Charity

Arla supporting charities in Wales to increase access to daily dairy

Published

2 years ago

October 10, 2024

CHARITIES in Wales are receiving support from dairy cooperative Arla to help those in need increase their intake of dairy.

As part of a nationwide initiative to ensure fresh dairy provision in charities, local schemes including Sirhowy Community Centre, Canolfan y Bont Food Bank and Cwtch Angels Abergavenny will benefit from the donation of fully-stocked-and-sponsored fridges from Arla.

This comes after insights from the charity FareShare estimated 450,000 people who rely on its schemes do not have access to fresh dairy, with many forced to decline donations due to a lack of storage facilities.

In a recent survey of its charity partners, almost all (96%) said fresh dairy was in high demand and that they weren’t able to store enough on site to meet the needs of users, while all agreed that not having enough fridge space prevented them from always offering the most nutritious products to the people they support.

To mark the start of this initiative and raise awareness of this issue, Arla has also launched the world’s first free milk ATM machine in London. The innovative milk dispensing machine appeared in North London earlier this week and allowed people to receive fresh milk at the push of a button.

Jonathan Dixon, Senior Vice President at Arla said: “We are on a mission to enhance the accessibility of nutritious dairy products for communities across the UK. Too many charities have to turn away fresh dairy donations because they have nowhere to store it, but by working with FareShare we hope to overcome that.”

Ben Ashmore, Head of External Affairs at FareShare, said: “Our charities report that the demand for nutritious dairy products in Wales is increasing, but many lack the infrastructure to store refrigerated items safely. Thanks to Arla’s generous commitment to donating fridges to charities across the UK, many of these organisations can now offer a more varied range of nutritious food.

“This donation helps strengthen the capacity of our charity network, enabling them to support their communities better. We are incredibly grateful to Arla for their ongoing support in helping us turn surplus food into a force for good, reducing waste, and creating healthier, more resilient communities.”

Research from Arla found that across the UK, half of Brits couldn’t imagine not having access to milk on a daily basis, with 76 per cent consuming it at least a few times a week.

More than a third (35 per cent) admitted they’d struggle if they didn’t have access to milk, with 53 per cent of the opinion that everyone should be able to easily get dairy based foods.

However, 62 per cent weren’t aware that not all food banks have fridges and therefore can’t store fresh dairy products.

Nichola Ludlam-Raine, Specialist Dietitian, told The Pembrokeshire Herald: “As a registered dietitian, I strongly support initiatives like this that provide increased access to dairy products.

“A 200ml glass of milk provides protein, as well as the minerals calcium and iodine too, so regular consumption can help ensure we meet our daily needs for these particular nutrients.

“Having access to fresh milk can also encourage healthier eating habits, such as making time for breakfast. A nutritious breakfast might include wholegrain cereal, milk, and fruit, providing a balance of carbohydrates, protein, and fibre to start the day well.”

Arla has been a dedicated and longstanding charity partner with FareShare for over eight years, continuing to support the valuable work they do across the country. During this time, the equivalent of more than 10 million meals have been diverted to help feed and support those in need across the UK.

Charity

Milford Haven Round Table receives £6,000 boost for carnival and fireworks

Published

19 hours ago

July 2, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Town council donation will support two of the town’s biggest community events, with further funding for Santa visit

MILFORD HAVEN TOWN COUNCIL has presented a £6,000 donation to Milford Haven Round Table to help support this year’s Milford Haven Carnival and Free Fireworks Extravaganza.

The cheque was presented by the Mayor of Milford Haven, Councillor Mark Woodward, at the Lord Nelson Hotel on Thursday, June 25.

The donation was agreed at a meeting of the full council on Monday, June 8, in recognition of the work carried out by Milford Haven Round Table in organising major community events for the town.

A further £500 will also be donated to the Round Table for its annual support with the Visit of Santa to Milford Haven.

Milford Haven Town Council said it was proud to support the Round Table and hoped the strong relationship between the two organisations would continue for many years to come.

The council added: “Thank you all so very much for giving up your time to put these fabulous events together for our beloved town.”

Charity

Prince of Wales praises Wales Air Ambulance as charity marks 25 years

Published

1 day ago

July 1, 2026

Tom Sinclair

THE PRINCE OF WALES has praised the lifesaving work of Wales Air Ambulance as the charity marked its 25th anniversary with a gala fundraiser.

The charity’s Royal Patron attended the special dinner at Celtic Manor, Newport, on Friday, June 26, joining volunteers, former patients, crew members, partners and supporters to celebrate a quarter of a century of emergency critical care across Wales.

Hosted by television and radio presenter Jason Mohammed, the event raised £180,000 for the charity, including more than £85,000 in sponsorship from corporate supporters.

Since its launch on St David’s Day in 2001, Wales Air Ambulance has grown from a single aircraft operating limited hours into a nationwide, 24-hour service. Its crews now have access to four aircraft and a fleet of rapid response vehicles, delivering advanced hospital-standard care at roadsides, homes, mountainsides, coastlines and other emergency scenes.

The charity has attended more than 57,000 missions since it was founded.

Speaking at the event, the Prince paid tribute to the crews and supporters who have helped build the service.

He said: “For 25 years, Wales Air Ambulance has provided a vital service to people and communities across Wales. In life-threatening moments, its crews have brought advanced critical care directly to those in greatest need, offering help and hope.”

He also praised the charity’s international reputation and its focus on evidence-based care.

The Prince said: “Wales Air Ambulance has earned an international reputation for the service it delivers, and for its commitment to evidence-based decision-making that helps ensure the best possible care for the people of Wales.”

The evening also featured powerful patient stories, including an address from former patient Alan Owen, who suffered a cardiac arrest while playing walking football in April 2022.

Alan was without a heartbeat for eight minutes before being revived by those around him. Wales Air Ambulance clinicians then provided advanced critical care at the scene, stabilising him and helping coordinate the onward treatment that saved his life.

Reflecting on his experience, Alan told guests: “There is no doubt in my mind that without the Wales Air Ambulance, I would not be standing here today.”

He also spoke about the lasting impact on families, describing loved ones as “co-survivors” whose trauma is different but no less real.

He added: “I have been given more time. Time with my family. Time that I would not have had without this charity.”

Wales Air Ambulance chief executive Dr Sue Barnes said the milestone was a moment to reflect on how far the service had come.

She said: “When the service launched in 2001, it was one aircraft. Today, it is a truly national service, operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It is a transformation that has helped save countless lives and touched not just patients but their families.”

Dr Barnes said the charity’s development had only been possible because of public support across Wales.

She added: “The charity’s evolution is all the more remarkable because it is powered by a nation of just over three million people. A small country, with a huge heart. So, as we mark this milestone, we do so with pride and gratitude.

“For everyone who has given their time, expertise, commitment and support, thank you.

“This service belongs to the people of Wales. We are your air ambulance, and we exist because of you.”

The gala included fundraising activities and a live auction, with exclusive experiences and prizes donated in support of the charity.

The event was sponsored by Ascona Group, Gama Aviation, Bibado and Redkite Solicitors.

Wales Air Ambulance said the anniversary was not only a celebration of the past 25 years, but also a reminder of the continued need for support to ensure crews can reach more patients across Wales when they need help most.

Charity

Animal lovers urged to call 999 if pets are trapped in hot cars

Published

1 week ago

June 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

THE RSPCA has urged people to call police immediately if they see an animal trapped in a hot car during the heatwave.

The charity says members of the public should not call the RSPCA first in an emergency, because only police have the legal power to force entry to a vehicle to rescue an animal in distress.

Lauren Bennett, animal welfare expert at the RSPCA, said: “The RSPCA does not have the legal power to enter a vehicle to rescue an animal in distress — only the police have the power to do this.

“So please, if you see a dog or any other animal inside a hot car, call 999 immediately. Every second really does count in this situation and it is vital to get the animal out of that environment and safely cooled down as soon as possible.”

The warning comes as high temperatures continue to pose a serious risk to pets, wildlife and farm animals.

The RSPCA said a car can become a “death trap” for dogs, even on a warm or cloudy day, with temperatures inside vehicles rising rapidly in just a few minutes.

Ms Bennett said: “This is not a new warning, but sadly too many people still do not appreciate how dangerous it can be to leave a dog in a hot car, conservatory or caravan.

“Many people think it will be fine just to leave their pets for a minute or two, but we know that this is all it takes for temperatures inside a car to soar to dangerous levels.

“A hot car can be a death trap for dogs, it is as simple as that.”

The charity is also urging pet owners to keep animals cool, calm and comfortable by making sure they have constant access to fresh water, shade, ventilation and cooler areas away from direct sunlight.

Owners are being reminded to watch for signs of heatstroke, which can include heavy panting, drooling, lethargy, confusion, vomiting, collapse or seizures.

The current advice, endorsed by the Royal Veterinary College, is known as “Cool First, Transport Second”.

Anyone who believes an animal is suffering from heatstroke should stop all activity, move the animal away from the heat, begin cooling it with water cooler than body temperature, and then take it to a vet in a cool, well-ventilated vehicle while continuing the cooling process.

The RSPCA says people should call ahead to let their vet know they are coming.

Figures from inspiring vet care, which has recently partnered with the RSPCA, show its vets dealt with 355 suspected heatstroke incidents in 2025. Of those, 234 happened during the summer months.

The number of suspected heatstroke cases was up 28 per cent on 2024, when 277 incidents were recorded.

The charity said it is not only dogs that are at risk. Cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets, poultry, horses, fish and reptiles can all suffer in extreme heat.

Rebecca Ashman, Head Vet at the RSPCA, said cats and rabbits can also suffer sunburn, particularly white-furred animals or those with little or no hair.

She said: “To keep them safe, you can gently apply some pet-safe, waterproof sun cream — at least factor 30 — to the front and back of the tips of your pet’s ears and a bit on the furless part of their nose.

“Signs of skin cancer in pets include redness and soreness, especially on the tips of the ears, or crusting around the ears — so if you notice this, it is important to take your pet to the vet.”

The RSPCA is also asking people to help wildlife by leaving out bowls of fresh water, checking long grass before mowing or strimming, searching bonfires before lighting them, and keeping ponds topped up during hot weather.

Pet owners are advised to provide shade throughout the day, keep indoor areas well ventilated, avoid exercising dogs during the hottest parts of the day, check small animals and poultry twice daily for flystrike, and keep fish tanks out of direct sunlight.

The charity said outdoor event organisers should also warn visitors about the dangers of heat-related illness in dogs and encourage owners to leave pets at home during very hot weather.