Heledd Fychan Canol De Cymru - South Wales Central

Hi everyone,                                                          

I’m Heledd, Plaid Cymru Member of the Senedd for South Wales Central, which covers Rhondda Cynon Taf, Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan.

I live in the beautiful town of Pontypridd with my husband and our son.

Even though it has been my home for almost a decade, I’m originally from Ynys Mon – Anglesey – where I lived until I left to study History and Political Science at Trinity College Dublin. During my time there, I was elected as the Education Sabbatical Officer for the Students Union. I was then elected in the same role for the Union of Students in Ireland the following year. I then returned to Wales, and complete a masters degree in Medieval History at Bangor University.

From there, I went on to work for the  Plaid Cymru group in Westminster before returning to Wales once more to take on a role at Amgueddfa Cymru - National Museum Wales. Prior to the 2021 election, I worked as their Head of Policy and Public Affairs, leading on governance, strategy, international relations and stakeholder engagement.  As well as this, I served as a Board member for the Museums Association, chairing both its Ethics and Nations committees.

Though this will be the first time representing you in the Senedd, this is not the first time that I’ve stood up for our local communities. In 2017, I was elected to represent Pontypridd onRhondda Cynon Taf Council, as well as on Pontypridd Town Council. Since my election, I have led and supported a number of prominent local campaigns, such as calling for an independent inquiry into the devastating floods of 2020, saving the Accident and Emergency Unit at the Royal Glamorgan Hospital, and opposing changes to schools in the Pontypridd area.

My priorities for this Senedd term is to firstly, support communities across the region recover from the impact of COVID-19. This includes investing in health and social care, as well as education, and supporting the businesses and freelancers who have lost income due to restrictions.

Secondly, we must take action to tackle climate change. We have ten years to save our planet, and we need a Government that will prioritise genuine action rather than make empty promises.

Then thirdly, we need to tackle child poverty, and ensure fairness for every child in Wales. It is shocking that more and more families across our region are having to rely on food banks, and don’t have access to basic necessities such as food.

Since the election I have also become Plaid Cymru Spokesperson for Education, Welsh Language and Culture. In addition to this role, I will also serve as the Senedd Group's Business Manager.

In addition to my duties in the Chamber, I will also sit on the Culture, Communications, Welsh language, Sport and International Relations committee, as well as the Children, Young People and Education Committee

You can keep up to date with my work in the Senedd by clicking here

or you can follow me on my social channels using the links below.

At my regional office is in Pontypridd and across the region, I will be holding regular surgeries  where I will offer help and advice to people in need of support. If you need to get in contact with me or my team before then you can get in touch by emailing me via [email protected] or by phone 01443 853214