Community

Bro Preseli scheme officially opened

Published

10 years ago

December 9, 2014

download HE may be the winner of Radio Pembrokeshire’s Volunteering Award but young Sam Davies has his feet well and truly on the ground. He is keen to attribute so much of his success to the St John’s Ambulance Service he has come to love and serve. 17 year-old Sam, who is currently a pupil at Pembroke School, hopes to join the Navy as a student nurse and is convinced that his volunteer work with St John’s is a marvellous stepping stone to success on that journey. “Medicine makes me tick” he says “which is why I first got involved with St John’s.

I’ve always had a keen interest in and passion for the emergency services and their work confirmed to me that I want to work on the caring side of things. It is an amazing organisation. They protect and take care of me as well as train me. I really do feel part of a family.” According to Sam the local division currently has some 15 cadets and a similar number of adults but things were not as healthy a few years ago when he first joined. He explained: “I was nominated by the Divisional Officer Victoria Stevens.

There was a time when we were down to three members and she feels that I have done so much to get things off the ground by promoting it especially in school. We are so much stronger now and she has said she could not have done it without me. She is delighted with what is happening and we seem to be getting so much better known locally which is good.” In nominating Sam Divisional Office Stevens wrote: “He was very quiet at first, but started training in First Aid skills, absorbing the skills and information like a sponge.

By the time our busy season for duties started, he was a qualified First aider looking forward to helping his community. In that first season, he completed 234 duty hours and assisted dozens of sick and injured people in Pembrokeshire.He also noted that as a small division we needed help with fundraising. That year he raised over £600 by doing bag packs in Asda and Tesco. He has performed duties at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, at the National Eisteddfod in Llanelli and regularly helps out at Parc Y Scarlets.

He has travelled to Hungary with other cadets from St John Cymru to take part in First Aid simulations and competitions, where he was also roped into teaching local people First Aid there!’’ Sam is nothing if not an enthusiastic supporter of St John’s. “It has been amazing” he continued. “I go to meetings twice a week for training and personal development and then get to work with them over weekends. The amount will depend on the events and the season. We have great fun and all this has allowed me to gain lots of qualifications in youth leadership and personal development as well as first aid.”

Sam has had already had a varied experience of health and emergency issues but he has also discovered the importance of sensitivity and compassion: “I have to admit that I have been surprised to see just how important the social side of the work is – comforting and consoling people in the hour of need” he explained. “It really helps if you are a good talker.

I’ve discovered just how important it is to deal with people as people and not just as statistics or numbers.” And through his encounters with role models such as Divisional Office Stevens, Sam Davies has come to see that he could be a link in an inspirational chain too: “My nomination came as a big surprise” he observed. “I had asked Victoria to nominate someone else but she told me that they already had someone in mind.

I didn’t exactly guess but I had a suspicion it was me and I hoped I was wrong because I hate being embarrassed and fight shy of the limelight. I was a bit gobsmacked when my mum told me and I really did not know what to say. But this has given me a big boost and has shown me that if you get stuck into something you can really achieve something. I would really encourage other young people to find something they can enjoy and get stuck into instead of being sat at home doing nothing it’s far better being out there doing something worthwhile I’ve seen the difference it can make when people come up and thank you.

You meet so many inspiring people and you simply want to follow them in being an example.” Divisional Officer Stevens would clearly agree given her nomination. Sam, she wrote: “Has now qualified as a Cadet Trainer – passing on his skills to the other cadets. I have watched him grow from a quiet, shy boy to a confident, self-assured young man who is always willing to assist others, putting them first before himself. I am nominating him for the volunteering award as I firmly believe that he deserves recognition for himself and the things that he has achieved. He is a role model to other young people – a true inspiration.’’

Community

Pembrokeshire town 4G phone mast plans withdrawn

Published

2 hours ago

December 20, 2024

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

PLANS for a replacement 20-metre-high 4G phone mast tower in north Pembrokeshire, which the local town council says would have “an unacceptable adverse impact” on the national park’s beauty have been withdrawn.

In an application before Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Cellnex, through agent Telent, sought permission to replace an existing 10m high mast with a new 20m 4G tower with three Vodafone antennae and nine mast head amplifiers, and associated works, on land at Dwr-y-Felin Farm, Fford Bedd Morris, Newport.

The application for a 4G mobile base station for the mobile network operator(s) (MNOs) Vodafone Ltd in conjunction with Cornerstone. The application site is owned / operated by Cellnex UK, a radio site infrastructure provider.

A supporting statement accompanying the application said: “The proposed antenna height of 20m is essential to provide new 4G coverage and replacement 2G and 3G service provision to the surrounding area. 4G radio signals are more sensitive to physical obstructions than older technologies.

“This is because the higher the frequency band the greater the reduction in signal strength, increasing the likelihood of dropped calls and reduced data rates for internet browsing,” adding: “Generally, the higher the signal frequency the more it will be impacted by clutter. It is for this reason that there is the height of 20m is required.”

It went on to say it “should be noted that a radio base station within this location has already been considered acceptable and has become an established feature within the area and the proposed upgrade albeit different in design to support the latest equipment will not be of substantial or detrimental harm to the national park, conservation area or heritage assets”.

Newport Town Council had objected to the application, saying: “The proposed development (if approved in its current form) will have an unacceptable adverse impact on the qualities and special landscape and seascape character of the National Park and also on the special qualities of natural beauty and tranquillity.”

The application has now been withdrawn.

Community

Castle Ward Pupils Lead Anti-Social Behaviour Art Mural Project

Published

1 day ago

December 19, 2024

Tom Sinclair

HAVERFORDWEST HIGH VC SCHOOL welcomed a visit from County Councillor Thomas Tudor, who expressed his full support for the pupils’ efforts in tackling anti-social behaviour through an innovative Art Mural Project.

Councillor Tudor, representing the Castle Ward, highlighted the significance of the project, noting the area’s past struggles with anti-social behaviour in central commercial zones. “Engaging with pupils to address this issue through art is an extremely exciting venture,” he said.

The project has received a boost with £750 in funding secured from the Youth Bank initiative. Councillor Tudor commended the Youth Workers for their successful funding application, describing it as “a great achievement.”

The mural, spearheaded by pupils from the Youth Room and Haverfordwest High VC School, aims to inspire and engage the community while addressing a vital issue. “This exciting and innovative project will undoubtedly capture the imagination of those involved and reach out to all concerned,” Councillor Tudor added.

The initiative is set to bring a creative approach to community engagement and highlight the power of art in fostering positive change.

Photo caption: Castle Ward inspiration: Councillor Thomas Tudor supports the Art Mural Project (Pic: Suppled)

Community

Tips for coping with Mental Health challenges this Christmas

Published

1 day ago

December 19, 2024

Tom Sinclair

CHRISTMAS is often described as the “most wonderful time of the year,” but for many, it can be a challenging period that impacts mental health. Whether due to stress, loneliness, or financial strain, the festive season is not always a time of joy for everyone. To support those struggling this Christmas, Mind Cymru has shared carefully considered advice to help navigate the season.

Why Christmas Can Be Challenging

For some, the holiday season can feel overwhelming:

Stress and Expectations: The pressure to celebrate amidst personal challenges.
Difficult Memories: Reflecting on the past or worrying about the new year.
Financial Strain: Rising costs making the season harder to enjoy.

Sue O’Leary, Director of Mind Cymru, explains:

“Christmas is a time to celebrate, but it can also be a time of year where our feelings are magnified, and not always in a positive way. Sometimes there are other, less joyous things going on in our lives that make taking time out to be ‘merry and bright’ feel like less of a celebration and more of a challenge. There are so many reasons why someone might not feel like celebrating this Christmas, and we just wanted to remind everyone that it’s ok to feel this way and that there is support available for anyone who may be struggling with their mental health over the festive season.”

Tips from Mind Cymru

Mind Cymru has shared the following tips for managing mental health over Christmas:

Looking After Yourself

Be patient with yourself; it’s understandable to find Christmas difficult.
Set boundaries and say no to things that aren’t helpful.
Take time out to focus on non-Christmas-related activities.
Remember: the season won’t last forever.

Talking to Others

Let people know if you’re struggling.
Access online communities, like Mind’s Side by Side service, for support.
Communicate how others can help and what activities you’re comfortable with.

Managing Relationships

Plan responses to potentially difficult questions ahead of time.
Discuss budgets and schedules with family to reduce stress.
Maintain distance if you must be around people you’d rather avoid.

Planning Ahead

Prepare items that help you feel comfortable, especially in unfamiliar settings.
Avoid triggering environments if possible.
Check the opening hours of key services you may need during Christmas.
Ensure you have enough medication to last the holiday period.
Plan something enjoyable for after Christmas to look forward to.

Where to Find Support

If you’re struggling this Christmas, help is available:

Mind Helplines: Visit www.mind.org.uk/information-support/helplines/ (closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year’s Day).
Side by Side Online Community: Available 24/7 at https://sidebyside.mind.org.uk/.
Samaritans: Call 116 123 (freephone). The Welsh language line is open daily from 7pm to 11pm.
SHOUT Crisis Text Service: Text SHOUT to 85258, available 24/7.
Coping with Money Worries: Visit the Mind website for advice.