Community

New app launched to help protect vulnerable people from carbon monoxide

Published

9 months ago

September 23, 2025

A NEW mobile tool has been launched to give frontline workers essential carbon monoxide (CO) safety advice and resources.

Developed by the Gas Safe Charity in partnership with the UK’s Gas Distribution Networks (GDNs) – Wales & West Utilities, Cadent, Northern Gas Networks and SGN – the free Think CO app provides real-time guidance to help safeguard vulnerable individuals across the UK.

The app is designed for frontline staff such as fire and rescue teams, social workers, council officers and charity workers, giving them instant access to CO safety information during home visits and emergencies.

Backed by a £43,000 investment over three years from the GDNs, the initiative aims to train 750 frontline workers every year to recognise and address CO risks in vulnerable households.

Key features include:

Instant CO safety advice – guidance on recognising symptoms of CO poisoning, what to do in an emergency, and regional CO alarm legislation.
Offline access – resources available without mobile signal, ensuring workers are supported wherever they are.
PSR & fire safety information – advice on the Priority Services Register (PSR) and Fire and Rescue Service home fire safety visits.
Ongoing training support – continuous access to updated resources for those who have completed Think CO workshops, e-learning or in-person training.

Sophie Stone, Vulnerability and Carbon Monoxide Allowance Coordinator at Wales & West Utilities, said:
“The launch of the Think CO app is a major development and will be critical in providing frontline teams with the resources they need to protect vulnerable individuals. It brings together vital CO safety information in one, easily accessible app, allowing workers to take swift, informed actions when it matters most.”

Since its creation in 2016, the Think CO programme has trained more than 4,000 frontline workers, reaching organisations including Citizens Advice, The Scouts and local authorities. The new app represents the next step in ensuring those supporting vulnerable communities have continuous access to life-saving CO safety resources.

Community

Man found dead near Carmarthen railway line died from hypothermia

Published

2 hours ago

June 17, 2026

Court Reporter

A 32-YEAR-OLD man found dead near Carmarthen Train Station died after taking shelter on a bitterly cold night, an inquest has heard.

Edward Mark Owen, originally from Birmingham but living in Ystradgynlais, was discovered in a field beside the railway line on the approach to Carmarthen station on Saturday, January 10.

A Transport for Wales train driver had spotted what appeared to be a body lying face down near the track shortly after 8:30am.

Police and railway staff attended and found Mr Owen lying face down and topless in the field. His coat, T-shirt, phone and cigarettes were found nearby.

Police initially treated the death as unexplained.

Movements traced

The inquest heard that officers later traced Mr Owen’s movements from his home in Ystradgynlais to Carmarthen.

He had nowhere to stay in the town and had taken shelter under a bridge near the railway station during a particularly cold night.

The coroner said Mr Owen had “sadly succumbed to the effects of hypothermia”.

The fact that he had removed his T-shirt and coat was said to be consistent with a confused state brought on by hypothermia.

A conclusion of misadventure was recorded.

The coroner found that Mr Owen died sometime on January 10, 2026.

Community

Milford Haven firefighters prepare for key assessments

Published

2 hours ago

June 17, 2026

Tom Sinclair

ON-CALL firefighters at Milford Haven Fire Station have been put through their paces as part of their weekly drill night.

The crew’s development firefighters were pictured carrying out a “drill by numbers” squad exercise ahead of upcoming assessments.

New firefighters spend their first 24 months in a development period, which is split into four stages and focuses on different operational skills and competencies.

At the end of each stage, firefighters attend a divisional training centre where their progress is assessed against the standards required by Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service.

Over the next two weeks, members of the Milford Haven crew will take part in a Stage 2 interim assessment and a Stage 4 final assessment.

One firefighter is hoping to complete the final stage and qualify as a fully competent firefighter.

The station said Wednesday nights remain an important part of training for the on-call crew, helping firefighters maintain the skills needed to respond to emergencies across the Milford Haven area.

Community

Armed Forces Day exhibition opens at VC Gallery’s new Riverside home

Published

7 hours ago

June 17, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A UNIQUE exhibition bringing together military history, art and veterans’ stories will open to the public in Haverfordwest as part of Armed Forces Day celebrations later this month.

The VC Gallery will host a special open day at its new Riverside Gallery on Saturday, June 27, inviting the community to explore an exhibition featuring works from the Imperial War Museum alongside historic wartime artefacts, trench art and pieces connected to celebrated Welsh artist Augustus John.

The event will also showcase contemporary artwork created by Armed Forces veterans who served in conflicts including Korea, Northern Ireland, Bosnia, Kosovo, Iraq and Afghanistan.

Organisers say the exhibition highlights not only military history and remembrance, but also the role creativity can play in supporting mental health, wellbeing and recovery.

Throughout the day, visitors will be able to meet members of the VC Gallery team and learn more about an ambitious new project aimed at supporting veterans, families and the wider community.

The exhibition combines nationally significant historical works with personal stories of service and resilience, offering a rare opportunity to view military history through the eyes of those who experienced it.

Families are particularly welcome, with guided family art tours available by advance booking.

The event begins at 10:00am and takes place at the VC Riverside Gallery in Haverfordwest.

Anyone wishing to reserve a place on a guided family tour should email [email protected].

The VC Gallery said it is looking forward to welcoming visitors as it commemorates Armed Forces Day while celebrating the power of art, heritage and community to bring people together.