Community

Fire training for people with learning disabilities

Published

11 years ago

December 30, 2014

In training: People with learning difficulties are learning to understand the risks of fire

MID and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service and Hywel Dda University Health Board’s Speech and Language Therapy Department have teamed up to help people with learning disabilities in Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire better understand the risks of fire, prevention and what to do in the event of a fire. Fire Officer Sean Lloyd and Speech and Language Therapist Yvonne Bruton Miller were tasked with ensuring potentially life-saving information was available in a user friendly format.

The final result is an easy read leaflet and presentation pack, reviewed and approved by a group of people with learning disabilities. The easy read leaflet uses alternative forms of communication including symbols, photos and plain English. The presentation pack includes objects of reference to support understanding and learning and provides and opportunity for service users to view first hand damaged sockets, fire alarms and even the protective clothing worn by fire fighters.

Sean and Yvonne recently launched the easy read leaflet and presentation pack at Bryn Y Wawr Residential Home in Llandeilo. Sean Lloyd, Watch Manager Community Safety Carmarthenshire at Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service said: “Mandatory training for managers and staff is essential but service users are often excluded from essential training but now we have this presentation and training developed in partnership with the Carmarthenshire Total Communication group.

The feedback from staff and residents has been great and on request we’ll be coming back in twelve months for a refresher course!” Yvonne Bruton Miller, Speech and Language Therapist at Hywel Dda University Health Board said: “This has been a fantastic project to work on and the Community Team for Learning Disabilities (CTLD) and fire service will continue to work together to ensure all service users linked to the CTLD are automatically offered free fire safety checks through the individual’s annual review process.”

Community

Community gathers to remember Corrina Baker

Published

2 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

2 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

2 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.