BEING an assembly member means you are lucky enough to work with some inspirational community groups and charities.

This July I was honoured to host Bliss, a leading UK charity for babies born premature or sick, at the Senedd launching their “Bliss Baby Report 2016: Time for Change” report – a cause I have always been an advocate for.

The report highlighted that there is still much more to do in Wales to, as there is a shortage of neonatal doctors and nurses in Wales. The report calls for urgent action from the Welsh Government to invest in bringing services for premature and sick babies up to standard. However, there were positives to take from the report, not least the incredible work, support and warmth that NHS staff provide on the neonatal wards while they care for these very young and vulnerable babies and their families.

From leading UK charities to inspiration local groups wanting to make a difference in their local area - I recently held a very busy Coffee Morning talking to residents in Pontnewynydd about the need for a new local playground.

Having assisted a group of residents in Cwmbran with a similar initiative, I am keen to work with residents who are interested in pursuing this to put in a bid to obtain funding for playground equipment. If you are interested in helping to try to get a new playground for Pontnewynydd but were unable to attend my coffee morning please get in touch so that I can keep you updated.

I am also incredibly very pleased to be supporting “Torfaen Take a Stroll”, and took part in one of their walks last Friday. The Torfaen Take a Stroll project is a great example of a Welsh Government funded scheme making a real difference to the lives of people living in Torfaen. Because of the programme more people are leading more active, healthy and social lifestyles. The scheme, which has been running for over 11 years, organises weekly walks throughout Torfaen for all abilities and ages. The project engages with other organisations, putting on events suitable for everyone.

I would definitely recommend joining one of the “Torfaen Take a Stroll” walks in Blaenavon, Pontypool, Pontynewydd or Cwmbran, for more information please email the organiser Lynne.Mattravers@torfaen.gov.uk.

Please get in touch if you have any questions or queries by emailing me at lynne.neagle@assembly.wales or by phoning 01495 740022.