LAST month I was delighted to visit a new social group in Barry called, With Music in Mind.

With Music in Mind was set up by Sarah Miles and Kate Whitestone. They, along with pianist Meryn Williams, organise singing groups in communities in South Wales for people to get together, to socialise and to have fun.

Anyone of any background and singing standard is welcome. Benefits of the group include increased confidence, stress reduction, improved quality of life and improved wellbeing and general health.

The Barry With Music in Mind group meets on Mondays between 10.30am and 12.30pm in the Margaret Alexander Community Centre. Sessions consist of an hour of group singing followed by refreshments (provided) and an hour of social activity.

If you are interested in joining in or finding out more about the group, they can be contacted via email at info@withmusicinmind.co.uk or via phone 07500 776295.

Last week, I was delighted to once again sponsor an event in the Senedd to launch Marie Curie’s annual Great Daffodil Appeal.

Throughout February and March many of us will make a donation and wear the yellow daffodil in support of this wonderful charity which offers vital care and support to people with terminal illnesses.

The Marie Curie daffodil pin is available from volunteers across Wales and in Superdrug, Spar and Savers stores and Wyevale garden centres. I was also very pleased to congratulate Vale resident Geoff Mortimer at this event, on winning the Marie Curie South East Wales Volunteer of the Year award.

Last week also saw an important announcement from the Welsh Government of £4.4 million to support front-line advice services in Wales in 2017-18.

£2.2 million will support the delivery of services which offer direct advice relating to welfare benefits, housing, debt, money management and discrimination.

A further £2.2 million will be awarded to Citizens Advice Cymru to deliver the Better Advice, Better Lives Scheme. This scheme encourages benefit take-up for families with disabled children, for those living in deprived areas whose health is likely to be affected by poverty, and for council tax and housing benefits.

Since the start of the Better Advice, Better Lives project in 2012, the scheme has helped more than 171,000 people. I am proud to say that I have been involved with this innovative scheme since its start.

I funded it as health minister back in 2001 when it began life as a pilot.