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Gower's MS and MP back 'shop local' this Christmas

30/11/2020

Saturday the 5th of December marks this year’s Small Business Saturday, and Rebecca Evans MS, and Tonia Antoniazzi MP are encouraging their Gower constituents to ‘shop local’ this weekend
and in the run up to Christmas.

The pair have supported Small Business Saturday for many years, but this year it has a special resonance.

Tonia Antoniazzi MP said: “Small businesses are the beating heart of our communities, and this year, more than ever, they need our support. Small businesses across Gower have gone above and beyond throughout the crisis to sustain our communities, so ‘shopping local’ is a great way to say ‘thank you.’”

The Welsh Labour Government has supported small businesses throughout the Coronavirus pandemic by providing the most generous and comprehensive package of support anywhere in the UK – the £1.7bn plus business support package complements other UK schemes.

Rebecca Evans MS said: “Our package of grants and rate reliefs has meant that more businesses in Wales have received some form of government support than in any other part of the UK. Despite this, I know that many businesses are still facing a tough time. Choosing to support local traders when you shop can make all the difference, sustaining local jobs. And you can find some wonderful and unique Christmas presents that you won’t find anywhere else!”

Tonia Antoniazzi MP and Rebecca Evans MS are using their social media channels to promote Gower’s small businesses – if you would like to get involved, please send them an email.

ENDS
Notes to editors:

Small Business Saturday UK is a grassroots campaign, which highlights small business success and encourages consumers to ‘shop local’ and support small businesses in their communities.

Gower MS welcomes record number of GPs training in Wales

23/11/2020

Rebecca Evans MS, Member of the Senedd for Gower, has welcomed the announcement that GP recruitment figures in Wales have reached record numbers for the third year running. 200 new GP trainees have been recruited this year - a 7% increase from last year’s figure of 186.

Rebecca Evans MS, said: “At a time when the vital role that the NHS and it’s staff play is so firmly in our thoughts, it is encouraging to see so many people coming forward wanting to play their part and wanting to make a career of treating and caring for people.”

The trainees have been recruited by Health Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW), which over the last few years has established a number of initiatives to promote Wales as a great place to train and work.

They include a targeted scheme offering £20,000 to GP trainees taking up posts in specified areas with a trend of low fill rates.

Rebecca Evans added: “This notable increase in GP training in Wales will have a direct impact on the care and treatment that patients in Wales will receive in the years ahead.”

ENDS

Gower MS welcomes £1 million fund for carers

28/10/2020

Rebecca Evans MS, Member of the Senedd for Gower, has welcomed the Welsh Government announcement that a new fund worth over £1m is to be available to help Wales’ unpaid carers cope with the financial pressures of COVID-19.

Rebecca Evans MS said: “I have been an unpaid carer myself, so I know that there are all sorts of pressures involved in looking after a loved one. Many carers find that in caring for their loved one their own financial situation is badly affected.”

The Welsh Government’s Carers Support Fund is open to carers across Wales and will see grants of up to £300 made available for a range of essentials, including food and household items such as furniture or white goods, or electronics such as a laptop to help the carer access to support and services.

Rebecca Evans added: “Our army of carers are doing incredible, selfless work looking after their loved ones, and are among the unsung heroes of this pandemic.”

The Carers Support Fund will be available up to 31 March 2021 and more information will soon be available about how to apply on carers.org/wales

Gower MS welcomes new funding for Llanmorlais Community Hall

26/10/2020

Rebecca Evans MS, Member of the Senedd for Gower, has welcomed the announcement that funding is being provided for improvements to Llanmorlais Community Hall through the Welsh Government’s Community Facilities Programme.

Rebecca Evans MS said: “I am thrilled that Llanmorlais Community Centre is one of the facilities that will benefit from this funding. They will receive £15,500 towards the replacement of the of the roof, and to help with the installation of a new PA system. This will enable the Community Hall to continue providing a vital service to the people of Llanmorlais.”

Across Wales the Welsh Government’s Community Facilities Programme support many local projects, enabling them to grow and meet the needs of the specific area.

Mrs Evans added: “Despite the unprecedented challenges we have faced during the pandemic, community spirit and the resilience of Welsh people has shone through. This funding will continue to help bring communities together through support for local projects.”

Free School Meals Extended For Holidays Until Easter 2021

19/10/2020

Rebecca Evans MS, Member of the Senedd for Gower, has announced that in her role as Minister for Finance she will be making funds available to ensure that free school meals provision during holidays will continue until Easter 2021.

Rebecca Evans MS said: “The Welsh Government have responded to the urgent need of the most vulnerable children in Wales, so that provision is put in place to ensure the most vulnerable children of our country are supported when they need it most.”

The move has been backed by footballer Marcus Rashford saying he welcomed “the Welsh Government's swift response to this urgent need in protecting the most vulnerable children across the country.” Marcus Rashford MBE said: "Holiday provision is vital to stabilising households during the school closures, given the devastating effects of COVID-19.
“Having this framework in place for the foreseeable future will have a significantly positive impact on children who are struggling to engage in learning due to anxiety and fear, not to mention the noise of their rumbling stomachs.
“No child in 2020 should be sat in a classroom worried about how they are going to access food during the holidays, and the impact that will have on their parents when matched with unemployment, ill health and, in some cases, personal loss.    “There is still so much more work to be done to protect this next generation but I welcome the Welsh Government's swift response to this urgent need in protecting the most vulnerable children across the country. Our children and their welfare should never not be the priority.”
The Welsh Government has committed to funding of £11m for school meals over every holiday up to and including Easter 2021. £700k has also been allocated to support colleges with the equivalent provision for eligible learners.

Mrs Evans added: “These are uncertain and worrying times for us all, but for those living in poverty the burden is even heavier, with many parents faced with the dilemma of how to feed their children during the holidays. The Welsh Government will always have the needs of the children of Wales at the top of our agenda."

Swansea Senedd Members and Shelter team up for advice surgery

23/9/2020

Swansea Senedd Members and Shelter team up for advice surgery

Rebecca Evans MS (Gower), Julie James MS (Swansea West), and Mike Hedges (Swansea East) have teamed up with Shelter Cymru to hold an online housing advice surgery.

The Members of the Senedd said: “A warm, safe home that meets your needs is so important – and lockdown has highlighted that more than ever. We know that many people have problems relating to their housing, which is why we are teaming up with Shelter Cymru for an advice surgery. If you are having housing issue, there is expert advice out there.”
The surgery will take place online, on Friday 25th September, 1-2pm.

To reserve your place, email Rebecca Evans MS at Rebecca.evans@senedd.wales

Gower MS welcomes major boost to COVID-19 testing turnaround times in Wales

24/8/2020

Member of the Senedd for Gower, Rebecca Evans MS, has welcomed the announcement by the Welsh Government that nearly £32m is being invested to speed up result turnaround times for COVID-19 testing.

The additional funding money will pay for extra staff and equipment for the Public Health Wales lab at Morriston Hospital, Swansea so that it can operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Rebecca Evans MS said: “This is good news. This investment will ensure the faster delivery for contact tracing and ensure that we are prepared for any increases in cases during the autumn and winter period.

“The money will also support the creation of six new Hot Labs at acute hospitals across Wales - one of which will I am pleased to say will be in Morriston. It will have rapid testing equipment to turn tests around in less than four hours.”

Playday 2020

3/8/2020

Member of the Senedd for Gower, Rebecca Evans MS, in encouraging the residents of Gower to take part in this year’s Playday, on Wednesday 5th August.

The Playday 2020 campaign theme is ‘Everyday Freedoms, Everyday Adventures,’ and it highlights the importance of giving children and teenagers the freedom to play.

Rebecca Evans MS said: “This year has been particularly challenging for children and young people. Playday 2020 recognises the impact that the pandemic has had on children’s mental health and their opportunities to play freely with friends and out in their community.”

This year, Playday focuses on the unique characteristics of play that help children make sense of the world around them and can alleviate their stress and anxiety - particularly during challenging and uncertain times.

Rebecca Evans MS added: “Playing is fun and is central to children’s happiness. It helps children’s physical, mental and emotional health and well-being, boosts children’s resilience, and helps them to cope with stress, anxiety and challenges. It supports children to develop confidence, creativity and problem-solving skills and contributes to children’s learning and development.”

Children and their parents and carers can join thousands of families in the rest of the UK to Make a Big Noise for Playday at 2:00pm on Wednesday 5th August. You can clap or cheer for play, and share photos or videos of you taking part, by emailing them to info@playwales.org.uk or use the #Playday2020 hashtag to share on social media.

For more information about Playday visit www.playday.org.uk or contact us so that we can provide further details.

Welsh Government Fund protects 75,000 jobs

29/7/2020

Member of the Senedd for Gower, Rebecca Evans MS, has welcomed the news that the Welsh Government’s Economic Resilience Fund has already protected 75,000 jobs.

Rebecca Evans MS said: "The fund, which I launched in my role as Minister for Finance, has seen crucial grants provided to businesses to help them deal with the impacts of coronavirus. Almost £138 million has supported Micro and SME firms already, with more funding arriving with businesses by the day.

“The fund is proving essential in ensuring Welsh businesses get the financial support they need in these most difficult of times, ensuring Welsh businesses have the support needed to look towards a positive future.

"We have a large number of micro and small businesses in Gower and this fund is good news for our community."

The ERF is part of the Welsh Government’s £1.7 billion package of support for business which is the most generous and comprehensive offer of help anywhere in the UK.

Count Them In

28/7/2020

For the first time in the history of the Census, there will be a question on service in the Armed Forces following a campaign led by The Royal British Legion and supported by Gower’s Member of the Senedd, Rebecca Evans MS.

The Royal British Legion, which led the campaign, is at the heart of a national network offering a range of support and services to the Armed Forces community. The decision to include the question on whether someone has served in HM Armed Forces in the 2021 census will provide the Legion, as well as public bodies, local authorities, and other military charities with valuable information to ensure they can best meet the needs of serving personnel, veterans and their families.

It has been estimated that there are 2.4 million veterans currently living in Great Britain, making up part of a wider ex-Service community which includes their spouses, partners, dependent children and widow(er)s. However, little is currently known about the exact numbers, location and needs of this significant group.

Rebecca Evans said: “Having a better understanding of the profile and needs of veterans is a key part of making sure our public services are tailored for our armed forces community. I welcome this historic change to the 2021 Census to include a question on the Armed Forces, and have been proud to support the campaign.”

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