GPs urge people not to delay seeking support during lockdown

* Giving Covid jabs is just part of the service provided by GPs.

Doctors in North Wales are urging people to not delay seeking support if they are worried about their health during the latest COVID-19 lockdown.

The plea is being made after some GPs reported a drop in the number of people with health concerns contacting them for consultations during the latest lockdown, leading to fears that the opportunity for successful early treatment could be lost.

Despite the stay-at-home restrictions and GP involvement in the national COVID-19 vaccination rollout, GP appointments continue to be available, with telephone, video and face-to-face consultations offered.

Mold based GP Dr Jim McGuigan, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board’s East Area Assistant Medical Director, said its vital that people don’t delay seeking advice or support if they have any health concerns. He also appealed for people to be patient when attempting to book appointments.

“We have a clear message for the public that they should continue to contact their GP surgery if they have any concerns about their health,” he said.

“This is particularly important for people who have persisting worrying symptoms. You are not wasting your GP’s time by getting your symptoms checked and contacting us in a timely manner makes it much more likely that you will be offered successful early treatment.

“Telephone, video and face to face appointments are still being offered, where needed, and all GP practices have introduced appropriate infection prevention measures to keep patients and staff safe.

“If you are contacting your GP to make an appointment for any health concerns we ask you to please be patient. Reception staff are working incredibly hard, as they have done throughout the pandemic, and will answer your call and offer you a consultation as soon as one is available.”

All 98 GP surgeries in the region are playing their part in the COVID-19 vaccine rollout, which is set to ramp up significantly in the coming weeks, as vaccine supplies increase.

People are being invited to vaccination centres and GP practices to receive their vaccine in order of the priority groups identified by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation.

Dr McGuigan says people can help reduce pressures on GP surgeries by not contacting them to try and book a COVID-19 vaccination appointment.

“Please do not contact your GP practice directly unless you have been contacted and given a vaccination appointment. We won’t be able to offer you the vaccine any sooner, but you may cause delays for people who are trying to book general appointments.”

The Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board website contains a range of helpful information on the COVID-19 vaccination programme and how to access appropriate local health services.

* For further information on the COVID-19 vaccination rollout in North Wales please visit: COVID-19 Vaccination Information - Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (nhs.wales)

For further information on choosing the most appropriate health service for your needs, visit: Where Do I Go? - Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (nhs.wales)

For information and resources to help you access support for your mental health and wellbeing, visit BCUHB’s Mental Health Hub: Mental Health Hub - Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (nhs.wales)

Welsh Government's coronavirus update

Latest coronavirus update from the Welsh Government (dated yesterday) is: 

• The First Minister has today set out the results of the second review of the alert level four lockdown restrictions in Wales.
• Wales will remain at alert level four for the next three weeks.
• We will work towards opening primary schools for the youngest children from February 22, if cases of coronavirus continue to fall.
• A further £200m of support for businesses has also been announced: https://gov.wales/written-statement-extension-restrictions-business-fund
• Written statement: https://gov.wales/written-statement-review-health-protection-coronavirus-restriction-no5-wales-regulations-2020-0
• Watch the First Minister’s press conference: https://twitter.com/WelshGovernment/status/1355127737179017217
• Watch Education Minister Kirsty Williams’ video message: https://twitter.com/wgmin_education/status/1355048032199462913
• Alert level four frequently asked questions: https://gov.wales/alert-level-4-frequently-asked-questions
• Leaving your home and seeing other people in alert level four: https://gov.wales/leaving-your-home-and-seeing-other-people-alert-level-4
• Health Minister Vaughan Gething has today published a written statement extending the stay-at-home advice for people in the clinically extremely vulnerable group: https://gov.wales/written-statement-advice-those-who-are-clinically-extremely-vulnerable-extension-period-advice
• Guidance to protect the clinically extremely vulnerable: https://gov.wales/guidance-protecting-people-defined-medical-grounds-clinically-extremely-vulnerable-coronavirus
• All travellers arriving into Wales who have been in the Republic of Burundi, Republic of Rwanda or the United Arab Emirates in the previous 10 days will be required to isolate for 10 days and will only be able to leave isolation in very limited circumstances in line with amendments made to the Health Protection (Coronavirus, International Travel) (Wales) Regulations 2020: https://gov.wales/written-statement-amendments-health-protection-coronavirus-international-travel-wales-regulations-3
• The latest summary report published by the Technical Advisory Cell: https://gov.wales/technical-advisory-cell-summary-advice-22-january-2021 

Coronavirus in numbers

• The latest figures published by Public Health Wales today show there have been 546 newly reported cases of coronavirus, bringing the total to 190,940 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Wales since the start of the pandemic.
• Very sadly, there were 29 deaths reported by Public Health Wales today. The total number of deaths reported by Public Health Wales is 4,695.
• These figures are updated daily at: https://public.tableau.com/profile/public.health.wales.health.protection#!/vizhome/RapidCOVID-19virology-Public/Headlinesummary

• The number of people who have received a Covid vaccine in Wales is being published every weekday by Public Health Wales.
• The latest figures show 362,253 people have received their first dose
• And 717 people have received two doses of the vaccine
• https://public.tableau.com/profile/public.health.wales.health.protection#!/vizhome/RapidCOVID-19virology-Public/Headlinesummary 

What to do if you have symptoms of coronavirus

• The symptoms of coronavirus are a high temperature, a new, continuous cough and a loss or change in smell or taste.
• If you have symptoms of coronavirus, however mild, you must self-isolate at home for 10 days from when your symptoms started.
• Guidance about self-isolating: https://gov.wales/self-isolation-stay-home-guidance-households-possible-coronavirus
• Do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital.
• You should arrange to have a test to see if you have coronavirus once you are self-isolating. You can book a test at https://gov.wales/apply-coronavirus-covid-19-test
• You should continue to isolate while waiting for a test result.
• Got a question about what to do if you’ve got coronavirus? Visit https://gov.wales/self-isolation-stay-home-guidance-households-possible-coronavirus 

Where to find the latest information

• Information about the new national measures in place in Wales is available at: https://gov.wales/alert-level-4

• Public Health Wales provides a daily update about the number of cases of coronavirus in Wales. It is available at: https://covid19-phwstatement.nhs.wales/
• Information about coronavirus is available on the Welsh Government’s website at https://gov.wales/coronavirus and https://llyw.cymru/coronafeirws
• Questions about Covid-19 vaccines? Visit: https://phw.nhs.wales/topics/immunisation-and-vaccines/covid-19-vaccination-information/ and https://gov.wales/vaccine-coronavirus
• Information about support for businesses is available at the Business Wales website https://businesswales.gov.wales/coronavirus-advice/
• The Welsh Government holds a regular media briefing about coronavirus. These are on-the-record, on-camera and supported by a BSL interpreter. These are held at 12.15pm and live-streamed on our @WelshGovernment Twitter channel.

o   The First Minister held today’s press conference. You can watch again at https://twitter.com/WelshGovernment/status/1355127737179017217

o   Slides used in today’s press conference are published at: https://gov.wales/slides-and-datasets-first-ministers-coronavirus-briefing-29-january-2021

Health centre's vaccination update

Llangollen Health Centre has posted it's latest vaccination update, which says"

"We're very pleased to say that we have now had the go-ahead from the health board to move on to the next two priority groups - namely patients aged 70 - 79 years and those on the official shielding list - and we have already made a start on these. All our patients who fall into these two groups will be contacted over the next two weeks to arrange an appointment.

"We have now vaccinated the majority of our patients aged 80 and over. Any patients in this age group who have not yet received their vaccine and want to have one can contact us to arrange an appointment.",

Government gives further details of Covid business help

 

The Welsh Government has revealed further details of the £200m package of support for non-essential retail, hospitality, leisure and tourism businesses that continue to be impacted by the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

The latest funding is linked to the non-domestic rates system and will operate as a top up to the Restrictions Business Fund which was put in place in early December. It brings this latest phase of Welsh Government support to £650m and will help businesses with operational costs through to the end of March. Businesses with a rateable value of £12,000 or under will be eligible to receive a payment of £3,000. Businesses with a rateable value between £12,001 and £150,000 will be eligible to receive a payment of £5,000. The Welsh Government is also extending the £5,000 grant through to businesses with a rateable value of up to £500,000. Supply chain businesses will be able to apply for support if they have had a reduction in turnover of more than 40%. The combined package provides eligible businesses with an NDR rate of £12,000 or under with a £6,000 grant towards their operating costs, and an eligible business with an NDR rate of between £12,001 and £150,000 with a £10,000 payment. This does not include, where eligible, businesses who have accessed the ERF Sector Specific Fund which would see a typical hospitality, leisure and tourism business with 10 employees receive up to an additional £15,000 meaning a £25,000 grant in total for the period. A further £30m is also being made available through the discretionary fund to provide up to £2,000 grants for businesses not on the non-domestic rates system. Welsh Government support is in addition to that available from the UK Government. Local authorities, who have been absolutely vital in getting money to businesses quickly, will again be administering and distributing these payments. Businesses that pay non-domestic rates and have already received a payment since the firebreak in October do not need to take action. However, businesses that have not registered with their local authority, should take action now to ensure they receive the financial support they are entitled to. Since the beginning of the pandemic, the Welsh Government has ensured that more than £1.7bn of business support has reached the bank accounts of Welsh firms. This help has been crucial for businesses across Wales throughout the pandemic and has protected tens of thousands of jobs that might otherwise have been lost. Economy Minister Ken Skates said: “The coronavirus pandemic continues to have a severe impact on our economy and our businesses, particularly those in the leisure, tourism, hospitality and retail sectors. “The additional £200m we are making available will provide reassurance to firms across Wales and help them with their operating costs through to the end of March. “Our support is in addition to that available from the UK Government, including the Job Retention Scheme and the Self Employment Income Support Scheme, and I encourage businesses to explore those options as well. “I am also calling on the UK Government to provide further certainty to businesses and individuals by assuring that support available through interventions such as the Job Retention Scheme will not be withdrawn before the economy is ready. “Local Authorities have been crucial throughout the pandemic in supporting our efforts by administering and distributing this funding to firms in their area and I would like to once again thank them for their fantastic work and everything they continue to do to help our businesses when they need it most.” Local Government Minister Julie James also paid tribute to the efforts of local authority staff: "I know that staff across Wales have worked incredibly hard to make sure support was available to their local businesses as quickly as possible. “They have done this while continuing to ensure local services are delivered and while playing an essential role in many other responses to the pandemic from test, trace, protect to supporting those self-isolating."

Welsh lockdown to continue for another three weeks

The First Minister will today confirm alert level 4 lockdown restrictions will remain in place in Wales for the next three weeks. 

While the situation in Wales is improving, lockdown restrictions must continue for another three weeks to allow the NHS to recover, says the Welsh Government.

Mark Drakeford will also indicate that the youngest learners in primary school could begin returning to school after the February half term, if rates of coronavirus continue to fall.

The Welsh Government says it will work with schools and education partners on a phased and flexible return to school after 22 February, if the public health situation continues to improve.

Rates of coronavirus across Wales have fallen below 200 cases per 100,000 people for the first time since early November. And every day, thousands more people receive their first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine – the latest figures show almost 11% of the population have been vaccinated.

Scheme aims to help people needing help with digital technology

* Volunteer Digital Buddy Keith Owen.

Denbighshire Voluntary Services Council, Digital Communities Wales and Denbighshire County Council have teamed up to launch a new digital volunteering scheme in the county to help those that need assistance with digital technology. 

The pandemic has highlighted more than ever that digital inclusion is fundamental and without technology it would be extremely difficult to stay connected with family, friends and loved ones in lockdown. 

However, there are still people who are not as confident in using tablets and smartphones, and the aim of this scheme is to reach out to those that feel left behind and help them acquire those invaluable digital skills. 

Technology can be life changing, can make people more independent and boost mental health.

 Denbighshire Digital Buddies have been recruited to offer much needed help over the phone. 

Gareth Jones, of Denbighshire Voluntary Services Council, said: “Communities across Wales and especially in Denbighshire have come together during this pandemic, and our digital buddies scheme aims to tap into that positive energy within our communities to support each other." 

Cllr Bobby Feeley, Denbighshire County Council’s Lead for Wellbeing and Independence, said: “This pandemic has brought to light the need for digital assistance more than ever. At the beginning of this pandemic most people were able to learn quickly on how to stay in touch, but for others in our community, they found it extremely difficult. This scheme will hopefully reach those people who need extra help and helped keep our communities connected." 

“The council felt it was essential for us to support this scheme, as it is a positive step forward to helping those in need”. 

Deian ap Rhisiart of Digital Communities Wales said: “We have been working in the field of digital inclusion for nearly a decade across Wales, and this is a timely response to tackle the digital skills gap. People need to be able to stay connected, to be able to use digital services, sustain their mental health in lockdown, and technology is an integral part of the solution." 

Digital Buddies will begin to assist people over the phone next month. 

Volunteer Keith Jones said: "There is a danger of some people in society being left behind. This has become more evident during the pandemic. I would like to use my skillset to assist. 

If you have or know of a relative or friend that has received a tablet or smartphone for Christmas and require help how to use it, the scheme would like to hear from you and they can be paired up with a Digital Buddy.

* Contact Gareth Jones on 01824 702441 for further information or e-mail office@dvsc.co.uk. 

Coronavirus update from the Welsh Government

 

Latest coronavirus update from the Welsh Government (dated yesterday) is:

• Education Minister Kirsty Williams has published a written statement about education provision for vulnerable learners, children of critical workers and learners who need to complete essential exams or assessments.
• Schools and colleges continue to remain open for children of critical workers and vulnerable learners, as well as for learners who need to complete essential exams or assessments. Childcare settings remain able to care for all children aged 0-12, in line with their registration with Care Inspectorate Wales.
• https://gov.wales/written-statement-education-provision-vulnerable-learners-children-critical-workers-and-learners
• A revised and updated coronavirus testing strategy has been published today by Health Minister Vaughan Gething.
• The original testing strategy was published in July 2020 and has been revised in light of our greater understanding of the virus, the development of new testing technology and the roll-out of our vaccination programme. The new strategy also expands our testing approach to include more regular testing for NHS and care home staff and patients in hospitals.
• https://gov.wales/updated-covid-19-testing-strategy-wales-published
• Testing Strategy: https://gov.wales/covid-19-testing-strategy
• The Welsh Government has launched a campaign urging young people who are at risk of homelessness or already homeless to call a free Housing Advice Helpline run by Shelter Cymru and Llamau: https://gov.wales/its-never-too-late-or-too-early-get-help-youth-homelessness-campaign 

Coronavirus in numbers

• The latest figures published by Public Health Wales today show there have been 705 newly reported cases of coronavirus, bringing the total to 190,394 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Wales since the start of the pandemic.
• Very sadly, there were 56 deaths reported by Public Health Wales today. The total number of deaths reported by Public Health Wales is 4,666.
• These figures are updated daily at: https://public.tableau.com/profile/public.health.wales.health.protection#!/vizhome/RapidCOVID-19virology-Public/Headlinesummary

• The number of people who have received a Covid vaccine in Wales is being published every weekday by Public Health Wales.
• The latest figures show 336,071 people have received their first dose
• And 674 people have received two doses of the vaccine
• https://public.tableau.com/profile/public.health.wales.health.protection#!/vizhome/RapidCOVID-19virology-Public/Headlinesummary 

What to do if you have symptoms of coronavirus

• The symptoms of coronavirus are a high temperature, a new, continuous cough and a loss or change in smell or taste.
• If you have symptoms of coronavirus, however mild, you must self-isolate at home for 10 days from when your symptoms started.
• Guidance about self-isolating: https://gov.wales/self-isolation-stay-home-guidance-households-possible-coronavirus
• Do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital.
• You should arrange to have a test to see if you have coronavirus once you are self-isolating. You can book a test at https://gov.wales/apply-coronavirus-covid-19-test
• You should continue to isolate while waiting for a test result.
• Got a question about what to do if you’ve got coronavirus? Visit https://gov.wales/self-isolation-stay-home-guidance-households-possible-coronavirus 

Where to find the latest information

• Information about the new national measures in place in Wales is available at: https://gov.wales/alert-level-4

• Public Health Wales provides a daily update about the number of cases of coronavirus in Wales. It is available at: https://covid19-phwstatement.nhs.wales/
• Information about coronavirus is available on the Welsh Government’s website at https://gov.wales/coronavirus and https://llyw.cymru/coronafeirws
• Questions about Covid-19 vaccines? Visit: https://phw.nhs.wales/topics/immunisation-and-vaccines/covid-19-vaccination-information/ and https://gov.wales/vaccine-coronavirus
• Information about support for businesses is available at the Business Wales website https://businesswales.gov.wales/coronavirus-advice/
• The Welsh Government holds a regular media briefing about coronavirus. These are on-the-record, on-camera and supported by a BSL interpreter. These are held at 12.15pm and live-streamed on our @WelshGovernment Twitter channel.

Government launches scheme for homeless youngsters

The Welsh Government has launched a campaign urging young people who are at risk of homelessness or already homeless to call a free Housing Advice Helpline run by Shelter Cymru and Llamau. 

Now in its second year, the youth homelessness campaign highlights the problem of hidden homelessness amongst young people – raising awareness of the fact that homelessness doesn’t always live on the streets.

Hidden homelessness most commonly takes the form of ‘sofa surfing’ at the house of friends or family, but can also include staying somewhere temporarily like a hostel or bed & breakfast, or somewhere that’s unsafe or unsuitable. 

This phase of the campaign also focuses on people who may now be at risk of homelessness because of the pandemic; these people may have recently lost their jobs or are on furlough and, as a result, may be struggling to hold onto their homes.

As well as helping these people to recognise that they might be at risk of homelessness or already homeless, the campaign also advises their friends, family and work colleagues on how to spot the signs of hidden homelessness.

Anyone experiencing these issues is being asked to call the free Housing Advice Helpline, which is funded by the Welsh Government and run by Shelter Cymru, with out of hours support from Llamau.

Minister for Housing and Local Government, Julie James said: “Coronavirus has forced many people to the brink of homelessness. Many young people will be struggling with these kind of issues for the first time; others may have been struggling before the pandemic hit.

“We have to also recognise that homelessness doesn’t always live on the streets and there will be young people who have been sofa surfing with friends or family throughout this pandemic.

“Our message to these young people and those around them is to call the Housing Advice Helpline now. Expert trained advisors from Shelter Cymru and, out of hours, Llamau are on hand to talk you through these issues and advise you on what you can do – it’s never too late or too early to get help.”

Ruth Power, CEO, Shelter Cymru said: ‘Shelter Cymru welcomes this renewed commitment by the Welsh Government to tackle youth homelessness.

“All young people need a home where they can build a life, be safe and thrive, which is why it is so important that anyone who is currently homeless or at risk of homelessness is aware of their rights, and aware that they can come to us for help.”

Preventing youth homelessness is a long-standing priority for the Welsh Government. This is why, in addition to funding this helpline, £3.7m has been provided for earlier intervention and prevention of homelessness via the Youth Support Grant. – The Welsh Government is working with partners in the youth service to help identify young people at risk of homelessness and put suitable support in place.

* For advice and support call the Housing Advice Helpline on 08000 495 495 or visit the Shelter Cymru website by going to www.sheltercymru.org.uk/hiddenhomelessness

Eisteddfod makes plans for its 2021 festival

* A scene from the 2019 eisteddfod parade through Llangollen. 

Digital options and a hybrid weekend performance are amongst the options being considered by Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod for its 2021 festival.

Due to the pandemic the 2020 eisteddfod was cancelled.

In a statement issued this morning, the festival says: "In light of the ongoing global battle against Coronavirus, we are working on plans to adapt the format of Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod for July 2021.

"There continues to be significant uncertainty about the possibility of mass events in Wales in the summer of 2021 and we recognise that the Covid-19 restrictions operating around the world have had a significant impact on the groups of choirs and dancers that would usually attend our event.  

"These circumstances mean that we have decided to suspend the traditional live competition strands for Llangollen 2021, and reimagine our event in a way that can be delivered safely but which will still capture the magic of our international Eisteddfod.

"We are working hard to create a format for Llangollen 2021 involving digital options and a weekend hybrid event featuring artists from the 2020 concert programme including Llanfest. 

"Details will be confirmed in the late Spring when further information about government guidelines is expected and we will have clarity about what can be achieved.

"Further updates will be shared through our website and social media channels."

Coronavirus update from the Welsh Government

Latest Welsh Government coronavirus update (dated yesterday) is: 

• An emergency bill to ensure the next Senedd election can happen safely, despite the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, has been introduced before the Senedd by the Welsh Government: https://gov.wales/new-bill-to-manage-senedd-election-during-covid-pandemic-introduced
• Written statement: https://gov.wales/written-statement-welsh-elections-coronavirus-bill
• Guidance on protecting people who are clinically extremely vulnerable https://gov.wales/guidance-protecting-people-defined-medical-grounds-clinically-extremely-vulnerable-coronavirus
• Creating safer spaces: https://gov.wales/creating-safer-public-places-coronavirus
• Latest testing data: https://gov.wales/testing-data-coronavirus-covid-19 

Coronavirus in numbers

• The latest figures published by Public Health Wales today show there have been 537 newly reported cases of coronavirus, bringing the total to 189,689 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Wales since the start of the pandemic.
• Very sadly, there were 49 deaths reported by Public Health Wales today. The total number of deaths reported by Public Health Wales is 4,610.
• These figures are updated daily at: https://public.tableau.com/profile/public.health.wales.health.protection#!/vizhome/RapidCOVID-19virology-Public/Headlinesummary

• The number of people who have received a Covid vaccine in Wales is being published every weekday by Public Health Wales.
• The latest figures show 312,305 people have received their first dose
• And 639 people have received two doses of the vaccine
• https://public.tableau.com/profile/public.health.wales.health.protection#!/vizhome/RapidCOVID-19virology-Public/Headlinesummary 

What to do if you have symptoms of coronavirus

• The symptoms of coronavirus are a high temperature, a new, continuous cough and a loss or change in smell or taste.
• If you have symptoms of coronavirus, however mild, you must self-isolate at home for 10 days from when your symptoms started.
• Guidance about self-isolating: https://gov.wales/self-isolation-stay-home-guidance-households-possible-coronavirus
• Do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital.
• You should arrange to have a test to see if you have coronavirus once you are self-isolating. You can book a test at https://gov.wales/apply-coronavirus-covid-19-test
• You should continue to isolate while waiting for a test result.
• Got a question about what to do if you’ve got coronavirus? Visit https://gov.wales/self-isolation-stay-home-guidance-households-possible-coronavirus 

Where to find the latest information

• Information about the new national measures in place in Wales is available at: https://gov.wales/alert-level-4

• Public Health Wales provides a daily update about the number of cases of coronavirus in Wales. It is available at: https://covid19-phwstatement.nhs.wales/
• Information about coronavirus is available on the Welsh Government’s website at https://gov.wales/coronavirus and https://llyw.cymru/coronafeirws
• Questions about Covid-19 vaccines? Visit: https://phw.nhs.wales/topics/immunisation-and-vaccines/covid-19-vaccination-information/ and https://gov.wales/vaccine-coronavirus
• Information about support for businesses is available at the Business Wales website https://businesswales.gov.wales/coronavirus-advice/
• The Welsh Government holds a regular media briefing about coronavirus. These are on-the-record, on-camera and supported by a BSL interpreter. These are held at 12.15pm and live-streamed on our @WelshGovernment Twitter channel.

o   Today’s press briefing was held by Chief Medical Officer for Wales Dr Frank Atherton and Dr Rob Orford, the Welsh Government’s chief scientific adviser for health. You can watch again at: https://twitter.com/WelshGovernment/status/1354402384739323913   

MP becomes chair of performing arts training group

* A screenshot of inaugural APPG for Performing Arts Education and Training meeting.

Clwyd South MP Simon Baynes has been elected chair of the new All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Performing Arts Education and Training.

This has been set up to examine the challenges facing the performing arts training sector and wider creative education issues.

The election took place during the APPG’s inaugural meeting in which former Minister for Culture, Communications and Creative Industries, Lord Vaizey of Didcot, Sharon Hodgson MP, Lord Aberdare, Lord Clement-Jones, Lord Taylor of Warwick and Jack Lopresti MP were confirmed as vice-chairs.

The group is made up of a partnership between MPs and industry body, the Council for Dance, Drama and Musical Theatre (CDMT).

The purpose of the group is to support parliamentarians in discussions relating to: 

•          Training, education, assessment and professional practices across the performing arts, particularly in drama, dance and musical theatre

•          The continuing Professional Development of practitioners within the creative and cultural industries

•          The wider benefits of engagement with the performing arts for students, practitioners and audiences. 

The APPG will meet on a quarterly basis with the next gathering scheduled for March 2021 at which, fully constituted, it will begin this important work in earnest. 

Mr Baynes said: “I’m delighted to be elected as chair of this new APPG and I want to thank the Council for Dance, Drama and Musical Theatre (CDMT) for its tireless commitment and talents in making this initiative come to life. 

"This is a cause close to my heart as an amateur musician and, before I became an MP, as chairman of the Holroyd Community Theatre near Chirk, and as a Trustee of Mid Wales Opera and the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod. 

"I also set up the charity Concertina – Music for the Elderly which provides live music in care homes and day centres across Wales and England."

He added: "Covid-19 has impacted the performing arts and creative industries very seriously, so I’m keen that we work as a group to examine the issues facing industry professionals at this critical time.

"All of us involved in this new APPG are determined to support to the best of our ability training, education, assessment and professional practices across the performing arts, particularly in drama, dance and musical theatre.”

Police dealing with incident near Wrexham vaccine factory

5pm update ...

Incident over:

Wockhardt UK confirmed the incident is over.

A spokesman said: "We can confirm that the investigation of the suspicious package today has been concluded. The package was made safe and staff are now being allowed back into the facility.

"We are grateful to the authorities and experts for their swift response and resolution of the incident."

* Picture from the scene sent to Leaderlive by Mark Evans.

Police are dealing with an ongoing incident at Wrexham Industrial estate where doses of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine are produced and stored.

• It said a cordon has been put in place near the Wockhardt plant and the public have been asked to keep away.

* For the full story on Leaderlive, see:  https://www.leaderlive.co.uk/news/19042445.live-bomb-disposal-squad-wrexham-suspicious-package-sent-wockhardt-covid-vaccine-plant/