Last week I was very pleased to speak at the AGM of Mind in the Vale of Glamorgan.

I am a proud supporter of Mind-the mental health charity that helps those experiencing mental distress, promotes good mental health and challenges stigma. Looking after our mental health is a priority for us all; mental health is a continuum and we will all experience periods of good and poor mental health during our lives.

Mind in the Vale is an effective and pioneering third sector organisation supporting over 1200 people directly this year via its Mind café and gallery at Barry town train station and Mind shops in Barry and Llantwit Major. Mind in the Vale is also breaking new ground with the hugely successful Primary Mental Health Support Services Pilot involving the Centre for Clinical Support Intervention.

The Welsh Government recognises that mental health is a key policy issue and priority and as such, mental health funding in Wales is ring-fenced and has increased by £20m this year to £629m.

For more information about Mind in the Vale, visit http://www.mindinthevale.org.uk/

Earlier this week I was also very pleased to welcome members of the Barry and District Royal British Legion to the Senedd for a guided tour of the building and to see the beautiful Weeping Window Poppy Sculpture.

On display until September 24, the Weeping Window installation is a cascade of several thousand handmade ceramic poppies that is touring the UK. As part of its commitment to commemorate the centenary of the First World War, the National Assembly for Wales is holding a series of events over the four year commemorative period, contributing to the Cymru’n Cofio/Wales Remembers1914-1918 national centenary programme of remembrance.

As a member of the Barry branch of the British Legion, I was glad that other members got to see up -close this remarkable and poignant sculpture that the National Assembly is hosting until September 24.

Alongside the Weeping Window there is also a reflection space and an exhibition on Women, War Peace.