Trussell Trust warns of ‘wake-up call’ for government as 60,000 parcels go to children

MORE than 170,000 emergency food parcels were distributed across Wales last year by food banks in the Trussell Trust network—equivalent to one every three minutes. The charity says the scale of demand is a damning indictment of a broken welfare system and is calling on both the Welsh and UK governments to act urgently.

Of the 171,673 parcels issued between April 2024 and March 2025, over 60,000 were for children. That figure—60,158—represents a 16% increase in child food parcels compared to five years ago.

While the total number of parcels issued in Wales has fallen slightly—down 9% from the previous year—the Trussell Trust says need remains “persistently high” and warns that the situation for families is worsening. The number of parcels going to households with children has risen by 19% since 2019/20, with a notable 8% increase for children under five.

Many food banks are now reporting “heartbreaking” levels of hardship. Some parents are skipping meals to feed their children, while others are opening food parcels and eating immediately upon receiving them.

Andrew Butcher from Taff Ely Foodbank said: “We are witnessing a significant and growing number of individuals and families turning to our food bank for support—all struggling to afford the essentials. Sadly, food donations are not keeping pace with this increasing demand.
“No one should have to rely on charity to eat. While we remain committed to pushing for systemic change to eliminate the need for food banks altogether, community support remains vital.”

According to Trussell, over 420,000 people in Wales now face hunger and hardship. Disabled people remain disproportionately affected: three in four households referred to Trussell food banks report having at least one disabled member.

The charity is urging the next Welsh Government to commit to ending the need for emergency food as part of a wider anti-poverty strategy. This includes investment in affordable housing, improved access to employment and childcare, and a “cash-first” approach to financial crises.

Trussell is also calling on the UK Government to update Universal Credit to ensure all households can meet basic living costs. It has criticised proposals to cut disability benefits, warning such changes could push even more people into hardship.

Jo Harry, Trussell Trust’s Network Lead in Wales, said: “Thousands of children, families, disabled people, and older people across Wales relied on emergency food in the past year. A generation has now grown up seeing food bank use as normal.
“With Welsh elections less than a year away, all political parties must take a stand and commit to reducing the need for food banks.
“Ending hunger must be a priority if we want to improve public services, grow the economy, and build a better Wales.”

Members of the public can support local food banks by donating food or funds. To find out how many food parcels were distributed in your area, visit: campaign.trussell.org.uk/parcels-by-postcode

A PEMBROKESHIRE woman battling a complex range of mental health issues has narrowly avoided prison after spitting at and assaulting two police officers while heavily intoxicated.

Elisha Callen, 25, of Glenview Avenue, Pembroke Dock, appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates this week for sentencing after admitting two counts of assaulting emergency workers and being drunk and disorderly in a public place.

The court heard that on April 21, Callen was found in a severely intoxicated state on Larch Road, Milford Haven. Officers attempted to calm her, but she became increasingly aggressive.

“She was told to behave herself, but she failed,” said Crown Prosecutor Dennis Davies.

Following her arrest, Callen lashed out at officers at the station—striking one and spitting in the face of another.

In a victim impact statement read to the court, one of the officers said: “As a police officer, we expect to face conflict on a daily basis, but I don’t expect to be spat on by someone I’ve never met before.”

Callen later told officers she had no recollection of the incident.

Her solicitor, Tom Lloyd, urged magistrates to impose a suspended sentence, arguing she had significant mental health issues and was engaging with support services.

“Letting her attempt to seek help on her own hasn’t worked,” he said. “If you look at the marks on her neck and hands, you can see this is someone with far more going on than just anxiety and depression.”

“This is an individual with complex needs who is extremely upset by what happened and wants to apologise to every officer involved,” he added.

Magistrates imposed an 18-week custodial sentence, suspended for 24 months. Callen must also comply with a mental health treatment requirement, attend 25 rehabilitation activity days with drug and alcohol support, and complete a 120-day alcohol abstinence monitoring requirement.

“I can’t emphasise enough that this is your last chance,” the presiding magistrate warned. “You’ve come that close to custody.”

Callen was also ordered to pay £85 costs, a £154 victim surcharge, and £100 in compensation to each of the two officers.

As she left court, Callen said: “Thank you so much. This won’t happen again. I just need support.”

Fundraiser to support Milford Youth Matters and celebrate community spirit

BLUESTONE’S Blue Lagoon Water Park will be opening its doors to the public for a special charity evening this May half-term – with every penny raised going to support a local youth charity.

The event, which takes place on Tuesday 27 May at 5:30pm, is part of the Bluestone Foundation’s popular community events programme. Up to 600 local residents will be welcomed to enjoy a fun-filled evening at the park, while raising funds for Milford Youth Matters – a third-sector organisation supporting young people in Pembrokeshire.

This will be the third Blue Lagoon charity event of the year. The two previous evenings raised a combined total of £7,854 for the Megan Starr Foundation in February and Fishguard and Goodwick’s POINT youth trust in April.

The Bluestone Foundation – the charitable arm of Bluestone National Park Resort – was created in 2010 to support environmental, economic and social initiatives across the county. Through its Community Events and Community Fund schemes, it has awarded more than £250,000 to local projects to date.

Milford Youth Matters works with young people aged 11 to 25, offering vocational training, volunteering, and work-based learning opportunities alongside social activities. The charity has already supported over 500 young people across the county.

Dayle Gibby, Co-ordinator at Milford Youth Matters, said:
“We’re all about investing in young people. The support from the Bluestone Foundation means we can evolve and try new activities, reach new audiences, and remove financial barriers that often stand in the way of young people’s development.

“In recent years, we’ve developed a strong relationship with Bluestone. Many of the young people we support now work there, which is a great example of how our work is helping young people gain the skills they need for employment – right here in Pembrokeshire.”

Mike Slack from the Bluestone Foundation added:
“We’re looking forward to hosting our third charity event of the year at the Blue Lagoon. These evenings are a great opportunity for local families to enjoy themselves while supporting brilliant causes. Milford Youth Matters is a fantastic organisation, and we’re proud to help them continue their vital work.”

More information about the Bluestone Foundation can be found at:
https://www.bluestonewales.com/about-us/bluestone-foundation