Here's the latest Argus column by Newport East MS John Griffiths:

I'M AN avid park-runner. Far from being just a Saturday morning jog, the weekly Parkrun, as those that run it will know, has tremendous benefits.

The obvious one being physical fitness: being able to run, jog, walk or a combination of all three over the length of five kilometres is fantastic for the heart and limbs.

There are benefits to mental health and wellbeing also. Park runners are welcoming, positive and encouraging. There are opportunities to have conversations and a laugh which help to boost those endorphins making you feel-good.

Last I took part in the Llanishen Park Parkrun in Cardiff in celebration of the links between the event organisers and local GP practices centring on wellness.

I recently highlighted this in the Senedd chamber when I asked a question about preventative healthcare and how the Parkrun organisers would like to see a consistent approach right across Wales.

It’s welcome news that Deputy Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing, Lynne Neagle, affirmed that Welsh Government will be looking to encourage more social prescribing of Parkrun.

Speaking of mental health and wellbeing, I was really pleased to bump into an inspirational local resident in the Senedd who is employed by the Mental Health Foundation.

Her name is Laura, from Ukraine, now living in Beechwood, she came to the UK in 2014 when Russian troops first invaded Ukraine.

It’s amazing to hear her story of seeking sanctuary here in Newport, recounting her experiences of being welcomed - but also frustrated because work restrictions meant she was unable to contribute positively to society.

We were at an event entitled “Sanctuary in the Senedd” which gave a platform to refugees and seekers of sanctuary to talk of their experiences of the UK asylum system.

Laura mentioned how she was supported by the Mental Health Foundation when she initially arrived and after being a recipient of that support, Laura now supports others with mental health issues and is giving back to the society that she now calls home.

I am proud to call Newport a City of Sanctuary, a city with a rich history in supporting people fleeing conflict zones and persecution.

It was only last week that, together with my Newport West colleague Jayne Bryant MS I attended a celebration of Caerleon’s role in welcoming Basque children fleeing Franco’s forces during the Spanish Civil War. Some 85 years ago local people rallied around to look after these refugees.

Basque Government Ministers were among a visiting delegation marking this heart-warming local history and building on the strong relationship between Wales and the Basque Country.

Today Newport continues to offer a helping hand to those not fortunate enough, as we are, to live in peaceful, stable and secure countries.