Community

£100k New York fundraiser aims to save mental health service in Pembrokeshire

Published

4 months ago

August 10, 2025

A PEMBROKESHIRE woman living in New York has launched an ambitious fundraiser to help save one of the county’s most vital mental health services.

Pathway Counselling, a small but essential charity based in Pembrokeshire, has supported hundreds of people through trauma, grief, anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts. Until recently, all its sessions were free of charge – removing the financial barrier that often prevents people from getting help.

But now, a lack of funding has forced the service to introduce paid appointments, despite more than 84% of its clients saying they could not afford therapy if it wasn’t free. The charity is urgently seeking £100,000 in match funding to keep going.

‘Not a runner – but running anyway’

That’s where Jasmyn, who grew up in Pembrokeshire but now lives in New York City, has stepped in. She has set herself a personal challenge – to complete her first ever 5K run, despite never being a runner – to raise money for the service.

“I’m not a runner. Even running for 60 seconds feels like my lungs are collapsing,” she said. “I wanted to choose something completely out of reach to reflect what it can feel like when you’re battling with your mental health.

“This isn’t a marathon. It’s a 5K. But when your mental health is suffering, even getting out of bed or making a meal can feel like a marathon. That’s what I want people to understand.”

Jasmyn is training using the Couch to 5K programme and documenting her journey online. So far, she has had just three donations – but she’s determined to keep going.

A service under pressure

Pathway Counselling has already received over 1,000 referrals in the past year alone. Unlike many services, it does not require a GP referral, a diagnosis, or even payment. Its trauma-informed approach has made it a lifeline for those who need help fast – particularly in rural Pembrokeshire, where services are often sparse.

“All they want to do is provide free counselling, but they’ve had to start charging for some sessions just to survive,” Jasmyn said. “If over 80% of clients can’t afford that, where will they turn?”

Mental health need in rural Wales

Public Health Wales data shows that more than one in five people in Wales now report experiencing a mental health problem, with suicide remaining one of the leading causes of death in young people. Rural areas like Pembrokeshire often have some of the highest levels of need and the fewest resources.

“Pathway is one of the only places people can turn to without months of waiting,” Jasmyn said. “This is not just about saving a service – it’s about saving lives.”

How to help

To support Jasmyn’s challenge and help Pathway Counselling continue offering free mental health support in Pembrokeshire, visit: https://gofund.me/b615238a.

You can follow her training journey on Facebook, TikTok and Instagram via Pathway Counselling.

Pathway Counselling will also be at the Pembrokeshire County Show with a mental health drop-in stall, offering a listening ear with no appointments needed.

Community

Narbelles WI support Food Bank with festive donation

Published

16 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

2 days 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

2 days 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)