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From isolation to inspiration: VR brings new hope to care in Wales

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VIRTUAL REALITY is being used in Pembrokeshire and across west Wales to combat loneliness, lift mood and improve patient care.

As part of the Bevan Exemplar programme, Sarah Beauclerk, Director of Vere Experiences CIC, has been leading two pioneering projects in collaboration with Hywel Dda University Health Board and Pembrokeshire County Council.

Supporting older people

The VR Inclusive Mental Health Interventions (VRIMHI) project was set up with the Pembrokeshire Older Adult Community Mental Health Team to help older people struggling with low mood. Sessions were designed to improve wellbeing, reduce relapses and provide a “safe space” for patients.

Originally planned as home visits, the scheme shifted to group sessions during Mental Health Awareness Week – proving so successful that they continue every fortnight, alongside home visits for those unable to attend.

Three years on, VRIMHI is still running. Evaluation shows participants report an average mood improvement of nearly three points on a ten-point scale, with longer-term benefits also recorded. One patient described it as “my safe space,” while staff said demand for lighter-touch follow-up sessions is growing.

Connecting care homes

The Connecting Realities project brought VR into local care homes. Feedback showed that 80% of residents experienced mood improvement, with some effects lasting long after the sessions. Staff noted that the visits lifted the atmosphere of entire living rooms.

One resident, usually withdrawn, surprised staff by singing Wonderful World during a session, which a supporter described as a “miraculous reaction.”

The team now coordinate nearly 50 headsets across wards, community care and palliative services. In one case, a lifelong Liverpool FC fan was able to tour Anfield virtually just before she passed away – a powerful memory for her and her carer.

Backed by the Bevan Exemplar

Bevan Exemplar status gave the projects credibility and opened doors at health board and council level. Mentors including Mark Briggs (Cardiff and Vale UHB) and Mark Griffiths (Public Health Wales) provided vital support.

Sarah is now working with Public Health Wales on CarerVR, a new project using first-person VR to help unpaid carers build skills and reduce injury risks. The scheme is already being rolled out locally, with interest from care homes and plans to pilot VR booths in GP surgeries.

The projects have not only improved outcomes for patients but also boosted staff morale, strengthening relationships between carers, residents and families.

Sarah said that the key lesson for future innovators is simple: “Keep your reason at the heart of what you do, and take it step by step. If you hold on to your inspiration, you can overcome challenges and create real change.”

Community

Annual charity carol service raises funds for good causes

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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.

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Community

3 Amigos toy bike run under way across Pembrokeshire

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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)

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Community

Special delivery of thanks as MP visits Haverfordwest sorting office

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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).

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