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More than 200,000 calls made to Wales’ urgent mental health helpline

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MORE than 200,000 people have sought support from Wales’ national 111 press 2 urgent mental health service since its launch, figures released on World Mental Health Day reveal.

The free, 24-hour helpline – rolled out nationwide in December 2022 – provides immediate access to trained mental health workers for anyone in crisis or struggling with their wellbeing. It has now handled 200,900 calls, becoming a cornerstone of Wales’ ambition to deliver same-day, open-access mental health support across the nation.

Marking World Mental Health Day today (October 10), this year’s theme focuses on access to mental health care during crises and emergencies – an area in which 111 press 2 has proved invaluable.

Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing Sarah Murphy said: “The high levels of demand for 111 press 2 show how important it is to have support available when people need it most.

“Having this service available round the clock, every day of the year, shows how vital immediate mental health support is for our communities.

“We need services like these at the earliest stage possible to prevent issues from deteriorating and becoming more serious. It forms part of our ambition for Wales to be the first nation to offer same-day mental health support, based on a stepped approach.”

The service connects callers directly to local mental health teams without the need for a referral. Data shows most calls are made on Mondays and Tuesdays, with the highest demand in November and December.

People aged 25 to 34 make up the largest group of callers, followed by those aged 35 to 44 and 45 to 54.

Ciara Rogers, national programme director for mental health in Wales, said: “The 111 press 2 service plays a key role in early intervention and prevention. It’s a vital part of improving access to mental health services across Wales.

“We want people to be guided to the right support, first time, without delay. 111 press 2 is a great example of what we aim to achieve through our focus on same-day, open-access support.”

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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