• This week I led a debate on the growing number of unpaid carers who care for their loved ones. It is estimated that there are around 400,000 carers in Wales and 22,000 in Newport alone. Carers provide around 96% of care in communities and save the Welsh economy £8.1 billion per year.

It is now almost a year since the Social Services and Well-being Act became law in Wales giving important new rights to carers. It is vital that we support those caring for their loved ones and ensure they are not left feeling isolated after years of caring. With a growing ageing population we know that we will need to rely on paid and unpaid carers in the future.

• I was thrilled to be made an honorary member of the Shaftesbury Youf Gang, a fantastic community group that aims to ‘make Shaftesbury a great place to live’. The Youf Gang is made up of nine boys, and is run by Gwent PCSO Richy Davies. Set up to tackle anti-social behaviour, the boys are setting a brilliant example for young people in Newport about the role they can play in their communities.

The group were given a brand new football kit thanks to Newport City Homes at a ceremony in Shaftesbury Community Centre. Newport County player Ben Tozer presented them with their shirts. Well done to the Youf Gang and to all those involved.

• Extensive work is due to take place in order to improve the M4 J28 Tredegar Park roundabout, the A467 Bassaleg roundabout and the Southern Distributor Road (SDR) Pont Ebbw roundabout. Ken Skates AM, the Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Infrastructure, will be attending the cutting of the turf ceremony later this month. The work aims to increase the amount of traffic that can travel through these roundabouts, reduce delays and improve safety on these junctions.

• It was fantastic to welcome a group of young people from the Serennu Centre, Rogerstone to the Senedd this month. Any groups in Newport West are welcome to visit the Senedd. To arrange this, please contact my office on 01633 376627.