Neath Guardian Column October 2008

I was privileged to be at the launch of Action for Children (Gweithredu dros Blant) on the 9th of October. Action for Children has replaced the National Childrens Home; they changed their name to one that better describes what they do and value – Action for Children. They are committed to helping the most vulnerable children and young people in the UK break through injustice, deprivation and inequality, so they can achieve their full potential. These vulnerable children and young people are in life least able to defend themselves. This is where organisations like Action For Children do such excellent work.
Action for Children helps nearly 170,000 children, young people and their families through nearly 450 projects across the UK. In Neath they do excellent work providing community short break services for disabled children, young people and their families, family outreach services ranging from early preventative support to intensive work with families where there are serious concerns for children's safety or welfare; they also run a referred playgroup in the Pontardawe area.
This re-launch coincides with a major change for children and young people’s policy in Wales. The Welsh Assembly Government will shortly assume greater powers to make laws to meet the needs of vulnerable children and their families. These new powers will enable the focus to be on the most vulnerable, but this cannot be done in isolation, we need the help of partners such as Action For children.

Another great privilege was to be invited to the first Neath Port Talbot Golden Hearts Awards on the 14th October, these are to recognise and celebrate the invaluable contribution of those who provide social care in the borough. There were many nominations for individuals and teams in the private, public and voluntary sectors, the number and quality of these nominations was outstanding. It was marvellous to see so many examples of dedication, commitment and innovation. The host was Derek Brockway the weatherman, and entertainment was provided by Andrew Harley and Neath Male Choir, they were all excellent.
All the awards were moving in showing people’s dedication but I was very touched by the Young Carers Award presented to unpaid carers under the age of 18 who care for a parent or other family member. These young people are superb examples of the youth of today and fill me with hope for the future.
However we must do all we can to ensure that children and young people do not have inappropriate levels of responsibility.
Gwenda Thomas is Deputy Minister for Social Services.