Community

New national body for youth work in Wales

Published

6 months ago

June 27, 2025

A NEW national body is to be set up to strengthen the youth work sector, support innovation and collaboration and ensure its long-term sustainability.

The youth work sector in Wales is wide and diverse, with over 900 organisations across the maintained and voluntary sectors involved in the delivery of youth work.

Announcing the plans during Youth Work Week [23-30 June] the Cabinet Secretary for Education, Lynne Neagle, said:

“Given the breadth and diversity of youth work provision across Wales, I’m delighted to announce plans to create a new central body for youth work in Wales, to unify the sector, support collaboration and amplify its impact on young people.

“This exciting new organisation will make sure that the many talented young people, youth workers, and organisations in the youth work sector in Wales have the structure, leadership, and advocacy they need to thrive.”

Youth work offers a rich variety of inclusive and empowering opportunities for young people aged 11 to 25. These experiences encourage young people to use their voice and contribute to decisions that affect them.

Peer Action Collective Cymru (PACC) is just one of many projects providing bespoke services to meet the particular needs of young people in their local area.

Winners of a Youth Work Excellence Wales Award in 2023, PACC support young people from underrepresented groups, giving them a voice and helping them develop their passions and talents.

Some may have experienced the criminal justice system, been in care or have experienced discrimination. PACC enables young people to address pressing societal issues such as youth violence and its underlying drivers, including mental health, sexuality, race, and gender.

Salman, 17, said:

“Being a part of PACC has made me realise that my voice is powerful and that it has the potential to make a real difference in the lives of others. They encourage us to embrace our uniqueness and to stand up for what we believe in.”

Nominations for this year’s Youth Work Excellence Awards, which recognise and celebrate outstanding youth work projects, youth workers and those involved in Youth Work across Wales, have opened today, 27 June.

Welsh Government is providing over £12.9m of direct funding to local authorities and a range of voluntary organisations in 2025-26 to help them deliver a rich and diverse youth work offer.

Community

Community gathers to remember Corrina Baker

Published

6 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Lanterns and balloons released in emotional acts of remembrance

FAMILY, friends and members of the local community came together to remember Corrina Baker at a series of moving events held across west Wales this week.

Corrina’s funeral took place on Monday (Dec 15), a month after her death, with a public service held at St Mary’s Church. Mourners lined the route as her coffin was carried on its final journey in an elegant horse-drawn carriage, before a private cremation later took place at Parc Gwyn crematorium in Narberth.

Later that evening, shortly after 6:00pm, friends and relatives gathered at the Quayside in Cardigan for the first of two acts of remembrance to celebrate her life. Lanterns were lit and released into the night sky above the town as some of Corrina’s favourite songs were played.

On Tuesday afternoon (Dec 16), a second tribute was held near the location where Corrina was found. Twenty-one pink balloons — one for each year of her life — were released into a clear blue sky, each carrying personal messages in her memory.

Floral tributes continue to be laid at the Netpool, while a GoFundMe appeal set up in Corrina’s memory has raised more than £2,300. She has been described by those who knew her as “funny and bright”.

Dyfed-Powys Police have confirmed that their investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ms Baker’s death is ongoing. A 29-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of murder has been released on bail while inquiries continue.

(Photos: Stuart Ladd/Herald)

Community

Six untaxed vehicles seized in Milford Haven police operation

Published

6 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

SIX untaxed and abandoned vehicles were seized during a joint roads policing operation in Milford Haven on Tuesday morning.

Officers from the Milford Haven Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Team (NPPT) worked alongside the Pembrokeshire Roads Policing Team as part of targeted enforcement across the town.

In addition to the vehicle seizures, a number of traffic offence reports were issued to drivers during the operation.

Police said the action formed part of ongoing efforts to improve road safety and tackle vehicle-related offences in the Milford Haven area.

Community

Candlelit carol service brings community together in Milford Haven

Published

6 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

ST KATHARINE and St Peter’s Church in Milford Haven hosted its annual Candlelit Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, bringing together members of the community for a traditional celebration of Christmas.

The service featured readings from the Mayor of Milford Haven, representatives of the Soroptimists, Milford Haven Amateur Operatic Society, the Headteacher and Head Prefects of Milford Haven School, Milford Haven Town Band, and NCI Wooltack Point.

Music for the evening was provided by organist Seimon Morris, Milford Haven Town Band and the Milford Haven Cluster Band, whose performances added to the atmosphere of the candlelit service.

The Friends of St Katharine and St Peter’s Church thanked all those involved and wished the community a happy Christmas.