Tonia Antoniazzi, the Member of Parliament for Gower showed support for the rights of guide dog owners at an event in Parliament organised by the charity Guide Dogs.
Guide dogs are key for many people with sight loss to getting around independently, but research from the charity Guide Dogs has shown that 81% of guide dog owners have been turned away from shops, restaurants and others businesses because of their dogs. This discrimination can be humiliating and debilitating, with almost half of guide dog owners saying they have changed their plans or restrict visits to avoid being refused. Tonia Antoniazzi MP learnt more about the charity’s campaign to strengthen the law and requirements for training to prevent access refusals from happening in the first place. Commenting on the event, Tonia Antoniazzi MP said: "We must strengthen the law and improve training requirements to put an end to this unacceptable treatment. Guide dog owners deserve equal access and the freedom to live their lives without obstacles." Eleanor Briggs, Head of Policy, Public Affairs and Campaigns at Guide Dogs, said: “Guide dog owners deserve to be able to live the lives they want and feel confident, independent, and supported in the world. However, too many guide dog owners continue to face discrimination and are turned away because they have their guide dog with them. That’s why we are calling for action to strengthen the law to end this unacceptable discrimination.” Tonia Antoniazzi, MP for Gower took a break from political battles last week to take part in a more light-hearted contest to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support.
The 35th annual Macmillan Tug of War saw MPs battle it out against Peers from the House of Lords on the 6th June in the grounds of Westminster Abbey. Sponsored by Banham Charitable Foundation, the event was hosted by sports broadcaster, Mark Pougatch and raised £130,000 and counting for Macmillan Cancer Support. Tonia Antoniazzi, who captained the “Mighty MPs” team won against a team from the House of Lords in a fiercely fought battle of brawn over brains. The parliamentary matches were keenly watched by the Speaker of the House of Commons, Sir Lindsay Hoyle MP and Lord Speaker, Lord McFall of Alcluith. Gemma Peters, CEO of Macmillan Cancer Support welcomed guests to the event and announced the launch of a new campaign for the charity. Tonia Antoniazzi MP said: “Being a captain for the charity tug of war competition was an incredible experience and every year it’s a privilege to take part. The Lords team had a few new recruits this year but they couldn’t match us! I am overjoyed at the incredible support Macmillan has received yet again this year. I am hopeful to contribute a bit more to the fundraising when I complete the Mighty Hike around Gower next month!” Click the link below to donate! https://bit.ly/TeamTonia2023 Gemma Peters, CEO, Macmillan Cancer Support said: “The Macmillan Tug of War is a fun and unique event with a serious message. People living with cancer are facing among the worst cancer waiting times on record and these delays are risking lives. This isn’t good enough. We’re determined to do whatever it takes to make sure everyone gets the cancer care they need, when they need it. That’s why later this month Macmillan Cancer Support will be launching a campaign - What Are We Waiting For? - calling on decision makers across the UK to take action to reduce waiting times.” “I’d like to thank all our generous Tug of War donors and sponsors. Thanks to the incredible £130,000 raised this year, Macmillan can continue doing whatever it takes to support people living with cancer.” To take part in a Macmillan fundraising event this summer, visit: https://www.macmillan.org.uk/fundraise For cancer support and advice, call the Macmillan Support Line free on: 0808 808 00 00 (8am – 8pm, 7 days a week). As part of Dementia Action Week (15-21 May), Tonia Antoniazzi MP attended a Parliamentary reception hosted by Alzheimer’s Society where they found out that, unlike in England, NHS Wales doesn’t publish a dementia diagnosis rate.
Tonia Antoniazzi MP has lent their support to the charity’s Dementia Action Week campaign on the importance of dementia diagnosis. The tagline “It’s not called getting old, it’s called getting ill” encourages people worried about their own or a loved one’s memory, to seek support in getting a diagnosis using a ‘symptoms checklist’. This is available on Alzheimer’s Society’s online hub at www.alzheimers.org.uk/memoryloss. Now, Tonia Antoniazzi MP is joining Alzheimer’s Society to call on NHS Wales to ensure that comprehensive dementia diagnosis data is collected and published centrally on a national level so that Wales’ performance can be compared to other parts of the UK. Tonia Antoniazzi MP said: “There are around 50,000 people in Wales living with dementia, but we have no way of knowing what percentage are actually diagnosed with the condition. Everyone living with dementia deserves an accurate, timely, and high-quality dementia diagnosis so they can access vital care and support, and plan for their future. High-quality data will benefit people with dementia, and enable NHS Wales to plan resources more effectively.” James White, Head of National Influencing at Alzheimer’s Society, said: “We thank Tonia Antoniazzi MP for meeting with us, and showing their support this Dementia Action Week. “In England, the dementia diagnosis rate fell below the national ambition during the pandemic, and it has remained stagnant around 62% ever since. More than 30,000 people have missed out on a diagnosis during this period. “We believe it’s better to know – 9 in 10 people told us they benefitted from getting a diagnosis as it meant they could access treatment and advice and plan for the future. “In Wales, we don’t even know the scale of the diagnosis challenge, so we need high-quality local and national data as soon as possible.” For support and information about dementia visit alzheimers.org.uk/memoryloss or call Alzheimer’s Society on 0333 150 3456. [0330 094 7400 Welsh-speaking number] For callers who do not have English as their language of choice, Alzheimer’s Society can arrange a simultaneous language translation service. ● National charity Melanoma Focus issues warning after new survey data shows that 32% of UK adults don't use sunscreen despite most burning at least once per year. ● Only 11% say they always use sunscreen in the UK, dropping to 8% for males. ● Melanoma is on the rise in the UK and is the most serious form of skin cancer. ● Survey also finds that 28% of British people have used sunbeds, a known cause of melanoma. Tonia Antoniazzi MP has added their voice to Melanoma Awareness Month after experts raised concerns in response to the new data released today by the charity Melanoma Focus which shows that 32% of British people reported rarely or never using sunscreen when in the UK and only 11% saying that they always use it. Male respondents were particularly reluctant to use sunscreen, with 40% saying they rarely or never use it in the UK and only 8% reporting always using it. When asked why they don’t use sunscreen the majority (39%) said it’s because they don't expect to burn. This is despite 52% of all respondents reporting that they got sunburned at least once per year, rising to 71% for 26-35 year olds. Melanoma skin cancer is a serious and potentially fatal condition, yet people in the UK are often ignoring the dangers posed by prolonged exposure to the UV rays. 1 in 36 men and 1 in 47 women in the UK will be diagnosed with melanoma skin cancer in their lifetime. It is the deadliest form of skin cancer and is in the top five most commonly diagnosed cancers in the UK, killing 2,333 people per year.[1] Yet 86% of melanomas are preventable. Melanoma skin cancer is becoming more common in the UK, with around 16,700 new cases every year (46 every day). Recent research has shown that there has been a huge increase in the number of people in the UK being diagnosed with melanoma, despite efforts to educate the public on the risks. Over the last decade, melanoma skin cancer incidence rates have increased by around a third (32%) in the UK. Rates in females have increased by more than a quarter (27%), and rates in males have increased by almost two-fifths (38%). It is expected to continue to rise. The vast majority (86%) of melanoma skin cancer is preventable yet the new data shows that as well as many not wearing sunscreen, a quarter of British people (24%) think that a sunscreen below SPF 30 is the minimum needed for skin protection and 17% said they didn’t know what the minimum was. The reported use of sunbeds is also a serious concern. It is estimated that in the UK about 100 people die each year from melanomas that are due to sunbed use. The survey found that 28% of British people have used sunbeds despite 82% of all respondents knowing that they increase the risk of skin cancer. Sunbed use was highest among 26-35 year olds at 40%. Susanna Daniels, CEO of Melanoma Focus, said: “About seven people die from melanoma every day in the UK and more people die from melanoma in the UK than in Australia. The fact that people are continuing to ignore the warnings and not take the necessary precautions to protect themselves from skin cancer is concerning. “About 9 in 10 melanoma skin cancer cases are preventable and it is vital that people take the warnings about the dangers of excessive sun exposure and the dangers of sunbed use seriously. “Sunbeds can be incredibly dangerous and it’s concerning that their use is so popular in the UK. The best way to protect yourself from the dangers of sunbeds is to avoid them altogether and use high-factor sun protection, along with seeking shade and wearing a hat when in the sun.” Professor Catherine Harwood, Consultant Dermatologist at Barts Health and Trustee at Melanoma Focus, said: “The survey results clearly show that many people in the UK don’t always appreciate how dangerous sunburn can be. Sun exposure, particularly when young, can cause permanent DNA damage in the skin making it more likely for skin cancers like melanoma to develop. “Skin protection should be taken seriously, especially by those with lighter skin tones. During the summer, whether in the UK or abroad, I recommend wearing a combined UVA and UVB sunscreen of SPF 30 or above and avoiding the sun in the middle of the day. “Sunbeds or tanning beds are also a serious issue as they emit a type of ultraviolet (UV) radiation that can damage the DNA of skin cells, leading to an increased risk of skin cancer. Additionally, people who use tanning beds are more likely to get sunburns, which can further damage the skin.” Tonia Antoniazzi MP said “I’m delighted to support Melanoma Awareness Month and do what I can to help my constituents protect themselves and their loved ones from this rising and very serious form of skin cancer.” On the 19th May I was thrilled to invite community groups across the constituency to meet with funding providers from a variety of organisations, all on hand to provide some valuable guidance on accessing funding opportunities to support local projects and initiatives in Gower.
Before the pandemic ground everything to a halt, I held a similar event a few years ago for community groups and organizations so they could identify funding and develop successful grant applications. My previous funding advice event was a big hit so after a few years off I thought it was time to organise another. I am pleased to say that this time we were able to bring together experienced advisors from various organizations including Swansea Council for Voluntary Services, Sport Wales, The National Lottery Heritage Fund, National Lottery Community Fund, Great Western Railway, Pobl, the Community Foundation Wales, Cwmpas, and the Lloyds Bank Foundation who generously shared their expertise with attendees. The turnout for the funding advice day was remarkable, with community groups and organizations from Bishopston to Bont and all across Gower taking full advantage of the guidance and support which was on offer. I hope this event has empowered our brilliant local groups and organizations to secure some funding and bring their ideas to life. I am always moved by the people I meet and the passion and dedication of our community groups that was on display was truly inspiring. I want to thank everyone who took the time to attend, including the staff and volunteers from every organisation in attendance and commend them for the comprehensive support and advice they were able to share with my constituents. I also want to thank Gorseinon Institute for being such brilliant and accommodating hosts as they always are! If you weren’t able to attend the event but would like to benefit from any of these organisations help or advice, please do contact my office and we will put you in touch! Tonia Antoniazzi MP visited a parliamentary drop-in on Wednesday to show their support for the UK’s charity shops. Charity shops have soared in popularity in recent years as shoppers look to get the best value for their money and move towards making more sustainable fashion choices.
Charity shops are key figures on high streets across the country and alongside their environmental benefits in promoting reuse, savings hundreds of thousands of tonnes of clothing from being disposed of each year, they also support their local communities by attracting footfall to nearby businesses and acting as a social hub for people looking to learn new skills, meet others and build confidence. Tonia Antoniazzi MP said: "Charity shops are the pillars of our high streets across Gower so I wanted to say thank you to the Charity Retail Association for the opportunity to meet this week. In the last year, UK charity shops did their bit to promote sustainable fashion by diverting 339 000 tonnes of clothes from landfill and they should be applauded for their phenomenal work." Robin Osterley, Chief Executive of the Charity Retail Association, said: “Charity shops have shown their resilience in the huge challenges they’ve faced over the past few years and are now continuing to thrive and attract new customers. The importance of the role charity shops play in society cannot be understated – they occupy a prominent and exceptional place in the retail landscape and it’s exciting to see the sector adapting to meet the needs of their customers; from opening new superstores to embracing social media trends. “Charity shops offer a completely unique shopping experience which couldn’t happen without the effort and dedication of the thousands of volunteers and staff who work every day to raise money for good causes and give their time to make their charity shops a success.” Find out more about charity shops and your nearest stores at www.charitytretail.org.uk. This year we commemorated the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement, which brought an end to the decades-long Troubles in Northern Ireland that fractured communities along sectarian lines and claimed thousands of lives.
As we mark this historic agreement, I believe it is important that we reflect on the progress that has made in the previous two and a half decades. The legacy of peace secured by the Good Friday agreement surely establishes it as not only one of the greatest achievements of any previous Labour Government, but perhaps one of the greatest achievements of any British Government during the second half of the 20th century. Decades of confrontation and division were ended because at its heart, the Good Friday Agreement brought people together and sought to build trust and cooperation between communities. This commitment to dialogue and compromise, and a willingness to listen to the concerns and aspirations of all sides allowed peace and prosperity to win the day. The keen Parliament watchers among you will know that in conjunction with my role as your MP in Gower, I am also the Shadow Minister for Northern Ireland. In this role I am afforded the privileged opportunity to scrutinise Government policy on Northern Ireland directly from the dispatch box, but it has also allowed me to speak directly with residents about their experiences living through the Troubles. On visiting Northern Ireland, I’ve met people who well remember the darkest days of the Troubles, as well as the young adults and children who never had to live through them. I’ve spoken to people from both communities, and all walks of life, but the common denominator is that none take peace for granted. That is testament to the hard work and strength of everyone who played a role in securing the agreement. The Troubles may be in the past, but the significance of the Good Friday agreement is still shaping lives today. We owe it to the people of Northern Ireland to push forwards building that brighter and more hopeful future for all. I wish to end with a quote from Mo Mowlam’s book. As Secretary of State for Northern Ireland at the time, she played a vital role in securing the agreement. This quote aptly sums up the peace process and is one that we should also apply to our lives today. “People working together can overcome many obstacles, often within themselves, and by doing so can make the world a better place.” Just 2% of Swansea’s veterans have received their promised ID card from the UK Government26/4/2023
Just 2% of Swansea’s veterans have received promised ID card
Just 2% of veterans in the region have received Government ID cards to help them access the services they need, as Gower MP, Tonia Antoniazzi has organised a Veterans’ Voice event to hear local concerns. In Swansea just 155 veterans ID cards have been rolled out to 8000 veterans. The Government promised to provide every veteran in the UK with a card in 2019, designed to provide speedy access to health, housing and charity services. But figures from the ONS confirm there are more than 1.8 million veterans in England and Wales, and just 56,000 ID cards have been given out since 2018, meaning just 3% veterans have been given a card in five years. In December, Veterans’ Minister Johnny Mercer has promised to rollout all remaining ID cards by this summer. However, analysis conducted by the Labour Party also showed that at the current rate of delivery, it will take more than a century to give every veteran a card. Tonia Antoniazzi MP has accused the Government of failing veterans prior to holding an event with former personnel as part of Labour’s Veterans’ Voice campaign. Tonia is holding a Veteran’s Voice event in Gowerton Rechabite Hall on May 31st at 6.30 pm. Veterans’ Voice is Labour’s nationwide listening campaign to link up with veterans and their families and shape the party’s plans for the next general election. Shadow Veterans Minister Rachel Hopkins said: “The Conservatives like to talk up their support for our forces, but it’s clear that they are failing our veterans. “The veterans ID card is supposed to help our society keep its promise to those who serve by ensuring quick access to services like healthcare. But Conservative ministers have delivered just a fraction of the cards needed. “Our veterans don’t need empty promises, they need action. That’s why Labour has launched its Veterans’ Voice campaign to hear directly from former personnel and their families, and put their lived experiences at the heart of our future policy offer.” Tonia Antoniazzi MP said: “It is crystal clear that this Government is letting down veterans in Swansea. Ministers make sweeping promises about support they will deliver but it’s all talk. “Labour’s Veterans’ Voice campaign will listen to veterans in Swansea and Gower carefully. We will step up where this Government has failed.” Tonia Antoniazzi, Member of Parliament for Gower, is set to host a grant event funding advice day for her community groups, clubs and residents in Gower. The event is scheduled to take place on Friday 19th May at Gorseinon Institute between 10 am and 12 pm.
The advice day will focus on helping local community groups and organisations in Gower to access funding opportunities that can support their projects and initiatives. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet with experienced advisors who will provide guidance and support on a wide range of topics, including identifying funding sources and compiling successful grant applications. Organisations in attendance will include Swansea Council for Voluntary Services, Sport Wales, The National Lottery Heritage Fund and National Lottery Community Fund, Great Western Railway, Pobl, the Community Foundation Wales, Cwmpas, and the Lloyds Bank Foundation. Speaking before the event Tonia Antoniazzi said, “This event will be an excellent opportunity for local groups and organisations to receive the advice and support they need to secure funding and bring their ideas to life. "There are so many talented and dedicated community groups and organisations in Gower and Swansea that are doing fantastic work to improve the lives of our residents. This event will provide them with the tools and resources they need to access funding opportunities and make their projects a reality." The event is free to attend, and registration is not required. All community groups and organisations in Gower are invited to attend and take advantage of this valuable opportunity. Tonia Antoniazzi MP has called on the Government to bring in a regulator as quickly as possible, following the football white paper which was published in February.
Tonia Antoniazzi MP has raised her concerns after Swansea City secured an historic “double doube” over local rivals Cardiff City in the latest south Wales Derby. Tonia Antoniazzi MP had welcomed the white paper’s publication but was frustrated saying it is already long overdue. The fan-led review of football governance was published over a year ago. It made a suite of recommendations for better governance in football, including stronger owners and directors tests, fairer distribution of funding down the football pyramid, and a seat at the table for fans, through a shadow board and ‘golden share’ in significant club decisions. Labour called for the recommendations to be implemented in full. Tonia Antoniazzi MP said, “I welcome the publication of the football white paper, but it’s long overdue. Fair financial distribution must be sorted before a regulator comes into force. The failure of the Premier League and EFL to reach an agreement on football finances means lower league clubs will miss out on £365m this season, including Swansea City which will miss out on £15 million. “It’s been a good couple of weeks for Swans and Wales fans, with derby wins over Bristol and Cardiff, good performances against Coventry and Huddersfield, and that has come on top of a good international break for Wales too. You can see the impact that these successes have had on people in the city. If we want to see more of that success on the pitch, we need to put the interests of football fans first off the pitch. “Football fans are asking for an independent regulator and a proper voice which clubs will listen to. “We can’t have any more dithering – the Government should bring in the legislation needed to establish a proper regulator urgently.” |
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