REPORT MAKES 13 RECOMMENDATIONS

A REVIEW into crime and anti-social behaviour services for young adults has called for stronger prevention work, better promotion of support services, and clearer evidence of what works.

The Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Commissioner’s Select Committee examined intervention, prevention and engagement services for young adults aged 18 to 25.

The review gathered evidence from young people, partner agencies, an open call for evidence, internal scrutiny work, and a hearing attended by police and local authority representatives.

As a result, the committee has made 13 recommendations, which have now been shared with relevant partners.

They include calls for services to place greater emphasis on social and emotional skills and healthy relationships, and for Dyfed-Powys Police to consider producing a Strategic Profile of crime and anti-social behaviour committed by 18 to 25-year-olds.

The committee also recommends that partner organisations do more to promote intervention, prevention and engagement services for young adults, so that professionals and communities know what help is available.

Other recommendations include sharing evaluation findings between local authority areas, updating police data dashboards to include age-group information, and demonstrating the impact of police prevention work to young adults.

The report also calls for scrutiny of problem-orientated policing plans to assess the effectiveness of mental health services, and for police to seek assurance that Outcome 22 is being used effectively.

Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn said: “My Select Committee has been able to give an important area a spotlight through our work and to present hopefully impactful recommendations to partners.

“We have listened to young adults’ voices throughout this process, which has been key in developing the recommendations around services which may directly affect them and their peers.

“One of my Youth Ambassadors sat on the Select Committee, and his perspective, alongside that of all other members, was invaluable.

“Thank you to all who have been involved in this review. Diolch yn fawr.”

The full report is available on the Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Commissioner’s website.

NEW PROVISION WILL SUPPORT YOUNG CHILDREN AND FAMILIES IN HAVERFORDWEST

EARLY years education in Haverfordwest has received a boost after Bishop Dorrien officially opened a new Flying Start setting at St Mark’s Church in Wales VC School.

The Bishop of St Davids cut the ribbon at the school in Merlins Bridge last week to formally launch the Little Lions Flying Start provision, which will support younger children and families in the area.

The new setting will provide funded early years childcare for eligible children from the age of two, with youngsters benefiting from dedicated facilities and support from trained staff.

Flying Start is a Welsh Government-funded programme aimed at giving children the best possible start in life through childcare, health visiting, parenting support and speech and language development. Eligible children can receive up to 12.5 hours of funded childcare a week during term time.

Little Lions is based at St Mark’s VA School in Haverfordwest and welcomes children from the age of two. The setting is part of Pembrokeshire’s wider Flying Start programme, which has expanded in recent years to support more families across the county.

During the visit, Bishop Dorrien praised the work being carried out at the school and the commitment shown by staff and families.

The Diocese of St Davids said the Bishop greatly appreciated the leadership of Mrs Gillespie, while recognising the dedication of staff, parents, carers and governors in helping children to thrive.

A spokesperson said the school had “a real school family” atmosphere, adding that Bishop Dorrien keeps all schools in the diocese in his prayers and asks for God’s blessing on pupils, staff and families.

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Official opening: Bishop Dorrien cuts the ribbon to launch the Little Lions Flying Start setting at St Mark’s School in Haverfordwest.

A CONSERVATIVE Senedd Member has condemned the Welsh Government’s decision to continue funding a tree-planting programme in Africa.

Andrew RT Davies, Member of the Senedd for Bridgend and the Vale of Glamorgan, said the Mbale Tree Planting Programme should be scrapped, arguing that public money should instead be spent on services in Wales.

The scheme began under the previous Labour administration, with Plaid Cymru’s support.

In a written response to Mr Davies, First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth confirmed that the 2026-27 Welsh Government budget includes £350,000 for the programme.

Mr Davies said: “Plaid Cymru separatists’ decision to continue funding tree planting in Africa shows nothing has changed.

“Taxpayers’ money should be spent fixing our broken public services, not vanity projects for Plaid’s progressive activists.

“The Mbale Tree Planting Programme must be scrapped.”

The First Minister said the funding had been agreed by the Senedd on January 27, 2026, and had been committed by the previous government.