Community

First Volunteens opportunity launches in Pembrokeshire with SPAN Arts

Published

5 months ago

July 29, 2025

A NEW youth volunteering platform has arrived in Pembrokeshire – giving young people the chance to gain skills, meet new people, and make a difference in their community.

Volunteens, run by the charity Foothold Cymru and funded by the Welsh Government, connects 11–18 year olds with local volunteering opportunities. Following a successful pilot in Carmarthenshire – which saw hundreds of young people take part – the scheme is now expanding into Pembrokeshire, Ceredigion, and Powys.

The first-ever Pembrokeshire placement is now live, with Narberth-based SPAN Arts offering a range of one-off volunteering roles over the summer holidays. Young people can get involved in helping to deliver arts-based community events, gaining valuable hands-on experience in the process.

Emily Wells, Volunteens lead for Pembrokeshire, Ceredigion, and Powys at Foothold Cymru, said: “Through our research with young people, we know they want to support their communities and make a positive impact – but often don’t know where to find youth-friendly opportunities. Volunteens bridges that gap by working with brilliant organisations like SPAN Arts.”

SPAN Arts is seeking young volunteers for two events this summer: Collective Flight Syrcas at Colby Garden on Saturday, August 2, and Dydd Gŵyl yr Haf, a family celebration of Welsh culture in Narberth on Saturday, August 30. Both events promise practical experience, skills development, and the chance to be part of vibrant community celebrations.

Belinda Bean, Volunteer and Community Officer at SPAN Arts, added: “Young volunteers bring fresh energy, ideas and enthusiasm. Joining Volunteens gives us more ways to involve them in making a difference locally.”

Foothold Cymru, based in Llanelli, has been tackling poverty and inequality for over 35 years. Their work focuses on helping people live and thrive, learn and grow, and protect and sustain their communities. Volunteens is one of their key projects to inspire the next generation of community champions.

For more information and to sign up for opportunities, visit www.volunteens.org.uk or email [email protected].

Community

Narbelles WI support Food Bank with festive donation

Published

5 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Group marks December meeting with charity collection and Christmas celebrations

NARBELLES WI rounded off the year with a festive December meeting featuring a bring-and-share buffet, party games and a Secret Santa gift exchange.

Members also used the occasion to support families in need across the county, collecting food items and presenting a £120 cheque to Ann Watling from Pembrokeshire Food Bank. The donation represents the proceeds of the group’s bucket collection during Narberth Civic Week 2024.

A spokesperson for the WI said the group was delighted to finish the year “with fun, friendship and a chance to give something back to the community.”

(Photo: Narbelles WI members presenting the cheque to Ann Watling, Pembrokeshire Food Bank.)

Community

Annual charity carol service raises funds for good causes

Published

1 day ago

December 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

MID and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service held its annual Charity Carol Service on Wednesday (Dec 10) at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel in Crymych.

The event brought together members of the local community alongside Fire Service staff for an evening of carols, readings and festive refreshments, marking the Christmas season in a warm and inclusive atmosphere.

This year’s service supported two important charities — the Fire Fighters Charity and Cancer Research Wales — with all proceeds going directly towards their ongoing work.

A total of £597 was raised on the night, which will be shared equally between the two charities.

The Service thanked the congregation at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel for hosting the event, as well as everyone who gave their time, support and generosity to make the evening such a success.

Community

3 Amigos toy bike run under way across Pembrokeshire

Published

1 day ago

December 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Castle Inn fun runners back festive charity event

THE ANNUAL 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run is under way this afternoon (Saturday), with hundreds of motorcyclists setting off from Pembroke to raise funds for children’s services.

Riders gathered at The Commons car park in Pembroke from around midday before departing shortly after 1:00pm. The festive convoy is travelling along its traditional route, taking in Pembroke Dock and continuing through parts of the county including Neyland, Milford Haven and Haverfordwest.

The event is organised by the 3 Amigos and Dollies Motorcycle Group and has become a much-anticipated Christmas tradition in west Wales, with toys and donations collected for children receiving care within the Hywel Dda University Health Board area.

Also supporting the event are fun runners from the Castle Inn in Pembroke, who have been fundraising in aid of the 3 Amigos. The group are pictured alongside participants from today’s run.

The 3 Amigos have been raising funds for children’s wards and health charities for more than twenty-five years, with their Easter and Christmas events continuing to make a positive difference to young patients and their families.

Organisers have thanked the public for their support and asked road users to be mindful of the large convoy as it passes through towns and villages this afternoon.

Photo caption:
Festive fundraising: Fun runners from the Castle Inn, Pembroke, pictured supporting the 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run (Pic: Martin Cavaney/Herald)