Hywel Dda says a dedicated unit would improve patient safety and specialist support, but no final decision has been made

A SPECIALIST facility in Carmarthen has been identified as the preferred future location for adults detained by police while experiencing a mental health crisis in public.

Hywel Dda University Health Board will be asked on Thursday, July 30, to approve public and staff engagement on plans for a dedicated Section 136 Place of Safety unit at Cwm Seren, within the Hafan Derwen mental health site at St David’s Park.

The proposal could see adult provision concentrated at the Carmarthen facility rather than continuing across a number of existing sites within the health board area.

Section 136 of the Mental Health Act gives police officers the power to remove someone from a public place when they appear to be experiencing a serious mental health crisis and take them to a designated place of safety.

The person can then be assessed by mental health professionals and offered appropriate care and support. The health board has a legal responsibility to provide the service.

A review of the existing arrangements found concerns relating to the suitability of some environments and the ability to provide consistent staffing across several locations.

Five potential models were considered during a multi-agency appraisal involving Dyfed-Powys Police, local authorities, West Wales Action for Mental Health and the patient representative body Llais.

The preferred option is a purpose-built Section 136 suite at Cwm Seren.

According to the health board, the Carmarthen facility would provide the safest, most clinically effective and sustainable model of care.

It says the unit would offer immediate access to specialist mental health staff, improve the management of people considered to be at acute risk and provide better access to physical healthcare when required.

However, concentrating the service in Carmarthen could also raise questions about travelling distances for police, patients and families from Pembrokeshire, Ceredigion and more distant parts of Carmarthenshire.

The health board says those potential effects, together with measures that could reduce them, would form part of the proposed engagement process.

Andrew Carruthers, Chief Operating Officer at Hywel Dda University Health Board, said: “People who are detained under Section 136 are often experiencing some of the most difficult moments of their lives, and it is essential that we provide a safe, supportive environment where they can receive timely assessment.

“The work undertaken with our partners has carefully considered a range of options for the future provision of this service.

“The preferred option at Hafan Derwen has been identified because it offers the strongest benefits in terms of patient safety, clinical support and sustainability.”

Mr Carruthers stressed that no final decision had been taken.

He added: “Subject to Board approval, we will want to hear from staff, people with lived experience, carers, partner organisations and members of the public before any final decision is considered.

“Their feedback will be an important part of the process.”

Should the proposal be approved by board members, an eight-week engagement exercise would run from September 2 until October 26, 2026.

Staff, service users, carers, partner organisations and local communities would be asked for their views on the preferred option, its possible effects and any safeguards or mitigation that should be introduced.

The health board will consider the proposal at its meeting on Thursday, July 30. The meeting will be streamed online from 9.30am.

Crowds lined the streets for an afternoon of floats, fancy dress, music and family entertainment at one of Pembrokeshire’s longest-running carnivals

NARBERTH was transformed into a sea of colour, costumes and smiling faces on Saturday (July 25) as the town’s annual carnival brought its week-long civic celebrations to a spectacular conclusion.

Families began gathering along the route well before the procession set off, securing their places to watch one of the town’s most eagerly anticipated events of the year.

With music echoing through the streets and carnival entrants preparing their costumes and decorations, excitement steadily built before the grand parade began at 2pm.

Floats and walking groups had assembled around Station Road from midday, ready to make their way through the town before joining the celebrations at the Carnival Field.

The parade once again demonstrated the imagination and community spirit for which Narberth Carnival has become known. Colourfully decorated vehicles were joined by fancy-dress entrants of all ages, with children and adults enthusiastically waving to the crowds lining the route.

Spectators responded with cheers and applause as each new entry appeared, while youngsters watched from pavements, doorways and vantage points throughout the town centre.

The procession offered plenty for Gareth Davies’ camera to capture, from carefully prepared costumes and decorated floats to the expressions of those taking part and the families enjoying the spectacle.

Narberth Carnival is regarded as Pembrokeshire’s longest-running carnival and remains the traditional finale of the town’s annual Civic Week. This year’s programme ran from Sunday, July 19, until Saturday, July 25, with competitions, children’s activities, entertainment, community events and live music taking place across the town.

Once the procession had passed through the streets, the attention moved to the Carnival Field, where visitors were able to enjoy food stalls, fairground rides, music and an afternoon of family entertainment.

The carnival provided an opportunity for generations of Narberth families to come together, while also attracting visitors from surrounding towns and villages and holidaymakers staying in Pembrokeshire.

For younger participants, the afternoon offered the excitement of dressing up, riding through the town and receiving cheers from the crowd. For many older residents, it continued a community tradition they have supported since childhood.

The event also gave local organisations, clubs, businesses and groups an opportunity to showcase their work and play their part in one of the biggest dates on Narberth’s summer calendar.

Among those present at the Carnival Field was the Narberth Eisteddfod Fundraising Committee, which recently celebrated reaching its £8,000 target ahead of Eisteddfod y Garreg Las.

The committee held its final fundraising event during the carnival, offering locally produced and hand-printed Eisteddfod T-shirts as excitement continues to build ahead of the festival’s return to Pembrokeshire.

Saturday’s celebrations marked the culmination of months of preparation by the Narberth Civic Week committee and its supporters.

Behind the colourful procession was a considerable amount of work involving road closures, licences, traffic management, risk assessments, fundraising, sponsorship and the coordination of dozens of volunteers and participating organisations.

Civic Week chairman Chris Walters thanked everyone who had contributed to this year’s programme, including committee members, volunteers, sponsors, advertisers, venues and local businesses.

He said: “It’s been a huge team effort, and I’m incredibly proud of everyone involved.”

The successful afternoon once again underlined the importance of traditional community events in bringing people together.

While many towns have struggled to maintain their annual carnivals, Narberth has continued to support its celebration through the dedication of volunteers, organisations and businesses prepared to invest their time and energy.

The result was another memorable day of laughter, music and community pride, with the streets packed as residents and visitors came together to celebrate everything that makes Narberth special.

As the final floats completed the route and the festivities continued at the Carnival Field, the carnival brought another busy Civic Week to a fitting conclusion.

Organisers have thanked everyone who took part, volunteered, sponsored an event, decorated an entry or simply came along to support the procession.

For those who lined the streets, Saturday’s carnival delivered the sights, sounds and atmosphere of a much-loved Pembrokeshire tradition.

Pictures: Gareth Davies Photography

Successful community event raised money for Forever11 and launched three consecutive weekends of waterside activity in Pembroke

MORE than 100 competitors took to the water at Castle Pond as Paddle West staged its first annual Pembroke Regatta.

The event brought together rowers, paddlers, families, sporting clubs and community groups for a packed day of racing beneath the historic walls of Pembroke Castle.

Competitors of different ages and abilities took part in a varied programme of events, including rowing boat races, solo and tandem kayaking and team canoe competitions.

Crowds gathered around the pond to support those taking part, while volunteers worked throughout the day to help keep the inaugural event running smoothly.

Paddle West thanked everyone who raced, attended or supported the regatta, describing the turnout as an encouraging start for an event it hopes will become a regular fixture in the Pembroke calendar.

The organisation said: “Thank you to everyone who came, raced and supported. Well over 100 racers took part, and thank you for bearing with us as we worked things out in our first year.

“Let’s make 2027 bigger and better.”

Money raised through the event is being donated to Forever11, a charity established in memory of 11-year-old Zac Thompson.

The charity works to improve awareness of water safety, swimming and first aid, while also supporting the provision of life-saving equipment and safety education.

Forever11 was also due to hold a family fun day at Pembroke Dock Harlequins RFC on Sunday, July 26, continuing a weekend of fundraising and community activity.

The regatta was the first in a series of three consecutive weekends of events at Castle Pond.

The Welsh Open Canoe Polo Championships are due to take place on Saturday and Sunday, August 1 and 2, bringing teams and supporters to Pembroke for two days of fast-paced competition.

Canoe polo combines elements of kayaking, water polo and basketball, with teams competing to score goals while manoeuvring their boats around a specially marked pitch.

The championships are expected to attract teams from Wales and further afield, adding another major sporting event to the summer programme at the pond.

The Pembroke River Rally will then take place on Saturday, August 8, when a flotilla of boats is expected to travel along the river and into Castle Pond.

The rally traditionally attracts a wide range of vessels and provides spectators with an opportunity to watch the boats arrive beneath Pembroke Castle.

Food, drink and community stalls are also expected to form part of the day’s activities.

The three events highlight the growing use of Castle Pond as a venue for watersports, community celebrations and visitor attractions.

Paddle West’s successful first regatta has now provided organisers with a strong foundation on which to build ahead of a possible return in 2027.

Further information about future Paddle West activities and next year’s regatta is expected to be announced through the organisation’s social media pages.