Newsletter March 2026

Welcome to my Newsletter for March 2026

Keeping Children Safe Online – Have Your Say

Image of a child holding a mobile phone.

The UK Government is seeking views on how to make the online world safer for children. This includes proposals on social media age limits, addictive design features, and the role of AI chatbots.

This consultation is an important opportunity for families, professionals, and young people to help shape future online safety measures and is open until 26 May 2026.

Have Your Say

Spotlight on Local Wellbeing: The Old Drift Wellness

Image of Gerald Jones with Andrew and team at the wellness centre.

I recently visited The Old Drift Wellness at the Summit Centre in Trelewis, where their outdoor contrast therapy area, including a stunning wood‑fired sauna, is proving to be a fantastic new asset for the community.

The cold plunge was certainly bracing in the current weather, but it was brilliant to see so many people already making the most of the facilities and feeling the benefits.

A heartfelt thank you to Andrew and the team for the warm welcome and for their continued dedication to improving local wellbeing.

Celebrating Local Community Champions at Downing Street

Image of Gerald Jones MP with Cllr Andrew Morgan OBE, Clare and Helen.

A recent St David’s Day Community Reception at Downing Street shone a spotlight on two outstanding individuals from our area whose dedication continues to strengthen community life.

Clare Parry attended on behalf of Cap y Gymuned – Community Hub at Capcoch, recognised for the vital support it provides to local residents. Helen Hughes represented the Dowlais Community Centre, run by The Stephens & George Charitable Trust, acknowledged for more than 14 years of continuous community work.

A proud moment for both Clare and Helen, and a wonderful reflection of the community strength and commitment found throughout Merthyr Tydfil and Aberdare.

Cutting Energy Bills for Local Households

Households across Merthyr Tydfil and Aberdare will see their energy bills fall from April, with costs set to drop by 7% following measures announced in the recent Budget by the Labour Government.

This reduction is an important step toward easing the affordability pressures facing many families, helping to make everyday living costs more manageable.

Find Out More

Celebrating Welsh Culture with the Cwmbach Male Choir

Image of Gerald jones with Mayor Sheryl Evans and Cwmbach Choir Chairman.

As part of my St David’s Day celebrations, I was delighted to attend a wonderful concert by the Cwmbach Male Choir at St Elvan’s. The music, the atmosphere, and the heartfelt pride in our Welsh culture made it a truly special occasion.

It was also fantastic to see Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Aberdar taking part and bringing so much talent and energy to the evening.

I was pleased to catch up with Chairman Rob Davies and Mayor Cllr Sheryl Evans during the event. Diolch o galon to everyone involved for such a memorable celebration of our community and culture.

£3,000 Youth Jobs Grant Available to Businesses

Image of an apprentice, Keir Starmer and text.

This Labour government is introducing a new Youth Jobs Grant, which will provide businesses with £3,000 for every young person aged 18–24 they hire who has been on Universal Credit and looking for work for at least six months. The scheme is part of the wider UK Youth Guarantee and is expected to support around 60,000 young people over the next three years.

Find Out More

Armed Forces Day Funding Now Open

Applications are now open for Armed Forces Day 2026 funding, with grants of up to £10,000 available for groups, organisations and individuals in Merthyr Tydfil and Aberdare planning events around 27 June 2026.

This year, £500,000 has been allocated across the UK to support community events recognising our serving personnel, veterans, reservists, cadets and military families.

Applications close on 31 March 2026.

Apply Here

Talking Online Safety with Young People at The College Merthyr Tydfil

Image of Gerald Jones with the Youth Cabinet.

I had a great visit to Y Coleg Merthyr Tudful / The College Merthyr Tydfil, where I met with students and members of the Merthyr Tydfil Youth Cabinet to discuss social media and online safety.

Their honest insights were incredibly valuable and will play an important role in shaping the wider national conversation on how we keep young people safe online. The UK Government’s consultation includes accessible versions for young people, parents and carers, and the general public, all available from a single webpage.

A big thank you to the college for the warm welcome, and to all the students and Youth Cabinet members who took the time to share their experiences.

Have Your Say

Candour and Communities Exhibition

Image of Gerald Jones MP with Sara and Lucia at the exhibition.

It was meaningful to spend time at the incredibly moving Candour and Communities exhibition at the Orbit Business Centre. Thank you to Sara from the Centre for People’s Justice and Lucia at the Orbit Centre for taking the time to speak with me during my visit.

The exhibition shines a light on tragedies such as Aberfan, Hillsborough and Grenfell, offering a powerful reminder of why truth, accountability and the voices of families matter so deeply. Although it’s no longer in Merthyr Tydfil, the exhibition can now be visited digitally.

Visit the Digital Exhibition

Cwmaman Primary School Visit

Image of Gerald Jones MP with the pupils and teachers.

A visit to Cwmaman Primary School followed their recent UK Parliament Education and Engagement session, where pupils showed a strong interest in how Parliament works and the role MPs play in representing their communities.

The children asked thoughtful questions and shared well‑considered ideas, demonstrating real engagement with the democratic process.

Warm thanks to the pupils and staff for such a positive and welcoming visit.

Celebrating 120 Years of Edwardsville United Reformed Church

Image of Gerald Jones MP with local councillors at the church.

A wonderful Anniversary Service was held to mark 120 years since the founding of Edwardsville United Reformed Church. It was heartening to see such strong attendance, including local Treharris councillors Cllr Gareth Richards, Ernie Galsworthy, and Ian Thomas.

The church looked beautiful for the occasion and stands as a testament to the dedication of the Church Members, who work tirelessly to maintain it as a valued and much‑loved part of our community life.

Out and About in Merthyr Tydfil & Aberdare and Other Events

Images of Gerald Jones MP at various locations.

Annual Merthyr Tydfil & Aberdare Labour Party Keir Hardie Lecture at Pentrebach Labour Club with guest speaker Dame Emily Thornberry
A pleasure to host the Cardiff Capital Region Parliamentary Reception at the UK House of Commons as part of Wales Week London
Lovely to meet pupils from the Ysgol Gymraeg Llundain / London Welsh School at the UK House of Commons for St David’s Day
Street Surgery in Millbrook, Treharris

Advice Surgeries

As well as my work in Parliament, my team and I are available to help constituents all year round, with a range of issues, including for example benefit entitlements, HMRC issues, housing, Home Office, and passport issues.

I hold regular advice surgeries across the constituency. These are an opportunity for residents in Merthyr Tydfil & Aberdare to come and chat with me about issues I feel I could offer advice and assistance.

To discuss specific issues, and to book an appointment, please call my team on 01685 383 739 or email Gerald.Jones.MP@parliament.uk.

March Advice Surgeries