Community

‘Prayer warriors’ on patrol

Published

13 years ago

November 20, 2013

THE HAVERFORDWEST Street Pastors are a group of Christian ‘Prayer Warriors’ that dedicate their Saturday nights to help make Haverfordwest a safer place for night time dwellers, clubbers and socialisers.

Founded in 2009, their ambition to care for intoxicated drinkers and injured individuals has seen the number of drunken disorderly and public disturbance incidents fall significantly over the last few years.

Co-ordinator Sam Scadden tells the Herald: “We observe from the side lines really, we never try to prevent fights before they happen as it would put our safety in jeopardy. Our job is to aid those that need help”.

And it’s not just the physical presence of the pastor team that has a positive impact. One of the methods that seems most effective is simply listening to people’s problems and showing empathy and understanding says Sam.

Each week the group congregate at Bethesda Church Hall at 9pm to prepare a wide range of paraphernalia that can be issued to those a little worse for ware.

Sam tells the Herald: “We start of the evening with a group prayer and sing a few hymns, we pray for the safety of our team on the sometimes volatile streets of Haverfordwest.

“Then we pack our bags with first aid equipment, bottles of water, anti-spiking devices and flip flops for girls that brake a heal”. The group relies on local donations from other churches, charities, the council and the police; this helps them cover the cost of the vital equipment required.

Although there are a small minority that are still skeptical about the real reasoning behind the street pastors, one individual who requested to remain anonymous told the Herald:

“Don’t get me wrong they provide a formidable service and I can’t condone that, but you have to think that there is an ulterior motive behind their actions. Every time I speak to them they force their beliefs on to me and try to convert me to becoming a Christian.”

Group Co-ordinator Sam denies this accusation: “Yes we do actively spread the word of Jesus, but our concern is for the safety of individuals. We don’t force anyone to change his or her beliefs. We welcome all religions and viewpoints.”

Since the group was established in 2009, the number of participants and volunteers has increased tenfold with over 40 members who serve on the streets or stay at the church to pray and accommodate any visitors.

“We make cakes and hot drinks for those in the team or visiting police members. We have formed a great working relationship with the police force as we rely on one and other,” a pastor told the Herald.

The street pastors have made Haverfordwest a much more safer and hospitable place through sheer dedication and commitment and we at the Herald welcome their contribution to the community.

Community

Duck race draws crowds to Cresswell Quay

Published

2 days ago

June 4, 2026

Tom Sinclair

AN ANNUAL Rotary duck race and pig roast brought crowds to Cresswell Quay on Friday (May 29), with organisers hailing the evening a success.

The event, organised by Narberth and Whitland Rotary, saw yellow ducks released onto the water as spectators gathered along the quay to watch the race unfold.

Perfect conditions

ORGANISERS said the tide and weather “could not have been better” for the popular community event.

Families enjoyed a relaxed evening of entertainment, food and fundraising, with Bat-A-Rat proving popular with youngsters while adults enjoyed a pig roast, with pork provided by Tom at Andrew Rees Butchers.

Live music from Jack Castle added to the atmosphere as people gathered at the riverside venue.

***Rotary fun: Crowds gathered at Cresswell Quay for the annual Narberth and Whitland Rotary Duck Race and Pig Roast***

Thanks to supporters

JOHN Sleigh, of Narberth and Whitland Rotary, thanked everyone who attended and helped make the evening such a success.

He said: “What a fantastic evening. The tide and weather could not have been better for the annual Rotary Duck Race and Pig Roast at Cresswell Quay.

“We thank you all for being there and making the event such a success.”

Community

Crisis response dogs launched to support people through trauma and distress

Published

2 days ago

June 4, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A NEW project using specially trained dogs to support people during moments of trauma, grief and crisis has been launched by Cariad Pet Therapy.

The volunteer-led Crisis Response Dogs project aims to provide comfort, emotional support and compassionate human contact to people experiencing distress, loss or heightened stress.

The dogs and their trained handlers will be able to support people in hospitals, schools, emergency response settings, wellbeing events, relief centres and community support environments.

Cariad Pet Therapy says the project is designed to offer a calm and non-judgmental presence at times when people may be struggling to cope.

Volunteers involved in the scheme have undertaken a bespoke training programme, including accredited Mental Health First Aid, Emotional First Aid, Trauma-Informed Practice, Safeguarding, Professional Boundaries, Dynamic Risk Assessment, Dog Welfare, Crisis Awareness, and training in psychological responses to trauma and distress.

The project is also working with emergency management and resilience partners, including the South Wales Local Resilience Forum, to support communities during emergencies, major incidents and recovery situations.

As part of its development, volunteers have attended specialist seminars on suicide prevention, the human-animal relationship, emergency planning and resilience.

Robert Thomas, Crisis Response Dogs lead for the project, said: “We have already witnessed the incredible impact these dogs can have on people facing difficult moments.

“Sometimes a calm presence, a conversation, or simply the comfort of a dog can make someone feel seen, supported, and less alone.”

The project has received funding from The National Lottery.

For more information about Crisis Response Dogs, or to request a deployment, contact Robert Thomas on 01437 609985 or visit www.crisisresponsedogs.co.uk.

Crisis response dogs: Cariad Pet Therapy has launched a new project to support people during trauma, grief and distress across Wales (Pics: Cariad Pet Therapy).

Community

Youth centre given colourful new look thanks to local firm

Published

3 days ago

June 3, 2026

Tom Sinclair

YOUNG people at a Haverfordwest youth centre have helped transform one of its rooms into a bright and welcoming space.

The Edge Youth Centre, Haverfordwest, has thanked W.B Griffiths & Son Ltd for supporting the painting and decorating project, which saw young people work alongside Chris, a painter and decorator from the company.

The project has given the room a colourful refresh, creating a cheerful space for young people using the centre.

Rabart Decorators Merchants, Pembroke Dock, also supported the work by supplying the colourful paints.

A spokesperson for The Edge Youth Centre said: “We’d like to extend a huge thank you to W.B Griffiths & Son Ltd for supporting us with the painting and decorating of one of the rooms at our Youth Centre.

“The young people were fortunate enough to work alongside Chris, a painter and decorator from W.B Griffiths & Son Ltd, to transform the room.

“Thanks to Chris and the young people’s hard work and enthusiasm, the space is now looking bright, welcoming, and cheerful.

“We’d also like to thank Rabart Decorators Merchants, Pembroke Dock, for generously supplying the colourful paints. Your support has helped create a vibrant room that young people can enjoy for years to come.”

The centre added: “Thank you both for your generosity and for helping us create such a positive space for our young people.”

Photo caption: Bright new look: Young people worked alongside W.B Griffiths & Son Ltd to refresh a room at The Edge Youth Centre, Haverfordwest.