AS PLAID Cymru’s spokesman on social services and equality, I wanted to draw readers’ attention to the issue of scams.

There have been some really dreadful cases reported in the media recently of despicable individuals preying on the vulnerable and older people.

In fact, a 92-year-old friend of mine recently fell victim to a con artist and was persuaded to part with £5,000 for roof repairs.

This can happen through a call at the door, a letter, phone call or online.

During May there is a campaign involving Age Cymru, trading standards and Citizen’s Advice to raise awareness of scams. I’ve always taken the view that if something sounds too good to be true then it probably is. It is important that we all should try and look out for elderly and vulnerable relatives and neighbours.

I’d like to see more no cold calling zones introduced across the nation as a protection and strong action taken against those flouting the rules.

I was pleased to support the ManVan campaign by Prostate Cancer UK, Tenovus and The Movember Foundation to raise awareness of prostate cancer.

An American-style motor-home called at The Wave in Newport on its journey around Wales where advice and support was given to men affected by prostate or testicular cancer.

Around 2,600 men in Wales are diagnosed with the two diseases every year and the incidence of prostate cancer is much higher than in the UK as a whole.

Yet the Welsh cancer patient experience survey highlighted some concerns among men covering their experiences of accessing information and advice. That needs to greatly improve and the ManVan is one way of raising awareness.

I attended the official opening by the Mayor of Torfaen of the education centre at the wonderful All Creatures Great and Small animal shelter.

It’s great that this centre will educate children on looking after and respecting animals and it can also be hired for a range of activities.

As a pet lover with two cats, I’m always impressed at the work done at the sanctuary both by the staff and volunteers.

Shelters like these are so important in caring for and rehoming animals. If you can provide a loving home for a cat, dog or indeed another animal then please get in touch with the centre.

The shelter costs around £250,000 a year to run so donations of blankets, sheets and pet food are particularly useful.