Rebecca Evans MS, Member of the Senedd for Gower, has welcomed the Welsh Labour Government’s announcement that families and people living with autism and other neurodivergent conditions can now access 24 hour support and advice.
 
The helpline is being delivered via an expansion of the Community Advice Listening Line (C.A.L.L), with its skilled and experienced staff receiving additional training on neurodivergence from the National Autism Team.
 
Mrs Evans added: “The initiative forms part of Welsh Government efforts to deliver on its Programme for Government commitment to improve services and support for neurodivergent people.
 
“The helpline will provide a safe space to talk about your struggles where someone will listen, without judgment. I hope that the positive impact this will have on the families and the individuals living with neurodivergent conditions will be significant.”
 
C.A.L.L Helpline Manager Luke Ogden said: “We are pleased to be able to offer support to more people in Wales including those living with neurodivergent conditions, their families and friends. By having the training, provided by the National Autism Team, we will be offering a more inclusive service.
 
“The helpline can offer emotional support to anyone living in Wales, can provide information on services across the country, and can provide literature on a range of subjects, to those who request it.”


The listening line can be accessed by calling 0800 132 737 or texting ‘Help’ to 81066. For more information visit callhelpline.org.uk
 
 

Local Member of the Senedd, Rebecca Evans MS has welcomed the expansion of free school meals in all primary schools in Wales.

£70 million in funding will go to supporting the expansion of the programme, which has so far served nearly 5 million additional free meals since it began in September 2022.

This next stage will begin in September 2023, with the offer of free school meals growing to include most learners in years three and four. The programme will then expand again in April 2024, to include learners in years five and six.

The rollout of the programme to date by Local Authorities has been impressively swift, with the majority of learners across Wales in Reception, year one and year two already benefiting from the offer of free school meals since the start of the summer term.

Welcoming the announcement Rebecca Evans MS said:
“No child should go hungry, and all children deserve access to nutritious food. We know how difficult it is for families during the cost-of-living crisis. This investment in universal free school meals will help schools in Gower, so children can focus on and enjoy their time learning.”

Local Member of the Senedd, Rebecca Evans MS, has supported the announcement of new guidance by the Welsh Labour Government which is designed to help schools make sure that uniforms are affordable, including an end to compulsory schools logos.

The Education and Welsh language Minister Jeremy Miles has published new statutory guidance today (02/05/23), following a public consultation on school uniform guidance.

56% of those who responded to the consultation agreed that logos should not be required on school uniforms, and nearly 90% of respondents also felt that schools should avoid single supplier agreements.

Almost all people who responded believed that schools should offer uniform exchanges, or recycling schemes, and today’s guidance calls for these schemes to be available for parents and carers.

Welcoming the announcement Rebecca Evans MS said:
“Purchasing expensive uniforms should not be a pressure which families have to face, especially during a cost-of-living crisis.

“Our Welsh Labour Government is doing what it can by supporting many lower income families with its School Essentials Grant. This is the most generous scheme of its kind in the UK and provides families with up to £300 to purchase school uniforms and essential equipment.
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“I also know that many schools are doing all they can to help keep costs down for families. The new guidance from the Welsh Labour Government will help them do even more.

“I am confident that this guidance will benefit parents, carers, and learners alike in Gower, during these difficult financial times.”

The new guidance calls on school governing bodies to review their current school uniform policies with affordability being the priority. It also asks schools to make sure that any changes to uniform policy are fed back to families before the end of the current school term.