Community

Homelessness remains stubbornly high in Wales despite small progress

Published

3 months ago

September 9, 2025

THE SALVATION ARMY says the latest figures on homelessness in Wales highlight the urgent need to address underlying issues such as poor mental health, relationship breakdown and poverty.

Statistics published by the Welsh Government show that in 2024/25, councils assessed 13,287 households as homeless – a slight fall of 2% compared with 2023/24, but still a figure that has remained broadly unchanged in recent years.

The Salvation Army, one of the UK’s largest providers of homelessness services, argues that preventing people from reaching crisis point is the most effective way to tackle the problem.

Andrew Connell, Policy Manager at The Salvation Army, said: “It’s good to see a fall in the number of people experiencing homelessness in Wales last year. We must remember that the trend over time has been ever upwards and that needs to be reversed.

“The Homelessness and Social Housing Allocation Bill, which is currently going through the Senedd, contains a lot that we would welcome, especially its emphasis on prevention and widening access to homelessness services. However, both the Westminster and Welsh Governments must address the shortage of affordable housing stock, especially social housing.”

Catherine Docherty, Area Operations Manager for The Salvation Army’s Homeless Services in Wales, added: “Every person deserves a safe place to call home. It’s encouraging to see a slight reduction in the number of people experiencing homelessness in Wales last year, but the landscape of homelessness is complex and underpinned by poverty, mental health, relationship breakdown and substance use.”

Earlier this year, The Salvation Army welcomed the introduction of the Homelessness and Social Housing Allocation (Wales) Bill, but urged the Welsh Government to seize the chance to reset funding, promote collaboration and improve support. Among its proposals are stronger cooperation between public services – including councils, the NHS and the justice system – alongside better funding and more effective sharing of information to prevent homelessness before it starts.

Pembrokeshire picture

In Pembrokeshire, the problem is becoming more visible. Local charity Homeless Pembrokeshire reported that in August alone, 14 people sought its help, with three unable to secure accommodation because they owned pets.

Amanda Evans, from the charity, said: “Low income, domestic abuse, poor mental health, lack of affordable housing, and addiction are some of the contributing factors we have seen. We desperately need funds to keep up with demand; tents and rucksacks are particularly in short supply.”

The Paul Sartori Foundation recently donated sleeping bags to the charity, which described the support as a great help.

Political debate intensifies

The issue of homelessness has also sparked a political row. Reports of drug use, violent assaults and human waste at a tent encampment in a Cardiff city centre underpass have left residents fearful and demanding action.

Joel James MS, Welsh Conservative Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Local Government, said: “The shocking scenes that have unfolded in a popular Cardiff city underpass are a damning indictment of how the Labour-run Cardiff Council and the Welsh Government have failed to get a grip on homelessness. Behind every tent is a person in crisis—someone who’s been failed by a broken system.”

The Welsh Government says it is investing record levels in social housing and prevention services and has pledged to end homelessness in Wales by making support “rapid, effective and available to everyone who needs it.”

Community

Annual charity carol service raises funds for good causes

Published

17 hours 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

17 hours 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)

Community

Special delivery of thanks as MP visits Haverfordwest sorting office

Published

2 days ago

December 12, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Christmas cheer for posties working through the festive rush

A CHRISTMAS message of thanks was delivered in person this week as Preseli Pembrokeshire MP Henry Tufnell paid a visit to Royal Mail staff at Haverfordwest Sorting Office.

The MP met postal workers during one of the busiest periods of the year, praising staff for their hard work in ensuring cards, parcels and gifts reach homes across Pembrokeshire in the run-up to Christmas.

Mr Tufnell said postal workers were going “above and beyond” throughout the year, but particularly during the festive period when demand is at its highest and delivery rounds are often made in challenging weather conditions.

He described postal staff as “unsung heroes”, highlighting their role in keeping communities connected and helping families stay in touch at a time when it matters most.

Speaking after the visit, Mr Tufnell said: “Our posties play a vital role in our community, and at Christmas that importance is felt more than ever. They work incredibly hard to make sure gifts and cards from loved ones arrive safely and on time.”

Staff at the Haverfordwest site were pictured alongside the MP, with some embracing the festive spirit in Christmas jumpers and seasonal outfits while continuing their daily work.

The MP also extended his thanks to postal workers across the whole of Pembrokeshire, acknowledging the dedication required to keep services running smoothly during the seasonal rush.

Royal Mail experiences its highest parcel volumes in December, with thousands of additional items passing through local sorting offices each day as Christmas approaches.

Delivering Christmas cheer: Henry Tufnell MP with staff at Haverfordwest Sorting Office during a festive visit (Pic: Facebook).