A SUMMIT bringing together key organisations from across Pembrokeshire has highlighted both the scale of local poverty and the work underway to support vulnerable communities.

Around 100 representatives attended Pembrokeshire County Council’s third Tackling Poverty Summit on Thursday (Mar 13), including local authority officers, third sector groups, and national bodies such as the Bevan Foundation.

The event aimed to shine a light on the key challenges facing the county, while strengthening collaboration and identifying practical ways to deliver support where it is most needed.

Focus on collaboration

A strong theme throughout the day was the importance of joined-up working. Discussions around issues such as food poverty and the ‘Words to Action’ project highlighted how better alignment of services and resources can deliver more effective and sustainable support.

Dr Steffan Evans, Chief Executive of the Bevan Foundation, delivered the keynote address, providing national context on poverty in Wales alongside detailed insight into local data. He outlined where targeted action could have the greatest long-term impact in building a more prosperous county.

Workshops, facilitated by Sophie Buckley of PAVS, also marked the start of a review of the county’s Tackling Poverty Strategy. First published in 2023, the strategy is now being reassessed to ensure it reflects current challenges.

Attendees were invited to reflect on progress made to date while also identifying gaps and proposing new ideas to strengthen future action.

Targeted support delivering results

The summit also highlighted practical initiatives already making a difference. In particular, the LIFT (Low Income Family Tracker) pilot has helped identify households missing out on financial support.

Over the past six months, the scheme has generated more than £300,000 in additional income for local families by connecting them with benefits and assistance they were entitled to but not receiving.

Organisers said the results demonstrate the value of a proactive, targeted approach to income maximisation.

Leaders stress ongoing challenge

Cllr Marc Tierney, the council’s anti-poverty champion and Cabinet Member for Young People, Communities and the Wellbeing of Future Generations, said: “What we learned at the summit is that the causes of poverty are complex and remain a challenge, particularly for young people and their families.

“The solutions are complex too and must involve all levels of government doing all they can to support those most in need.

“Pembrokeshire has made tackling poverty a priority, working with the third sector to focus our efforts on where we can make a real difference locally. That work continues, with a strengthened resolve to respond to the experiences of local people and shape what we do next.”

James White, Head of Engagement, Performance and Community, added: “This was Pembrokeshire’s third annual summit, and it is clearly becoming a firm fixture in the calendar.

“The discussions will help inform the refresh of our poverty strategy later this year. Key themes included income maximisation, early intervention, support for families, and making services easier to access.

“Thank you to everyone who attended and to those working year-round to tackle poverty in Pembrokeshire.”

NICOLA WILLIAMS will take up the role in April, bringing more than three decades of experience in nursing and senior leadership.

The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) has announced the appointment of Nicola Williams as its new Executive Director for Wales.

She joins the organisation from Velindre University NHS Trust, where she currently serves as Executive Director for Nursing, Allied Health Professionals and Health Care Scientists. With 38 years of experience in nursing and more than six years at executive board level, she is widely recognised across NHS Wales for her work in improving patient outcomes.

A highly experienced strategic leader, Williams has worked across a wide range of clinical and organisational settings. She has led major transformation programmes, strengthened national clinical leadership networks and championed innovation and evidence-based improvements in care. Her work has contributed to changes adopted across Wales and has been recognised with national awards.

Speaking about her appointment, Nicola Williams said: “I feel privileged to be appointed as Executive Director of RCN Wales. I’m a proud nurse, passionate about patient safety and improving care standards.

“Delivering the best care is only possible when nursing staff are supported to work in safe, inclusive environments. I will stand alongside members and their patients.

“Nursing staff are the backbone of health and care. I am determined to support our members across Wales, wherever they work, to meet the challenges ahead and shape the future of our profession.

“I look forward to meeting members across Wales and ensuring our work is informed by their experiences and expertise.”

In her new role, Williams will lead the RCN’s work in Wales and provide strategic leadership across key priority areas spanning the UK.

She succeeds Helen Whyley, who has held the position since February 2019 and will move into a new role as Director of Service Innovation at the RCN.

SENEDD Member Paul Davies is urging residents across Pembrokeshire to have their say as a public consultation continues on proposals relating to the Withyhedge landfill site near Haverfordwest.

Natural Resources Wales (NRW) has launched a consultation on a proposed permit variation submitted by Resources Management UK Ltd, the operator of the site. If approved, the changes could allow the landfill to accept additional waste.

The consultation gives residents and stakeholders the opportunity to submit their views before NRW makes a final decision. It will remain open until Thursday (Mar 26).

The proposed changes include revised final restoration levels, updates to the management and monitoring of groundwater, surface water and leachate, and the addition of 50,000 tonnes of waste soils per year for restoration work under a new waste recovery activity. The application also seeks to consolidate and modernise the existing permit, including a review of current improvement and pre-operational conditions.

The Preseli Pembrokeshire MS said it was vital that local people take the opportunity to share their concerns and experiences as part of the consultation process.

Mr Davies has previously raised concerns about the environmental performance of the site, noting that the operator was ranked the worst performing permitted installation in Wales in both 2023 and 2024.

He has also written to the Welsh Government expressing concern about the proposal, arguing that Pembrokeshire must not become a dumping ground for waste.

To ensure residents living closest to the landfill are aware of the consultation, Mr Davies is writing directly to households in surrounding communities, encouraging them to take part before the deadline.

Mr Davies said: “This consultation is an important opportunity for residents to make their views known about the future of the Withyhedge landfill site.

“There have been ongoing concerns about the site’s environmental performance and its impact on local communities, and it’s vital that Natural Resources Wales hears directly from the people who live in the area.

“I have made clear to the Welsh Government that I believe the site should be looking towards closure rather than expansion, and that Pembrokeshire must not become a dumping ground for waste.

“I would strongly encourage residents to take part in the consultation and submit their views before the deadline.”

Residents can submit their views directly to Natural Resources Wales before the consultation closes on Thursday (Mar 26). NRW will consider all responses before making a final decision on whether the permit variation should be approved.