"I make supporting small business not just a political priority, but a personal one"

At the end of the week we mark Small Business Saturday, a chance to come together and celebrate some of the fantastic, independent businesses we have on our high streets and in our town centres.

For me, supporting small business isn't something to be done as a tokenistic gesture, but something which should be practised as a key part of our lives. Not just as Christmas approaches, but every day, we should be considering what we can buy locally to support our small, independent businesses.

This year that support seems more important than ever. The challenges our high streets and town centres face, are not new challenges, but accelerated ones.

I make supporting small business not just a political priority, but a personal one. That is why over this year I have done all I can to support businesses across our towns - practicing what I preach, signposting them to financial support, even going door to door, checking in on high street businesses.

Many Leader readers will know that I have been using my platform to promote local businesses, with the message "Love Local", encouraging people to find out what shops, services and delights are on their own doorsteps. If you want to find out more about the businesses I've highlighted or suggest one, please visit my Facebook page - Hannah Blythyn MS.

This week I also want to again take the time to pay tribute to the amazing NHS workers in our corner of the country, not just for their efforts during the challenges of recent months, but of recent years. Being taken out of special measures really is a milestone in Betsi Cadwaldr's journey, and the staff at the health board should be congratulated for all their hard work.

Of course there is still progress to be made and I will continue to work with residents, Flintshire County Council, Betsi Cadwaladr and the Welsh Government, to ensure that the best possible health and social care is delivered here in North Wales.

Leader readers will by now, probably have heard the positive news that a vaccine - Pfizer/BioNTech - has passed all the necessary clinical trials. The Chief Medical Officer for Wales has outlined that the vaccination programme could begin as early as next week, with NHS and social care staff, care home residents and those over 80 being offered the vaccine first.

This is a huge step forward in our fight against coronavirus. This year we have all changed the way in which we work and live our lives, in order to protect one another. We have to continue with these new ways of living, all playing our part in preventing the spread of the virus.

With financial pressures growing on families and individuals, I want to ensure that everyone is aware of the support available to them. If you are struggling financially, please get in touch and I will do my best to sign post you in the right direction.

If any constituents have an issue they would like to raise with me, then please get in touch on 01352 762102 or at Hannah.Blythyn@senedd.wales.