Charity

Charity seeks homes for hens destined for slaughter in Pembrokeshire

Published

11 months ago

January 13, 2025

A CHARITY dedicated to saving ex-laying hens from slaughter is appealing to the public to help rehome 139 chickens at their next Welsh rehoming event later this month.

Commercial hens, which begin laying eggs at around four months old, typically see a decline in productivity by the time they reach 18 months. As a result, many are sent to slaughter. The British Hen Welfare Trust (BHWT), however, is determined to give these birds a chance at a better life.

The charity, which operates rehoming centres across the UK, will host its next event on Sunday, 19 January 2025, in Boncath, Pembrokeshire. At this event, 139 free-range hens will be waiting for new homes.

From modest beginnings to nearly a million lives saved

Established in 2005 with the humble aim of rehoming 100 hens, BHWT has since rehomed nearly one million birds. It all began with a simple advert in a local newspaper:
“We’ve never stood on grass, we’ve never felt the sun on our backs, we’d love a home. Can you help?”

Now based in Devon, the charity works with commercial egg farmers who voluntarily relinquish hens once their productivity declines. Francesca Mapp, BHWT’s marketing consultant, explains: “The farmers give us their hens to rehome because they want a nicer life for them – they want them to go on and have a free-range retirement.”

Without intervention, these hens would likely be processed for pet food or low-grade meat products, as their breed isn’t typically used for human consumption.

Bringing new life to your garden

For those who rehome hens, the rewards are far greater than just eggs. Francesca says:
“They’re such resilient little creatures. Once they’re outside and they’re in fresh air with sunshine on their backs, they start to flourish.”

Julia Davies, an environmental campaigner and impact investor, agrees: “What’s brilliant about chickens is they’re not just a pet. You actually get something in return. It’s a really great way of getting cruelty-free eggs.”

A small flock of three or four hens – the minimum group size BHWT rehomes – can provide a steady supply of fresh eggs. Francesca notes:
“A couple of eggs a day for breakfast is typical. And even the smallest gardens can offer a safe, enriching environment for hens.”

She adds: “Chickens are the funniest, quirkiest, most characterful little creatures you can imagine. They’re like cats and dogs with feathers – you can literally pick them up, cuddle them, and they each have unique personalities.”

From featherless to flourishing

The charity rehomes hens from caged, barn, and free-range systems. Caged hens, in particular, often arrive with sparse feathering due to overcrowding and high heat in enclosures. Dr Lizzie Rowe, an animal welfare specialist at Reading University, explains: “Caged hens have limited ability to perform natural behaviours, such as foraging and dustbathing, which can lead to boredom and frustration, often resulting in feather pecking.”

However, Francesca reassures adopters: “Within a few months of being rehomed, their feathers will come back, and they’ll look like show birds again.”

Campaigning for a free-range future

Beyond rehoming, BHWT advocates for better welfare for all hens. Francesca says consumer choices can make a significant difference: “There’s a huge demand for cheap eggs, and farmers meet that demand. By buying better-quality eggs, you’re supporting better welfare practices.”

She advises buyers to opt for the best eggs they can afford, noting: “The more expensive the eggs, the better the welfare of the hens that laid them.”

Register your interest

To rehome hens from the Boncath drop-off, visit the BHWT website to register your interest or click here

Charity

Two Welsh families fund Childline across the UK on Christmas Day

Published

1 hour ago

December 15, 2025

Staff Writer

Joint £40,000 gift ensures vital support is available when children need it most

TWO Cardiff families have joined forces to fund the NSPCC’s Childline service across the whole of the UK on Christmas Day, ensuring children have somewhere to turn during one of the toughest times of the year.

The Peterson family and the Bowles family are each donating £20,000 as part of the charity’s One Unforgettable Day project. Their combined £40,000 contribution will cover the entire cost of running Childline for 24 hours on 25 December.

Childline operates 12 bases nationwide and offers a free, confidential service to anyone under 19, available day and night, 365 days a year. The festive period is often one of the most demanding for counsellors and volunteers; between 24 December 2024 and 4 January 2025, Childline delivered 4,261 counselling sessions.

Young people reach out to Childline for a range of reasons at Christmas, including mental health struggles, family tensions, financial worries, loneliness, and increased risks of abuse or domestic violence. With schools closed and regular support networks unavailable, demand for help typically rises.

Childline relies heavily on donations, fundraising and charitable partnerships. The support of Alan, Maggie and Hywel Peterson, and Nathan and Claire Bowles and their four children, will ensure counsellors are available throughout Christmas Day for any young person who needs them.

Hywel Peterson MBE, Chair of the NSPCC Cymru Fundraising Board, said:
“It’s an honour to help fund Childline across the whole of the UK this Christmas. This joint donation will ensure our dedicated staff and volunteers are there to support any child who needs us.”

Cardiff entrepreneur Nathan Bowles added:
“We know that Christmas can be a difficult time for some children, so our family is delighted to be joining forces with the Petersons this year to support this vital service.”

Louise Israel, Childline team manager at NSPCC Cymru’s Cardiff base, said:
“While children and young people need Childline all year round, we speak to many who find this time of year particularly difficult. It is only with the support of such generous people as the Peterson and Bowles families that our staff and volunteers can continue to be here throughout the Christmas holidays. This kindness will genuinely make a difference.”

Children can call Childline free on 0800 11 11 or visit www.childline.org.uk.
Anyone concerned about a child’s welfare can contact the NSPCC Helpline on 0808 800 5000 or visit www.nspcc.org.uk for advice.

Charity

Motorcycle fundraisers transform children’s play area at Glangwili Hospital

Published

3 days ago

December 12, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Long-running 3 Amigos and Dollies group marks 25 years of support

THANKS to outstanding fundraising by the Pembrokeshire-based 3 Amigos and Dollies Motorcycle Group, Hywel Dda Health Charities has funded a major improvement of the outdoor play area at Cilgerran children’s ward in Glangwili Hospital — a project costing more than £15,000.

The 3 Amigos and Dollies have supported Hywel Dda University Health Board’s children’s services for twenty-five years, with their Easter and Christmas toy runs becoming landmark dates in the local calendar, drawing hundreds of bikers and supporters from across west Wales.

The latest funding has delivered a full transformation of the ward’s outdoor space, including a re-sprayed graffiti wall, new toys and play equipment, a summer house, improved storage, and a moveable ramp to make the area more accessible for young patients. Members of the group even volunteered to help paint and refresh the space themselves.

Paula Goode, Service Director for Planned and Specialist Care, said: **“We are so grateful to the 3 Amigos and Dollies Motorcycle Group for their amazing support. Not only have they raised an incredible amount for the ward, but they have given their time to help make the outdoor space as special as possible.

“Outdoor play greatly reduces stress and anxiety for children, and it provides a vital opportunity to meet other young people going through similar experiences. It benefits both their physical and mental wellbeing, so we couldn’t be happier with the transformation.”

Tobi Evans, a volunteer with the fundraising group, said: “Because of the generosity of everyone who donates, we are able to give thousands each year. We are always humbled by how much people give, and it’s thanks to them that we’ve reached our 25th year.”

Katie Hancock, Fundraising Officer for Hywel Dda Health Charities, added: “We can’t thank the 3 Amigos and Dollies enough for their support for Cilgerran ward. You have put a smile on so many faces. Diolch yn fawr!”

Hywel Dda Health Charities funds items, equipment and activities that go beyond core NHS funding, making a meaningful difference to children and families across mid and west Wales.

Charity

Haverfordwest businesswomen launch 2026 charity calendar.

Published

3 days ago

December 12, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Bold fundraiser aims to boost breast cancer support and celebrate local female entrepreneurs

HAVERFORDWEST Business Women have launched their 2026 charity calendar, with 100% of profits from every sale being donated to breast cancer charities.

The calendar, revealed this week, features a striking and humorous design promoting body positivity while celebrating the women who run and shape businesses across the town. Organisers say the project has a two-fold purpose: to raise vital funds for breast cancer research and to highlight the diverse and growing range of female-led enterprises operating in Haverfordwest.

Each purchase will help fund life-saving research and provide essential support to those affected by breast cancer — a cause many within the group say is deeply personal to them.

A spokesperson for Haverfordwest Business Women said: “A huge thank you to all the fantastic ladies brave enough to ‘bare all’ for such an important charity. This project shows the strength, humour and solidarity of the incredible women involved.”

Calendars are available now from Victoria Book Shop and other local stockists in Haverfordwest, with all profits going directly to breast cancer charities.