condition access the appropriate medical and physiotherapy services as early as possible.”

AM Support For Campaign

CARL SARGEANT AM URGES YOUNG PEOPLE TO SPEAK OUT AGAINST BULLYING
Carl Sargeant, AM for Alyn and Deeside, has used National Poetry Day to encouraging children and young people in Alyn and Deeside to come up with their own poems as part of an Anti-Bullying Week competition to raise awareness of bullying in schools.Pupils in primary schools are being asked to write a short poem about bullying, while secondary schools are being asked to develop a script for a spoof news bulletin with bullying as the main topic. Anti-Bullying Week takes place between 17th - 21st November this year.Budding poets have until next Friday, 18th October, to send their entries to petshare@wales.gsi.gov.uk or by post to Anti Bullying Competition, Pupil Engagement Team, DCELLS, Welsh Assembly Government, Cathays Park, Cardiff, CF10 3NQ. Mr Sargeant said: ““Unfortunately bullying is an issue in too many of our schools in Wales. By using Anti-Bullying Week to highlight the problem, the Welsh Assembly Government is aiming to encourage schools, pupils, teachers and parents to work together to discuss issues instead of ignoring them, and stamp out bullying for good in their school.”“Further details about the competition or about anti-bullying initiatives in Wales can be found at www.wales.gov.uk/respectingothers or from my office on 02920 898716.”

Investigate Local History

CARL SARGEANT AM TO OPEN NEW PUBLIC SEARCHROOM
Carl Sargeant, AM for Alyn and Deeside, will tomorrow officially open the new public searchroom facility at the Flintshire Record Office, which is located at the Old Rectory in Hawarden.The Flintshire Record Office was established in 1951 and moved to the Old Rectory, Hawarden, an eighteenth-century, grade-II-listed building set within its own grounds, in 1956.Mr Sargeant said: “The record office plays a crucial role in preserving our county's unique archival heritage by collecting, listing, storing and making available to the public historic records of all kinds.“I am delighted to have been invited to officially open the new public searchroom at the Flintshire Record Office. It will be a valuable asset in allowing members of the public to investigate our county’s history for themselves.”

AM Welcomes New Rail Link

CARL SARGEANT AM WELCOMES NEW NORTH/SOUTH RAIL LINK
Carl Sargeant, AM for Alyn and Deeside, is welcoming the news that a new fast train service between north and south Wales has been given the go-ahead.
The new return service between Holyhead and Cardiff is intended to be in operation from December 2008, and is expected to reduce existing train travel times between north and south Wales by at least 30 minutes.
Mr Sargeant said: “The Welsh Assembly Government is committed to helping people travel in a more sustainable and environmentally friendly way. Improved train routes and services are two of the ways in which we are working to do this. “This new fast service will make travelling from north to south Wales by train a more practical and attractive option. It will improve the connection between the north and south of our nation, and will also benefit business Wales.”
Mr Sargeant confirms that the train will make a stop in Flint.
The new return service will also offer passengers a Premier Class option.
Initially, the new service will be routed via Crewe rather than Wrexham, as Network Rail is currently unable to offer a train path from Holyhead to Cardiff via Wrexham with an arrival before ten o’clock. The Assembly Government believes that the new link should serve the north’s largest town, Wrexham, and this will be the case as soon as the route becomes possible.

AM Welcomes Improvement

CARL SARGEANT AM WELCOMES CONTINUED IMPROVEMENT IN RIVER WATER QUALITY
Carl Sargeant, AM for Alyn and Deeside, is welcoming new data released by the Environment Agency which shows that the quality of water in rivers in Wales continues to improve.
Figures from the Environment Agency’s annual General Quality Assessment (GQA) show that in 2007 95 per cent of rivers in Wales achieved ‘very good’ or ‘good’ status. This figure is up from 86 per cent in 1990.
Corresponding figures for English rivers were 76 per cent in 2007 and 55 per cent in 1990.
The biological quality of rivers also continued to improve, with 87 per cent of rivers in Wales achieving ‘very good’ or ‘good’ status last year, up from 79 per cent in 1990.
Corresponding figures for English rivers were 72 per cent in 2007 and 55 per cent in 1990.
Mr Sargeant said: “Water quality in Welsh rivers has improved for the 18th year running.
“New tougher assessments have now been brought in to focus on the ecological health of rivers, as well as lakes, estuaries, coastal waters and groundwater. The Environment Agency will now be looking at up to 37 measures of water quality, such as the health of river insects and plants, in order to grade the waters.
“This new measurement will help improve understanding of the water environment as well as the health of associated animals and plants, so that we can work for continued improvements.”
ENDS

AM Welcomes Initiative

CARL SARGEANT AM WELCOMES £70m TO HELP WALES’ UNEMPLOYED INTO WORK
Carl Sargeant, AM for Alyn and Deeside, is welcoming today’s launch of a £70million Euro-backed initiative to tackle many of the major barriers unemployed people face when wanting to learn new skills or return to work.Genesis Cymru Wales 2 is set to help 20,000 people overcome a range of barriers that prevent them from entering the workforce or training. Through its comprehensive package of advice, one-to-one mentoring, assistance to attend training and childcare, the project aims to help people build an independent and prosperous future.Mr Sargeant said: “This new scheme will be targeted at engaging with Wales’ hardest to reach individuals through its unique referral service. Health visitors, social workers and other professionals will be able to refer individuals to the scheme, and parents will also be able to refer themselves to the service. Advisors will then arrange to meet the individuals in their homes or an informal environment such as a café to discuss the range of support which is on offer.“The new funding means that the Genesis scheme can continue to help people to raise their aspirations and to realize their ambitions. It will address a wide range of barriers which are preventing people from entering employment, such as transport costs, training, low skills, or low self esteem.” To find out more information about Genesis Cymru Wales 2 see www.genesiswales.co.uk.

AM Highlights Protection For Consumers

CARL SARGEANT AM HIGHLIGHTS BETTER PROTECTION FOR CONSUMERS BUYING IN THE HOME
Carl Sargeant, AM for Alyn and Deeside, is highlighting the news that, from today, consumers who buy from salespeople who visit them in their own homes will have seven days to cancel the agreement. The law has always provided a one week cooling off period when buying from salespeople whose visit has not been sought out by the homeowner. However, changes to the regulations mean that provided the transaction is for more than £35, consumers will now have a seven day period in which to cancel any agreement they enter into, regardless of whether they initiated the visit or not.Mr Sargeant said: “I welcome these changes to regulations which are great news for consumers.“People can feel more pressurized to make a purchase when a salesperson visits them at home, and this new piece of legislation will give consumers time to “cool off” and think about whether they have entered into an agreement that they are sure about.The new Doorstep Selling Regulations will cover all salespeople who visit consumers in their homes to sell any goods and services such as conservatories, double glazing, and orthopaedic furniture.The new regulations also mean that doorstep sellers are required to inform customers in writing of their right to cancel.

AM Welcomes Strategy

CARL SARGEANT AM WELCOMES NEW STRATGEGY TO TACKLE SUBSTANCE MISUSE
Carl Sargeant, AM for Alyn and Deeside, has welcomed today’s Assembly Government launch of a new ten year strategy to reduce the harm caused by alcohol, drugs, and other substances.The strategy, ‘Working Together to Reduce Harm,’ sets out how the Welsh Assembly Government and its partners will work to reduce the damage caused to individuals, their families, and society from substance misuse.Mr Sargeant said: “This new strategy acknowledges that the job of tackling substance misuse needs to cut across a range of government departments and agencies. The strategy looks at how they can work together to make a real difference and sets out a clear agenda for the next ten years.“Substance misuse can have a devastating effect on individuals, their families, and their communities. It can lead to distress and anti-social behaviour, and is a huge burden on our NHS. “The strategy aims to educate and prevent substance misuse, improve services for substance misusers, support and protect families and tackle the availability of illicit drugs and the inappropriate availability of alcohol. The Assembly Government will press for stricter rules on the promotion of alcohol, an increase in taxation, minimum pricing and a reduction in the drink-drive limit.”

AM WElcomes Strategy

CARL SARGEANT AM WELCOMES NEW STRATGEGY TO TACKLE SUBSTANCE MISUSE
Carl Sargeant, AM for Alyn and Deeside, has welcomed today’s Assembly Government launch of a new ten year strategy to reduce the harm caused by alcohol, drugs, and other substances.The strategy, ‘Working Together to Reduce Harm,’ sets out how the Welsh Assembly Government and its partners will work to reduce the damage caused to individuals, their families, and society from substance misuse.Mr Sargeant said: “This new strategy acknowledges that the job of tackling substance misuse needs to cut across a range of government departments and agencies. The strategy looks at how they can work together to make a real difference and sets out a clear agenda for the next ten years.“Substance misuse can have a devastating effect on individuals, their families, and their communities. It can lead to distress and anti-social behaviour, and is a huge burden on our NHS. “The strategy aims to educate and prevent substance misuse, improve services for substance misusers, support and protect families and tackle the availability of illicit drugs and the inappropriate availability of alcohol. The Assembly Government will press for stricter rules on the promotion of alcohol, an increase in taxation, minimum pricing and a reduction in the drink-drive limit.”