NOT all pain is visible. Mental Health will affect 1 in 4 people during their lifetime.

It can hit anyone of us at any point in our lives. Tackling Mental Health is a must. Asking a friend, work colleague or loved one how they are doing can help them through their day. Knowing there is someone to talk to can make all the difference.

THE news that AIC in have gone into administration is a bitter blow. 101 jobs have been lost with another 29 staying on to assist the wind-up. The company, like its predecessor Rowecord, made specialist steel fabricated structures.

IN the Senedd Chamber I asked cabinet secretary Ken Skates to do all the Welsh Government could to support those who have lost their jobs. It also became clear in the response to me that Welsh Government and Newport City Council had offered to meet to see how they could help, however the company had been reluctant to do so.

AS a member of the Health, Social Care and Sport Committee one of our first inquiries is into winter preparedness. Listening to witnesses raising key points around workforce, an ageing population and communication has been very helpful in understanding where we are and how well we are learning lessons to ensure the NHS has a resilience across the whole health and social care system. One challenge is the seasonal flu. The best way to avoid the flu is to have the annual vaccine. The following groups are eligible for a free NHS flu vaccination:

• aged 65 years and over

• aged six months to under 65 years in clinical risk groups – such as chronic chest, heart, kidney, liver and neurological diseases

• pregnant women

• those in long-stay residential care homes

• carers

• all two and three year olds (age on 31 August 2016)

• all children in reception class and year 1, 2 and 3 in primary school.

• Health and social care workers

Please contact your Doctor or Pharmacy to arrange.

EVERY year we celebrate the profound impact which Newport had on shaping our democracy through the 1839 Chartist Rising.

This year the Chartist Convention will be held at John Frost School on Saturday, November 5, from 9.30am until 4.30pm.

There will be a range of top class speakers and music from pupils from the school. Tickets cost £10 including a light lunch.