News

£1.5m funding boost for 25 projects to tackle child poverty across Wales

Published

9 months ago

May 14, 2025

THE WELSH GOVERNMENT has awarded more than £1.5m to 25 organisations working with families in poverty across Wales. These projects will improve how services work together, focusing on practical solutions to help lift children out of poverty and create better opportunities for their futures.

The funding, from the Child Poverty Innovation and Supporting Communities Grant, will connect services better so families can more easily find the support they need.

Abergele Community Action will work with young people who face exclusion from opportunities. Their programme offers job skills and personal development, giving these young people a chance to build better futures.

In Powys, a project will look at ways to tackle rural poverty challenges and develop practical solutions tailored to the communities.

National Youth Arts Wales will provide free creative workshops to young people in Torfaen and Blaenau Gwent.

Chief Executive of National Youth Arts Wales, Evan Dawson, said: “Every young person in Wales has the right to flourish through inspirational cultural opportunities, boosting their wellbeing, education and future careers. This grant from the Welsh Government will bring together local and national partners to deliver creative experiences for young people in Torfaen and Blaenau Gwent – areas with some of the highest levels of child poverty and the least access to the arts in Wales.

“We know the arts are transformative. They spark creativity, build confidence, strengthen wellbeing, and open up real opportunities. This project supports the aims of the Child Poverty Strategy for Wales and will help create lasting change for young people in these communities.”

The Welsh Government has invested over £7bn between 2022 and 2026 in interventions which reduce costs and maximise the incomes of families and keep money in the pockets of Welsh citizens.

This grant funding is part of the Welsh Government’s continued efforts to help households struggling with poverty across Wales in 2025/2026.

The Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Jane Hutt, said: “Every child deserves the best start in life, and addressing child poverty remains our absolute priority. We’re committed to breaking down the barriers poverty creates and expanding opportunities for our children.

“By investing directly in organisations who support families in poverty across Wales, we’re ensuring this funding reaches those who need it most. We will continue to do everything in our power to prevent poverty and provide meaningful support to those facing the toughest challenges.”

Crime

Police appeal after man injured in St Davids incident

Published

4 hours ago

February 18, 2026

Tom Sinclair

DYFED-POWYS POLICE are appealing for witnesses following an incident in St Davids which left one man injured.

The incident happened in Nun Street at around 11:10am on Tuesday, December 30. The injured man was taken to hospital for treatment.

Officers confirmed that a man has been arrested on suspicion of assault in connection with the incident.

Police are now asking anyone with information, dash cam footage, or CCTV that could assist the investigation to come forward.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dyfed-Powys Police online at:
https://www.dyfed-powys.police.uk/contact/af/contact-us-beta/contact-us/

Alternatively, email [email protected], send a direct message via social media, or call 101 quoting reference DP20251230094.

Information can also be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org.

Crime

Sexual assault allegation to be tried

Published

5 hours ago

February 18, 2026

Tamsin Mathias

Accused granted conditional bail

A SEXUAL assault allegation has been listed for trial following a hearing before magistrates.

David Fletcher, 45, of Chestnut Way, Mount Estate, Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire, appeared before magistrates in Llanelli on Thursday (Feb 12) charged with sexual assault, contrary to section 3 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003.

The charge alleges that on March 16, 2025, at Johnston, Pembrokeshire, he intentionally touched a woman aged 16 or over and that the touching was sexual when she did not consent and he did not reasonably believe that she was consenting.

The matter was adjourned for trial and Fletcher was remanded on conditional bail.

The trial is listed for March 9, 2026 at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court. Bail conditions prohibit him from entering a specified premises in Johnston, from contacting directly or indirectly the complainant or any prosecution witnesses, and from posting any information relating to the investigation on social media. The conditions were imposed to prevent further offending and to prevent interference with witnesses or obstruction of justice.

Crime

Drink drive allegation denied

Published

6 hours ago

February 18, 2026

Tamsin Mathias

Trial date fixed by magistrates

A MOTORIST has denied a drink-driving allegation when the case came before magistrates.

Michael Miles, 39, of Milford Road, Johnston, Haverfordwest, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court charged with driving a motor vehicle when the alcohol level was above the prescribed limit.

The court heard that on January 24, 2026, it is alleged that Miles drove a Ford Transit on the A477 at Jordanston after consuming so much alcohol, that the proportion in his breath was 52 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath, exceeding the legal limit of 35.

Miles entered a not guilty plea on February 10, 2026.

The matter was adjourned for trial on May 21 at Llanelli Magistrates’ Court. He was remanded on unconditional bail.