Community

Desperate shortage of support for people with a diagnosis of dementia

Published

12 years ago

July 17, 2014

The Alzheimer’s Society launches Right to Know campaign to ensure no one in Wales is denied access to information and support following a diagnosis of dementia.

ONE in five people affected by dementia (21 per cent) were given no information and support after a diagnosis of dementia, finds a poll carried out by Alzheimer’s Society. The poll of people with dementia, carers and people with a family member or friend with dementia, reveals a desperate shortage of post-diagnosis support provision, with 90 per cent of those surveyed dissatisfied with the amount of information and support provided. Alzheimer’s Society is today (2 July) launching a new campaign, Right to Know, to ensure people with dementia get a diagnosis and, following that, access to vital information, support and available treatments. The campaign is launched to voice concerns of people affected by dementia, with 97 per cent of respondents agreeing that the Government should do more to support people who have a dementia diagnosis. Sue Phelps, Director of Alzheimer’s Society in Wales, said: ‘Like entering a maze blindfolded, too many people with dementia are left without a guiding hand to help them come to terms with this debilitating, terminal condition. Welsh government has shown a commitment to improving the lives of people with dementia and to providing people with information packs at the point of diagnosis. However, we cannot escape the varied level of support received following a diagnosis which leaves many vulnerable people adrift. People living with dementia tell us that with the right support they can live well. Alzheimer’s Society is here to support them, but a further bold commitment from Welsh government would be welcomed to reach all those in need. ‘We are urging the Government to ensure that every person diagnosed with dementia has access to a named contact who can help them come to terms with the diagnosis and help them find the support they need to live their life.’ Wendy McCarthy Williams is from Ystradgynlais, her husband, Ivor Williams, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease four years ago. Speaking about his diagnosis she said: ‘The GP’s initial response was that it was ‘just an old age thing’. It took about 18 months to get a diagnosis. There was nobody to talk to, nobody to discuss it with. We had next to no advice or support. It was frightening to feel so alone. I had to do most of my research online and then happened to pick up an Alzheimer’s Society leaflet at the hospital. I called them and since then everything has been so different. Having someone to guide and support us made it all a bit easier to understand and cope with.’ As well as improving postdiagnosis support provision, the charity is calling for: 66 per cent dementia diagnosis rate across all areas – with a commitment now to reach 75 per cent by 2017. No one to wait longer than 12 weeks from seeing their GP to diagnosis A guarantee that everyone has access to a Dementia Adviser or equivalent following a diagnosis Of the 45,500 people in Wales living with dementia, less than half (39 per cent) currently have a formal diagnosis meaning there could still be another 27,868 people in Wales who are living with the condition but who are not diagnosed. Furthermore, according to figures reported as part of the Quality and Outcomes Framework, Wales has the lowest national diagnosis rate in the UK. ‘Many people in Wales face daily challenges whilst living with dementia. It’s disgraceful to think nearly two thirds of them have an added fight, to get a diagnosis. Everyone with dementia has a right to know. To have access to the certainty of a diagnosis and the right support to comes to terms with and manage the condition should not depend on your postcode,’ added Sue Phelps.

Community

Pembroke Fair praised as well-organised community event

Published

10 hours ago

May 24, 2026

Tom Sinclair

HORSES, STALLS AND FAMILY CROWDS RETURN TO MONKTON

FAMILIES, horse owners and visitors turned out in force for Pembroke Fair on Saturday (May 23), with many praising the event as one of the best organised in recent years.

Held at the Community Centre Field in Monkton, the annual fair brought together horse owners, traders and local families for a traditional day centred around horses, ponies, stalls and socialising.

Coloured cobs, heavy horses, ponies and horse-drawn traps attracted attention throughout the day, with many visitors gathering around the field to watch the animals being shown and led around the site.

A variety of stalls selling everything from clothing and ornaments to tack and second-hand goods helped create a lively market atmosphere, while food vendors kept visitors fed throughout the day.

Despite overcast conditions at times, the event remained busy, with many attendees staying for several hours to enjoy the traditional fair atmosphere.

Community members later took to social media to praise the smooth running of the event, with several publicly thanking organiser Charlie Price for his efforts in bringing the fair together.

Comments described the day as “well organised” and praised the welcoming atmosphere, with many saying it was encouraging to see a long-standing local tradition continuing to thrive.

The fair once again brought together members of the travelling community, local residents and horse enthusiasts from across west Wales.

A horse drive was also due to take place on Sunday (May 24), continuing the weekend’s celebrations.

Photo captions:

Traditional gathering: Horses, ponies, horse-drawn carts and market stalls drew crowds to Pembroke Fair in Monkton on Saturday (Pic: Herald).

Business

New facilities at Haverfordwest Target Shooting Club agreed

Published

2 days ago

May 23, 2026

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A CALL by a Pembrokeshire shooting club for more disability-friendly facilities has been given the go-ahead by county planners.

In an application to Pembrokeshire County Council, Haverfordwest Target Shooting Club, through agent Andrew Sutton Architecture, sought permission for an extension to existing target shooting club building at The Firing Range, Withybush Road, Haverfordwest to improve accessibility and internal facilities, together with associated landscaping works.

A supporting statement said: “The club’s own published history states it was founded in 1968, moved from the Drill Hall to the old wartime airfield butts at Withybush by the early 1970s, and had developed facilities over time, including the clubhouse by 1999. The established leisure/community use has existed on the site for a number of years and the proposal does not seek to intensify the core activity beyond that already authorised/established.”

It added: “The primary objective of the scheme is to improve inclusive access to the club’s facilities for disabled users and those with reduced mobility. The internal arrangement will provide adequate entrance and lobby space, clear accessible routes and appropriately designed sanitary accommodation, including an accessible wetroom/shower and separate WC.”

It also said accessible parking and surfacing designed to provide a firm, even, slip-resistant route from parking to the principal entrance.

It added: “The Equality Act 2010 places duties on service providers to make reasonable adjustments so that people with additional access needs are not placed at a substantial disadvantage.

“The proposal is therefore a positive enhancement to a community/leisure facility and supports wider policy objectives for inclusive environments.”

It went on to say: “The club operates within a highly controlled environment, and the proposed works will maintain and enhance safety and security measures.”

The application was conditionally approved by planners.

Community

RNLI urges beachgoers to stay safe as warm weather hits Wales

Published

2 days ago

May 22, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Lifesaving charity warns of cold water shock risk despite rising temperatures

THE RNLI is urging people planning trips to the coast over the Bank Holiday weekend to choose lifeguarded beaches and follow essential water safety advice as warm weather draws crowds to the seaside.

With temperatures expected to rise across Wales, the lifesaving charity has warned that, although conditions may appear ideal, the sea remains dangerously cold and poses a serious risk of cold water shock.

The RNLI says the safest place to swim is between the red and yellow flags at lifeguarded beaches.

In Pembrokeshire, RNLI lifeguards will be on patrol at Whitesands, Newgale Central and Tenby South Beach throughout the May half-term, operating daily between 10:00am and 6:00pm.

Other lifeguarded beaches across Wales include Langland, Caswell, Aberavon, Pembrey, Three Cliffs and Port Eynon in Swansea; Barry Island, Coney Beach, Trecco Bay and Rest Bay in Bridgend; Llangrannog and Borth in Ceredigion; and Rhyl and Prestatyn in Denbighshire.

The RNLI is encouraging anyone unable to visit a lifeguarded beach to check local conditions before setting off, including tide times, weather forecasts and any safety signage.

Chris Cousins, the RNLI’s Regional Water Safety Lead, said: “There will likely be a huge number of people visiting the coast this weekend and we want everyone to remember Float to Live advice, which could save lives.

“Instinctively, most people who find themselves struggling in the water will begin to gasp, panic and try to swim or thrash about.

“We’re urging people to ignore this instinct and remember to float. Tilt your head back with your ears submerged, relax and try to breathe normally, and move your hands and legs to help you stay afloat if needed.”

He added that practising floating in a supervised setting, such as a swimming pool, could help prepare people in case they find themselves in difficulty.

‘Phone, Float, Throw’

The RNLI is also reminding the public to remember the “Phone, Float, Throw” guidance if they see someone struggling in the water.

People are advised to call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard, encourage the casualty to float on their back, and throw something buoyant to them, such as a life ring.

The charity recently relaunched its “Float to Live” campaign, citing new research suggesting younger adults, particularly Generation Z, may underestimate the dangers posed by the coast.

According to the RNLI, there were 193 accidental drowning deaths in the UK in 2024, with men accounting for 84 per cent of fatalities. Men aged between 20 and 29 represented the highest risk group.

The RNLI’s beach lifeguard service is marking its 25th anniversary this year.

For more information on staying safe at the coast, visit the RNLI’s Float to Live campaign.