Strength Academy Wales is supporting people across West Wales to stay active, build confidence and live well through inclusive strength training sessions.

A STRENGTH training gym in Haverfordwest is helping more people living with Parkinson’s across West Wales to stay active, connected and live well throughout 2026 and beyond.

Strength Academy Wales (SAW) is a volunteer-led, not-for-profit organisation offering inclusive opportunities for health, fitness and wellbeing. Based in Haverfordwest, SAW supports people of all ages and abilities to enjoy an active lifestyle in a welcoming community environment.

With support from Parkinson’s UK, SAW delivers dedicated strength training sessions for people living with Parkinson’s at its purpose-built gym. These sessions are designed to improve physical strength, boost confidence and provide valuable social connection.

Simon Roach, Lead Volunteer at Strength Academy Wales, founded the organisation after many years coaching weightlifting and strength sports. His personal connection to Parkinson’s has played a key role in shaping the programme.

“Strength Academy Wales is a not-for-profit, volunteer-led community hub in Pembrokeshire. We use strength training to support people’s health, wellbeing and connection with others, and our programmes are open to all ages and abilities.

“I’ve seen how powerful strength training can be — not just for physical progress, but for building confidence and community. My father lived with Parkinson’s, and that experience inspired me to create something meaningful for others locally.

“With encouragement from a retired GP involved in our Age Well programme, and support from Parkinson’s UK, we launched the Parkinson’s Strength Group. We started small, but the sessions quickly grew into a valued part of our timetable.”

Simon added: “I wanted to offer a safe, welcoming space where people could build strength, move with more confidence and connect with others who understand their challenges. Supporting people with Parkinson’s is now a vital part of what we do, and I’m proud of the impact it’s having.”

Alongside its Parkinson’s programme, SAW delivers a wide range of community initiatives supporting older adults, unpaid carers, and people living with conditions such as dementia and arthritis. The organisation continues to grow, recently welcoming new volunteers to support its expanding work.

Extraordinary council meeting will consider objections before final ruling

THE FUTURE of two Pembrokeshire schools will be decided in June, despite councillors already backing plans in principle to close them.

Pembrokeshire County Council has confirmed that an extraordinary Full Council meeting will take place on Monday (June 15) to consider objection reports relating to the proposed discontinuation of Ysgol Clydau and Manorbier Church in Wales VC School.

The meeting represents the final stage in the statutory process, where councillors will decide whether to proceed with closure after reviewing formal objections.

The Herald understands that the extraordinary session has been called because the timetable for the proposals does not align with regular council meeting dates.

Last chance to overturn decision

Although councillors have already voted in favour of closure in principle, the June meeting is not a formality.

Campaigners still have a narrow window to influence the outcome, with councillors able to change their position after considering objections and any new evidence.

In rare cases, proposals have been halted or reversed at this final stage — particularly where strong community opposition or concerns over the accuracy of data have been raised.

However, the earlier vote means the schools remain at significant risk, with the council having already indicated its preferred direction.

Political pressure building

The confirmation comes amid growing community concern and a mounting campaign to save Ysgol Clydau.

Campaign group Save Ysgol Clydau – Cadw Clydau yn Gadarn has described the situation as a “critical moment,” urging residents to challenge political parties ahead of the upcoming elections.

Supporters argue that the future of the school is closely tied to the survival of rural communities and the Welsh language.

The group has also thanked councillors — particularly members of the Independent group — for their support.

Decision looming

The June 15 meeting is expected to draw significant public attention, with strong attendance likely as councillors prepare to make a final, legally binding decision.

If approved, the proposal would result in the closure of both schools.

SAMUEL KURTZ MS has called on the UK Government to take immediate action to ease mounting cost-of-living pressures, warning that families across west Wales are being “squeezed from all sides” by rising fuel and energy costs.

Writing to Chancellor Rachel Reeves, the Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire Senedd Member urged ministers to cancel planned fuel duty increases and introduce fairer, more effective support for rural households living off the gas grid.

Energy bills are forecast to rise to nearly £2,000 from July, while persistently high global oil prices continue to drive up costs at the pumps. Diesel prices have surged in recent months, with petrol also climbing—adding further strain to already stretched household budgets.

Kurtz warned that any increase in fuel duty later this year would hit rural communities hardest, where reliance on cars is unavoidable due to limited public transport.

In parts of west Wales, the challenges are even more acute. In Ceredigion, up to three quarters of households are not connected to the gas grid, while in Pembrokeshire around 40% rely on alternative fuels such as heating oil and LPG. Unlike mains gas users, these households are not protected by energy price caps and remain exposed to volatile global markets.

He also criticised existing support measures, describing them as “limited and reactive,” often only available once households reach crisis point. While recent funding announcements for off-grid households have been welcomed, concerns remain over delays and a lack of clarity around how the support will be delivered.

Kurtz pointed to the UK Government’s response during the 2022 energy crisis, which included the Energy Price Guarantee, £400 bill support, and a £200 Alternative Fuel Payment for off-grid homes.

He said: “Households across west Wales are under real pressure, and for many this is not about cutting back—it’s about keeping up.

“Rural families already face higher costs, whether that’s heating their homes or filling up the car. Increasing fuel duty now would only make that worse.

“Off-grid households are being overlooked. They don’t benefit from price caps and are exposed to volatile fuel costs.

“The UK Government acted decisively during the last energy crisis. The same level of urgency is needed again now.

“The Chancellor must act—cancel the planned fuel duty increases and reintroduce the £200 Alternative Fuel Payment to give households the support they need.”

He warned that without swift intervention, rural communities risk being left further behind as cost pressures continue to rise.