A GROUP of young people have enjoyed a memorable and transformative journey to New Zealand, Led by Plan International.

The group from Ysgol Greenhill, Tenby, supported by Youth Workers from Pembrokeshire Youth Service, went on the extraordinary educational and cultural adventure as part of their We Know, Our Journey Youth project.

The project was fully funded by Taith, a Welsh Government initiative which aims to create life-changing opportunities to learn, study and volunteer all over the world.
The trip aimed to broaden horizons, foster personal growth, and deepen understanding of gender-based violence and its global impact.

The group were invited as recognition of their hard work and dedication to addressing gender-based violence within their community.

During their two-week journey, the group immersed themselves in the stunning landscapes and rich culture, including visits to Auckland, Rotarua, Waitomo, Taupo and Hamilton.

The group spent time in Auckland, where they embarked on a bus tour, exploring the city’s vibrant culture, stunning harbour, and diverse neighbourhoods. They also ventured to the Waitomo Glow-worm Caves, and learned about the local Māori culture.

In Rotorua, the group experienced the thrill of the Skyline Luge and Gondola, offering panoramic views of the city. They participated in a traditional Māori culture evening, learning the rich history and customs of the Mitai Māori people.

The group also spent time at Blue Light camps, engaging in outdoor activities and team-building exercises. Blue light works in partnership with the police to deliver a range of youth programmes and activities, to reduce the incidence of young people becoming an offender or victim of crime, and encourage better relations in the community.

At Lake Taupo, they enjoyed a boat cruise, admiring the stunning scenery and ancient Māori rock carvings.

The group visited Hamilton Zoo and explored the stunning Huka Falls, a picturesque waterfall.
Throughout their journey, the group participated in meetings with organisations working to address gender-based violence.

The groups heard what organisations were doing and also had the opportunity to present what they are doing in Wales.

One such organisation was LeVa, where they experienced a warm Somali welcome and immersed themselves in Somali culture. The day was inspirational, insightful and filled with emotion.

The group also had the opportunity to spend a day with New Zealand Rugby, learning about their initiatives to promote gender equity and positive social change within the sport and the broader community.

The group also met with Dear Em whom are a strong, driven group providing safe spaces for women and girls to have a voice in New Zealand.

The group has formed a new collective, “Our Voice Our Journey,” and plans to continue their work on gender-based violence back in Wales.

The experience has empowered these young people to become leaders in their community, advocating for gender equality and working towards a brighter future for all.

One member of the group, said: “Going to New Zealand helped me get a more positive mind-set, by seeing how other organisations across the world also wanted to prevent violence, it made me realise we are all in it together.

FAMILIES and individuals across Wales struggling with the cost of food will receive vital support this winter through £1.7m of additional funding from the Welsh Government, it was confirmed this week. It is claimed that his funding will provide help to those most in need and back community projects working to prevent and tackle food poverty in the longer term.

The funding will, according to the Welsh Government:

• provide emergency food aid by helping local groups to store and distribute food to people who need it most, while also addressing the underlying causes of food poverty;
• support FareShare Cymru by purchasing equipment to store and deliver fresh food during the winter months and running food education activities to help low-income families and individuals manage rising costs; and
• strengthen food partnerships in every local authority area in Wales, helping them to address local needs and ensure resources reach those facing the greatest challenges.
• The Wales-wide funding will be announced today at Cegin Hedyn community kitchen in Carmarthen. Cegin Hedyn, a Pay What You Can Canteen and Community Kitchen, is part of a network of organisations tackling food poverty, and works with Carmarthenshire Food Partnership, Bwyd Sir Gâr Food.

Bwyd Sir Gâr works closely with groups and initiatives across the region to provide targeted support to those who need it most.

Cegin Hedyn ensures that everyone can have access to fresh, organic, seasonal produce, with produce being grown steps away in their Community Allotment. Bwyd Sir Gâr Food has also been providing vegetables, grown at Bremenda Isaf farm in Llanarthne, to Cegin Hedyn and has been offering mentoring and support to the volunteers at the allotment.

Cegin Hedyn is run by chef Deri Reed. He said: “This funding is a lifeline for communities like ours, ensuring that we can continue to provide fresh, nutritious meals to those who need them most while building a more sustainable and inclusive food system. At Cegin Hedyn, we believe in the power of food to bring people together and create positive change.

“This support will help us expand our reach, grow more organic produce locally, and strengthen the food partnerships that make a real difference in tackling food poverty in Carmarthenshire and beyond.”

Food Sense Wales works closely with Bwyd Sir Gâr and Food Partnerships across Wales to help create sustainable solutions to enable everyone to enjoy healthy and sustainable food.

Katie Palmer from Food Sense Wales said: “By strengthening its support for food partnerships across Wales, the Welsh Government is recognising the importance of building resilience in local food systems – both in terms of diversifying local supply chains, and by building and organising assets and civil society in a way that is unique to the needs of the local community.”

The Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Jane Hutt, said: “No one should have to worry about how they’re going to put food on the table. As a government, we are committed to tackling food poverty and ensuring support reaches those who need it most.

“This new £1.7m package of funding will provide both local relief to those struggling with food costs and lay the groundwork for longer-term solutions to prevent food poverty. By supporting emergency aid, food education, and local partnerships, we are addressing this crisis from all angles.

“Local food partnerships are vital in this effort. They work with inspiring projects, like Cegin Hedyn, which not only provides meals for people, but also brings people together and supports the wider community. Their efforts show what can be achieved when local groups and wider networks come together to support those most in need.”

The additional funding builds on the £2.8m the Welsh Government has already allocated to help address food poverty this year, and brings the total to more than £24m invested in this area since 2019.

PEMBROKESHIRE’S Ascona Group has stepped up to spread festive cheer once again, donating an impressive £10,000 to PATCH (Pembrokeshire Action To Combat Hardship) for their Christmas 2024 appeal.

The generous contribution will be used to provide toys and festive supplies to children across Pembrokeshire, ensuring they experience the joy of Christmas despite challenging circumstances. PATCH, a Pembrokeshire-based charity supporting families in need, expressed heartfelt gratitude for the ongoing support.

Ascona Group staff also played an active role in the initiative, volunteering their time to help prepare the donated items for delivery. The toys and supplies will be distributed to families next week, adding a touch of magic to the holiday season.

A spokesperson for Ascona Group said: “We are delighted to support PATCH again this Christmas. Our team has worked hard to ensure the donations are ready, and we hope to bring smiles to many children’s faces this festive season.”

PATCH Charity highlighted the vital role of such donations in helping families struggling during the holidays. They described Ascona’s support as a lifeline for many in the community, especially during the festive period.

The delivery of the toys marks another successful partnership between Ascona Group and PATCH, bringing hope and joy to families across Pembrokeshire.