Charity

PLANED promoting innovative communities at the Senedd

Published

3 hours ago

October 19, 2024

PLANED have recently (Tuesday 15^th October) been able to present their projects and the work undertaken by the team in partnership with communities, at the Senedd in Cardiff Bay.

Sponsored by local Senedd Member, Samuel Kurtz, PLANED was one of ten organisations from across Wales, who successfully bid for the opportunity to have a promotional stand for the day in the main public area of the Senedd Building.

Engaging with Senedd Member, Cabinet Secretaries, and senior civil servants from across Welsh Government, PLANED were able to promote their work within communities across a broad range of sectors and areas of interest ranging from Community Assets & Housing, to Food, Heritage & Tourism, as well as Micro Care Enterprises, Community Buildings and Accredited Training amongst others.

Supporting the Chief Executive of PLANED, Iwan Thomas, as well as two of the senior Coordinators team present to take questions and make connections, Samuel Kurtz MS noted:

“It was great to host PLANED today at the Senedd. The work they do in Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire to promote community engagement and local economic growth cannot be understated. Especially their work around food vending machines, allowing local produce to be sold locally to communities and tourists.”

Two key projects which were focused on with Senedd Members were the Local Food Partnership, managed by Sue Latham, and Prosiect Cadarnhad, managed by John Ewart. Both found the discussions with policy makers useful, in highlighting the innovative work already being delivered in Pembrokeshire and wider West Wales, that can be a transferable model to other communities across the rest of Wales.

Promoting co-production and sustainable delivery of outputs for communities is key to PLANED’s organisational vision in place since 2021, of “Empowering Communities”. As Chief Executive, Iwan Thomas notes, “Whilst the funding landscape is increasingly challenging, PLANED is finding new innovative ways to support communities in the longer term, and use funding even more effectively than we have before. Having this platform in the heart of Government to showcase the amazing partnership work in communities is very much appreciated.”

“Recent examples of how we have led the support for community purchases of key local assets such as chapels and pubs, in addition to leading the support for the creation of 145 new micro enterprises to support people living in their own homes, are just a small part of the way in which PLANED continues to support communities in different ways that are more sustainable and effective for the longer term.”

Senedd Member for Preseli Pembrokeshire was also present to engage and support during the event at the Senedd, and was keen to note:

“PLANED work in the heart of our local communities in west Wales, helping to empower residents and improve community well-being and resilience and it’s a pleasure to again show my support for their work here in the Senedd”.

Charity

Local MS joins Haverfordwest County for Prostate United Challenge walk

Published

1 hour ago

October 19, 2024

Richard Lewis

SENEDD Member, Paul Davies, has taken part in Haverfordwest County AFC’s walk for the Prostate United Challenge.

Mr Davies, who was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2022, walked just over 3km with first team player and Haverfordwest County Academy Technical Lead, Dan Hawkins and they talked about importance of the Prostate United Challenge.

The Prostate United Challenge encourages football clubs and fans to walk, run or cycle every day in October in an effort to raise funds for Prostate Cancer UK.

Mr Davies said: “I’m grateful to Haverfordwest County for inviting me to join the Prostate United Challenge walk. It’s a cause that’s close to my heart and I’m delighted to have the opportunity to take part.

“1 in 8 men get prostate cancer and I’m one of them. Initiatives like the Prostate United Challenge are a great way of showing support for those living with prostate cancer and help raise much-needed funds for Prostate Cancer UK.

“It was also great to see the progress being made on the 3G pitch, which is currently being constructed and I look forward to home games returning to the Ogi Bridge Meadow Stadium soon.”

Charity

Kurtz goes pink for breast cancer fight

Published

3 days ago

October 17, 2024

Tom Sinclair

SAMUEL KURTZ, MS for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire, added a splash of pink to his usual attire to raise awareness of breast cancer and encourage constituents to support Breast Cancer Now’s Wear it Pink campaign, which will take place on Friday, 18 October.

Anyone can take part in Wear it Pink, whether at school, work, or home. All you need to do is wear something pink or hold a pink-themed event and donate to Breast Cancer Now to help the charity achieve its vision that by 2050, everyone diagnosed with breast cancer will live and be supported to live well.

Speaking ahead of the event, Samuel said: “Every 10 minutes, someone in the UK hears the words ‘you have breast cancer’. It’s the most common cancer in the UK.

“That’s why I’m so passionate about encouraging everyone in Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire to take part.

“I am proud to raise awareness of the impact of the disease locally, and to support and advocate for Breast Cancer Now’s research. Breast cancer affects so many people in West Wales, so I hope that everyone will get involved this October and support this very important cause.”

To take part in Wear it Pink this October, please visit www.wearitpink.org for further details and fundraising ideas.

Business

Ascona donates £25k to assist cancer support network Maggie’s

Published

6 days ago

October 13, 2024

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKESHIRE-BASED Ascona Group has donated £25,000 to cancer support network Maggie’s. The contribution was made through Nisa’s Make a Difference Locally scheme in which the symbol group gives its retail partners a portion of the sale of certain items they sell to a charity of the retailer’s choice.

Ascona Group, the seventh largest UK forecourt operator, says that the contribution is part of its ongoing commitment to social responsibility and its efforts to support health and wellbeing within the communities in which it operates.

Ascona Group’s retail trading director Paul Stoddart says: “We are delighted to be able to support Maggie’s cancer care centres through the Nisa Make a Difference Locally scheme. At Ascona, we believe that we have a responsibility to give back to the communities in which we operate in, and our partnership with Nisa allows us to do exactly that.”

Maggie’s centre fundraising manager Lucia Osmond adds: “We are incredibly grateful for Ascona Group’s generous donation. Every penny donated to Maggie’s helps us provide free, practical, and emotional support to people with cancer, as well as their families.

“This donation will have a direct impact on the lives of many, allowing us to continue offering expert guidance, a welcoming environment, and much-needed emotional relief during one of life’s toughest challenges. We are grateful for Ascona’s support as it will help us make a real difference to those who need it most.”

Ascona says that it has donated over £350,000 to local, national and community organisations since 2017.