Senedd21: Chloe Hutchinson | Liberal Democrats | Swansea West

CHLOE HUTCHINSON
LIBERAL DEMOCTRATS CANDIDATE – SWANSEA WEST

1. Tell us about yourself:

I’m a 24 Swansea University graduate now working in policy and public affairs. I have previously worked for Swansea University Students’ Union, representing students across the university fighting for better mental health support, opportunities for medical students, and a more environmentally friendly campus. I also volunteer with Swansea Women’s Aid and initially joined the Liberal Democrats after getting involved in a campaign to tackle abuse against women. In my spare time, I love to read and explore our beautiful environment.

2. What is the most important thing you think the Senedd should do in the next five years?

Covid-19 has had a devastating impact on our mental health and further exposed inequality. Waiting lists for support are already too long and too many people’s concerns about their mental health are be dismissed when raised.

I want to see the next Welsh Government improve access and choice to therapies and adopt more holistic approach to mental health support that addresses the causes of poor mental health, as well as supporting young people with the whole-school approach to mental health.

In recovering from the pandemic we also have an opportunity to take action on the climate emergency, investing in renewable energy projects like the Swansea Bay Tidal Lagoon and making our homes greener.

3. What will you do for your constituency/region if elected?

I will fight for a fairer, greener, and more caring society as we recover from the pandemic. I will campaign for the next Welsh Government to introduce and deliver a right to lifelong learning, giving everyone the chance to gain the skills and qualifications they need to get on in life.

I’ll champion green solutions, fighting for a green recovery from the pandemic, supporting projects like the Swansea Bay Tidal Lagoon and building and retrofitting homes to make them more energy efficient creating greener homes and bringing high-quality jobs to our area. I’ll campaign for more mental health support across our communities, from implementing the whole school approach to mental health, to improving access and choice support so that no-one is left behind.