Community
Care project brings patients ‘closer to home’


Finance and Government Business Minister Jane Hutt
A MENTAL health rehabilitation and recovery project in Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion has brought mental health patients closer to home and saved the local health board more than £500,000 per annum, the Finance Minister said today (Oct 7). The scheme is being highlighted as one of many Invest to Save schemes that has helped deliver better front-line services to people and save the public sector money. Finance and Government Business Minister Jane Hutt has today launched the next round of Invest to Save funding with over £20m available for new investments in 2015-16.
The successful fund helps public sector organisations deliver improvements to front-line services across Wales and generate cash efficiency savings. Since the fund was launched in 2009, the total value of investments made by the Fund stands at almost £100m, benefitting 94 projects. Jane Hutt said: “This fund is a major success story for Wales through projects like the Mid and West Wales Mental Health Rehabilitation and Recovery Reconfiguration. Independent research has shown that the fund delivers a gross return of £3 for every £1 invested and is helping organisations across Wales to deliver vital improvements to public services across all areas of the public sector. “That is why we are investing over £20m in 2015-16 so that organisations can continue to achieve their ambition of releasing savings and improving services.
In a time of scarce funds, organisations need to work together to become more resourceful. The Invest to Save Fund will play a key role in assisting to address the financial and effective service delivery challenges we all face.” The mental health project built on work developed by Hywel Dda Local Health Board to focus on delivering care “closer to home” and return people with mental health issues from high cost placements outside of their local area.
Some were being treated in England. As a result of the Invest to Save Funding, building on an existing platform and intervention model, the project received a significant boost allowing it to decommission a longterm rehabilitation ward deemed unfit for purpose and invest the savings to deliver a range of actions including: The growth of accommodation to support repatriation of out-of-area parents;
Development of local mental health services including alternatives to inpatient care such as a therapeutic day service and crisis accommodations options; Considering options for older adults and community provision; and, Opening of a Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit and Acute “Assess to Admit” Unit in 2012. The £564,000 “pump-priming” Invest to Save project, which helped improve mental health services in Mid and West Wales, ran from 2010-13 and resulted in 30 people being “brought home” for their care, where they were nearer their families.
The savings in travel costs and time were re-invested into core service budgets including investment in staff and the creation of more bed spaces. Additional benefits were reduced length of stay as a result of patients being close to home and family and providing a Welsh language environment. The Invest to Save part of the £2m service helped generate annual savings from 2010-11 of £541,000. Jane Hutt said: “The Mental Health Rehabilitation and Recovery Reconfiguration project is a great example of how Invest to Save Funding can drive efficiency savings and improve services. I encourage public sector organisations to find out more and bid for the new round of investment.” Applications for the 2014 bidding round have been opened and expressions of interest are sought by 7 January.
Community
Family gathers at Pembroke Dock to honour RAF airman

FAMILY members from across the UK have travelled to Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre to view a new exhibit honouring a wartime RAF airman who served aboard the Sunderland flying boat T9044.
Brother and sister Ross Burrows, from Grimsby, and Nikki Soysa, who travelled from the Hebrides, joined their cousin Shirley Shelley Hutchinson, from Yorkshire, and Ross’s wife Dianne, to view the poignant display dedicated to Wing Commander David Burrows. David was the navigator aboard the Sunderland T9044 on its final mission to Pembroke Dock in November 1940, which tragically sank in the Haven shortly after its arrival.
The family has generously donated Wing Commander Burrows’ logbook, uniforms, and other treasured memorabilia, now thoughtfully incorporated into the Centre’s collection, alongside other artefacts from the T9044.
Ross Burrows praised the Centre’s efforts, saying: “The museum team has created a wonderful exhibit about dad and his story. Their enthusiasm shines through clearly. We’re excited to encourage more family members to visit.”
The Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre is open Monday to Friday, from 10:00am to 4:00pm.
Community
Carmarthenshire honours local heroes at British Empire Medal ceremony

A SPECIAL presentation ceremony took place at County Hall on 29 May to honour two remarkable individuals who have been awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) in recognition of their outstanding service. The event, hosted by the newly appointed Chair of Carmarthenshire County Council, Cllr Dot Jones, marked her first official engagement and was attended by Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Dyfed, Miss Sara Edwards, who presented the honours on behalf of His Majesty The King.
The British Empire Medal, first established in 1917 and reintroduced in 2012, recognises individuals who have demonstrated hands-on, impactful contributions to their communities. Nominations come directly from the people who witness these contributions every day; colleagues, neighbours and friends, making the honour personal and meaningful.
Mrs Marian Louise Evans was recognised for services to business. As founder and Managing Director of Elevate Business Consultancy, Mrs Evans has delivered transformational change across the sector. As a multi-award-winning professional, she has been widely acknowledged for her leadership, particularly in championing women in business. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she offered vital support to over 2,000 businesses through free resilience sessions and online content, reaching over 300,000 people each month. Her voluntary work has earned her titles such as UK Mentor of the Year and Inspirational Woman of the Decade. She received her medal from the Lord-Lieutenant and was presented with flowers on behalf of Carmarthenshire County Council by Lord-Lieutenant Cadet Chloe Faulkner.
Miss Judith Harvey received the British Empire Medal for services to the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park. Having begun her career as one of the UK’s first female wardens, she has dedicated her life to conservation, land management and inspiring the next generation of environmental leaders. As Head Warden since 2012, Miss Harvey has mentored countless apprentices and volunteers, led significant restoration projects and worked passionately to protect the park’s ecosystems and heritage. She was presented with her medal by the Lord-Lieutenant and flowers from Lord-Lieutenant Cadet Zuzzana Radkowska, before addressing the audience in a moving speech.
Closing the ceremony, the Chair of the Council praised both recipients for their service and reflected on the importance of role models in public life, especially for women and girls. She noted the growing presence of women in leadership roles, while recognising that progress must continue at all levels of local democracy. Their achievements, she said, lay a strong foundation for others to follow.
Cllr Phillip Hughes, Cabinet Member for Organisation & Workforce, said: “These awards are a true testament to the power of local action and leadership. Marian and Judith exemplify the values of dedication, service and inspiration. We are proud to celebrate their success and the example they set for others in our communities.”
Community
Public feedback on Newgale Coastal Adaptation Plan under review

PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL confirmed that feedback gathered during the recent statutory consultation on the Newgale Coastal Adaptation Phase 1 proposals is now being reviewed.
The Statutory Pre-Application Consultation (sPAC) ran from Monday, April 14, to Sunday, May 11, in line with the Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) (Wales) Order 2012 (as amended).
The council has thanked all residents and stakeholders who submitted responses. The project team is now carefully considering the feedback as it prepares the planning application, which will be submitted to the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority. All comments received during the consultation will be included as part of the submission.
The Newgale Coastal Adaptation Plan is a major infrastructure project aimed at managing long-term coastal change in the area, which has faced repeated flooding and road closures due to severe weather events.
Further information, including the background to the project, stakeholder engagement updates, technical assessments, and a project timeline, can be found on the Newgale Coastal Adaptation website.
A detailed Q&A section is also available, and members of the public are encouraged to register via the ‘Contact Us’ page to receive future updates.
-
Crime1 day ago
Neyland man to appear in court facing child sexual offence charges
-
News6 days ago
Sudden death prompts major police response in Pembroke Dock
-
Crime1 day ago
Charges of extreme pornography and indecent images of children
-
Crime4 days ago
Two arrested following affray near Milford Marina
-
Crime7 days ago
Haverfordwest woman faces multiple assault charges, including against police officers
-
Crime4 days ago
Pembrokeshire businessman sentenced for £150,000 Covid loan fraud
-
News7 days ago
Pembroke Road closed after serious crash near school
-
Crime7 days ago
Locals rally to support Milford Haven taxi driver after terrifying robbery