Community

Expectant mothers: ‘Think Safe, Drink Safe’

Published

11 years ago

December 11, 2014

Tom Sinclair

Drinking when pregnant: Health board has launched campaign

AS PART of the Hywel Dda wide ‘Think Safe, Drink Safe’ alcohol public awareness campaign for 2014, the University Health Board is launching a set of posters to highlight the risks of alcohol use in pregnancy. The message for pregnant women about safer use of alcohol has lacked clarity and consistency over the years and the campaign provides a simple and clear message that no alcohol means no risk for the unborn child.

The posters are being circulated to GP practices, pharmacies and ante natal clinic areas in order to get the message across. Alongside this, staff are being encouraged to discuss this issue with patients and have been provided with a set of key facts about alcohol and pregnancy which they can use.

It is hoped that by using these resources health professionals will be able to have a conversation with expectant mothers and their partners about the potential risks from the use of alcohol during their pregnancy. Teresa Owen, Director of Public Health for Hywel Dda University Health Board said: “Because of the risks to babies health, it is recommended that women who are pregnant or trying to have a baby should avoid alcohol altogether.

However, if expectant mums do drink, in order to reduce the risk to their baby it’s a good idea for them to drink no more than 1 or 2 units once or twice a week and never get drunk. It may be that they didn’t realise they were pregnant straight away and carried on their usual drinking pattern.

If this is the case, they should try to cut down or cut out alcohol all together straight away. Any steps they take to reduce their alcohol consumption will reduce the risks to their baby’s health. If they do need to drink alcohol every day, they should speak to a health professional such as their midwife before they stop. “Overall, if you’re pregnant or to trying to get pregnant, the best advice is: no alcohol, no risk.”

Community

Narbelles WI support Food Bank with festive donation

Published

3 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Group marks December meeting with charity collection and Christmas celebrations

NARBELLES WI rounded off the year with a festive December meeting featuring a bring-and-share buffet, party games and a Secret Santa gift exchange.

Members also used the occasion to support families in need across the county, collecting food items and presenting a £120 cheque to Ann Watling from Pembrokeshire Food Bank. The donation represents the proceeds of the group’s bucket collection during Narberth Civic Week 2024.

A spokesperson for the WI said the group was delighted to finish the year “with fun, friendship and a chance to give something back to the community.”

(Photo: Narbelles WI members presenting the cheque to Ann Watling, Pembrokeshire Food Bank.)

Community

Annual charity carol service raises funds for good causes

Published

1 day ago

December 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

MID and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service held its annual Charity Carol Service on Wednesday (Dec 10) at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel in Crymych.

The event brought together members of the local community alongside Fire Service staff for an evening of carols, readings and festive refreshments, marking the Christmas season in a warm and inclusive atmosphere.

This year’s service supported two important charities — the Fire Fighters Charity and Cancer Research Wales — with all proceeds going directly towards their ongoing work.

A total of £597 was raised on the night, which will be shared equally between the two charities.

The Service thanked the congregation at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel for hosting the event, as well as everyone who gave their time, support and generosity to make the evening such a success.

Community

3 Amigos toy bike run under way across Pembrokeshire

Published

1 day ago

December 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Castle Inn fun runners back festive charity event

THE ANNUAL 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run is under way this afternoon (Saturday), with hundreds of motorcyclists setting off from Pembroke to raise funds for children’s services.

Riders gathered at The Commons car park in Pembroke from around midday before departing shortly after 1:00pm. The festive convoy is travelling along its traditional route, taking in Pembroke Dock and continuing through parts of the county including Neyland, Milford Haven and Haverfordwest.

The event is organised by the 3 Amigos and Dollies Motorcycle Group and has become a much-anticipated Christmas tradition in west Wales, with toys and donations collected for children receiving care within the Hywel Dda University Health Board area.

Also supporting the event are fun runners from the Castle Inn in Pembroke, who have been fundraising in aid of the 3 Amigos. The group are pictured alongside participants from today’s run.

The 3 Amigos have been raising funds for children’s wards and health charities for more than twenty-five years, with their Easter and Christmas events continuing to make a positive difference to young patients and their families.

Organisers have thanked the public for their support and asked road users to be mindful of the large convoy as it passes through towns and villages this afternoon.

Photo caption:
Festive fundraising: Fun runners from the Castle Inn, Pembroke, pictured supporting the 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run (Pic: Martin Cavaney/Herald)