News

Support for domestic abuse victims using ‘counter terrorism policing approach’

Published

2 weeks ago

November 28, 2024

MORE than 100 domestic abuse victims in Carmarthenshire have received additional support thanks to the adoption of a policing approach developed in counter terrorism.

Dyfed-Powys Police has trialled using the ‘four Ps’ method during contact with victims of medium risk graded domestic incidents, resulting in a quarter of victims choosing to benefit from enhanced safeguarding measures.

During the six-month pilot, 455 medium risk domestic abuse incidents were recorded in Carmarthenshire, with each victim offered contact with a Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Team (NPPT) officer. With those who accepted, a four Ps approach to engagement following the principles Prepare, Protect, Prevent and Pursue was carried out.

The pilot, which began in Llanelli and was extended to Carmarthen and Ammanford, has been so successful that it is now being rolled out forcewide.

Chief Inspector Steve Thomas said: “The four Ps policing method was developed in counter terrorism, so it might seem unusual to adopt this technique when working with victims of domestic abuse. However, the overall aim is to protect the victim from further harm and pursue the offender, which are both incredibly important elements in policing a crime type where sadly repeat offending is frequent.

“During the pilot, all victims of medium risk domestic-related incidents were given the option of engagement with an NPPT officer, who worked their way through the prepare, protect, prevent and pursue tactics.

“Within six months, 115 victims in just one division were provided with additional safeguarding and support. This means a quarter of the people affected by domestic abuse incidents graded as medium risk during this timeframe were able to be further protected.

“The new approach has had positive feedback from victims, who were grateful for the offer of additional engagement and support, and will be continued across the force.”

NPPT officers engaging with victims, worked through the four Ps as follows:

Prepare: This stage enables officers to work with the victim by assessing the circumstances of the domestic incident and establishing if it is suitable to contact them. If so, contact is made within a set timeframe, with consideration for earlier engagement – for example if a safeguarding kit is needed.

Protect: During the protect phase, officers consider what measures can be put in place to prevent further offending against the victim. The preferred action is for officers to meet with the victim in person to gather evidence.

Prevent: The third phase sees officers consider what measures can be put in place to prevent further offending against the victim. Officers can also put a patrol plan in place, or a plan to carry out bail checks over a number of weeks.

Pursue: The final stage looks at the opportunities to pursue the offender and bring them to justice. This could range from further arrests if additional offences are disclosed by the victim, to civil orders against the offender being progressed.

Chief Inspector Thomas added: “We are encouraged by the results of this pilot, and hope to see the number of victims accepting additional engagement rise as the new way of working is embedded and understood.”

Entertainment

Milford Haven Round Table’s annual Santa Run start tonight in Milford Haven

Published

10 mins ago

December 9, 2024

Luke Sinclair

The much-anticipated Milford Haven Round Table Santa Run is bringing festive joy to the community this week, with Santa and his sleigh visiting neighbourhoods across Milford Haven. Beginning tonight at 5:30pm, Father Christmas will make his grand appearance at Milford Haven Rugby Club before setting off on his first route.

A Magical Five-Night Journey

Night 1 (Tonight): Santa starts at Milford Haven RFC, visiting Herbrandston, Hubberston, and Hakin. A live Santa Tracker will be available to keep residents updated on his journey.
Night 2: Santa returns to Hakin and the town centre of Milford Haven.
Night 3: The sleigh will travel to the north of Milford Haven.
Night 4: Santa will visit the Pill area and Howarth Close.
Night 5: The festivities wrap up with a tour of Waterston and Mount Estate.

The Santa Run, a cherished community tradition, supports local causes while spreading Christmas cheer. Organised by the Milford Haven Round Table, the event is a highlight of the town’s festive calendar. Families are encouraged to come out and greet Santa while enjoying the Christmas spirit.

For those keen to follow along, the Santa Tracker link will be posted on the Milford Haven Round Table’s official social media pages. Make sure to bundle up, grab a hot drink, and join the community in celebrating the holiday season!

For more information click here: https://www.facebook.com/milfordhavenroundtable

Charity

Family thank Tenby RNLI for giving their daughter the gift of life this Christmas

Published

21 mins ago

December 9, 2024

Tom Sinclair

A WELSH family have been reunited with Tenby RNLI volunteers who saved their daughter after she was swept a mile out to sea whilst paddleboarding.

On Thursday 5 December, David, Kiki and Lilly Evans visited Tenby Lifeboat Station to bring festive cheer and thank the volunteers who saved Lilly’s life earlier this year.

It was a summer’s day, Saturday 30 July 2024, when the Evans family headed to Pendine Beach to enjoy the evening. 14-year-old Lilly was paddleboarding in the shallows when the wind picked up and began to blow her out to sea.

Her parents noticed immediately. In a state of panic, Lily’s dad David entered the water to try to reach his daughter whilst her mum Kiki called 999 and asked for the Coastguard. Lilly was swiftly being blown further out to sea, David tried to swim after her but was unable to reach her.

David said: ‘I was shouting out to her to come back in and she was screaming that she couldn’t. I was in pure panic when I realised I couldn’t get to her. I looked back at my wife, who was on her knees screaming.’

HM Coastguard tasked Tenby RNLI lifeboat to the scene. The volunteer crew launched the All-Weather lifeboat and made their way to Pendine. On arrival, they located Lilly a mile offshore.

Lilly was helped onboard the lifeboat and checked over before the crew safely returned her to her family who were waiting on the beach.

Kiki, Lilly’s mother said: ‘When the lifeboat arrived, we couldn’t even see Lilly as she had been blown so far out to sea.

‘It was the longest wait of my life, not knowing if Lilly was alive. Somehow, she managed to stay on the paddleboard, I think a few people were looking down on her that day.

‘Hearing that the lifeboat crew had her and that she was safe, it was an indescribable feeling.

‘Lilly says she couldn’t have held on much longer. We’re so grateful for the opportunity to be reunited with the crew. We can’t thank the RNLI enough for saving Lilly’s life.’

Dan Thomas RNLI Deputy Coxswain at Tenby RNLI said: ‘It was an absolute pleasure to be reunited with Lilly and her family. They’re gratitude is well received by us all.

‘We’re all so pleased to see the Evans family before Christmas. At this time of year, it means so much to see the impact our lifesaving work has on families like the Evans.

‘If you spot someone in difficulty in the water, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard, just as Lilly’s mother did. That quick action can be the lifesaving difference.

‘Without that 999 phone call and our crew launching the lifeboat on the 30 July, the outcome could have been very different. Thank you to everyone who supports and donates to our lifesaving charity. We can’t save lives without you.’

David will be running both the Newport and London Marathons to raise funds for the RNLI. His Gofundme page has already received more than £2000 in donations, it can be found at: https://gofund.me/27de8c2cl

Education

Progress and challenges in Additional Learning Needs reform in Wales

Published

36 mins ago

December 9, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ESTYN has published a report today assessing the implementation of the Additional Learning Needs and Education Tribunal (Wales) Act 2018 (ALNET) and its accompanying ALN Code by schools, settings, and local authorities across Wales.

The report, titled The Additional Learning Needs System: Progress of Schools, Settings, and Local Authorities in Supporting Pupils with Additional Learning Needs, highlights the dedication and resilience of staff while exposing inconsistencies in the effectiveness of reforms and the challenges faced by stakeholders. It builds on findings from Estyn’s recent thematic review, The New Additional Learning Needs System.

Progress and successful practices

The report finds that where ALN reforms are implemented successfully, many pupils are making notable progress from their starting points. Schools and settings with an inclusive culture are shown to focus effectively on the learning and well-being of all pupils. The role of the Additional Learning Needs Co-ordinator (ALNCo) is particularly impactful when integrated into senior leadership teams, enabling strategic contributions to improving provisions and outcomes for pupils with ALN.

Positive developments were also identified in funded non-maintained early years settings, with Early Years Additional Learning Needs Officers (EYALNLOs) providing timely and effective support for younger children with emerging or identified ALN.

Challenges and inconsistencies

Despite progress, the report identifies significant challenges that must be addressed:

Variability in local authority guidance for inclusive teaching and learning.
Inconsistent interpretation of the ALN Code, especially regarding the development of Individual Development Plans (IDPs).
Limited support for Welsh-medium ALN provision due to recruitment and resource shortages.

Chief Inspector’s statement

Owen Evans, His Majesty’s Chief Inspector, commented:
“It is encouraging to see the dedication of school staff and local authorities in implementing ALN reform. However, our findings show that more needs to be done to ensure consistency and equity in provision, especially for Welsh-medium learners and in clarifying the application of the ALN Code.

“We hope this report will support schools, local authorities, and the Welsh Government in building on the positive practices identified and addressing the remaining challenges, particularly in strengthening inclusive education across all settings.”

Recommendations for improvement

The report includes actionable recommendations for school leaders, local authorities, and the Welsh Government. These focus on:

Strengthening professional learning for ALN staff.
Enhancing Welsh-medium support to address recruitment and resource gaps.
Improving quality assurance processes to ensure consistent application of the ALN Code.

By addressing these issues, the report aims to guide all stakeholders towards creating a more inclusive and equitable education system for pupils with additional learning needs in Wales.