Community
More than 200,000 calls made to Wales’ urgent mental health helpline
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
Man found dead near Carmarthen railway line died from hypothermia
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
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
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.
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