News
Standing up for girls’ safety on International Day of the Girl
AS INTERNATIONAL Day of the Girl is marked across the world, the Welsh Government has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring girls in Wales grow up feeling safe, confident and valued.
This year’s theme, “The girl I am, the change I lead: Girls on the frontlines of crisis,” celebrates the courage and leadership of girls facing adversity and calls for action to protect their rights.
According to the College of Policing, reports of violence against women and girls in England and Wales have risen by 37% between 2018 and 2023, with at least one in twelve women experiencing male violence each year. Officials believe the true number is likely much higher.
The Welsh Government’s ten-year strategy to end violence against women, domestic abuse and sexual violence focuses on prevention, early intervention, and survivor support.
Welsh comedian and writer Mel Owen has used her platform to highlight public sexual harassment and the importance of support services such as the Live Fear Free helpline, managed by Welsh Women’s Aid. Earlier this year she appeared alongside presenter Jess Davies to share personal experiences of harassment and encourage others to seek help.
Mel Owen said: “Like so many women across Wales, I’ve experienced moments where I felt small or unsafe just existing in public spaces. Sharing these stories can be intimidating, but I’ve seen the power that comes from women supporting each other. The more we talk about sexual harassment, the more we dismantle the culture that allows it to continue.”
Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Jane Hutt, said: “There is no place for violence, fear or harassment in our society. Every girl deserves to feel safe, respected and supported to reach her potential.
“Ten years ago, we introduced the Violence Against Women, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Act, which has improved awareness, training and access to support services for victims. Today, we remain steadfast in our goal of making Wales the safest place to be a woman or girl.”
Anyone experiencing domestic abuse, sexual violence or harassment can contact the Live Fear Free helpline, available 24 hours a day for free, confidential advice:
📞 Call: 0808 8010 800
📱 Text: 0786 007 7333
💬 Live chat: via the website
📧 Email: [email protected]
Anyone in immediate danger who cannot speak safely should dial 999 and press 55 to alert the police.
Community
Free naloxone training session announced for Pembroke Dock
A FREE life-saving training session is set to take place in Pembroke Dock next month, giving people the skills to respond to suspected drug overdoses.
RM Training and Security Solutions has confirmed it will host a naloxone (Naxoline) training course at The Cricketers in Pembroke Dock on Tuesday (June 9) from 2:00pm to 4:00pm.
The session is being delivered in partnership with the Dyfed Drug and Alcohol Service (DDAS) and is open to anyone, including security staff, venue teams, event workers and members of the public.
Organisers say the training is designed to be quick, practical and accessible, equipping attendees with the knowledge and confidence to act in an emergency.
Those taking part will learn how to recognise the signs of an overdose, what to do in a critical situation, how to safely administer naloxone, and gain an understanding of basic harm reduction.
Naloxone is a medication used to reverse the effects of opioid overdoses and can be administered via a nasal spray.
RM Training and Security Solutions said the session forms part of a wider effort to improve safety across communities, particularly in nightlife and public-facing environments.
Places are limited, and early booking is advised. Those interested can book via the company’s website or contact the organisers directly for more information.
Photo caption:
Life-saving skills: Free naloxone training will be held at The Cricketers in Pembroke Dock on Tuesday (June 9).

Community
Security firm meets councillors over town safety concerns
A MEETING has been held at Haverfordwest Town Council offices to discuss community safety and security concerns in the town.
Councillor Randell Izaiah Thomas-Turner welcomed RM Training and Security Solutions for what he described as a “productive and forward-thinking” discussion.
He was joined by Deputy Mayor-elect Cllr Adam Benson Davis and the Sheriff of Haverfordwest, Cllr Dani Thomas-Turner, for the meeting with Ryan Mayne and Matthew Davis of RM Training and Security Solutions.
The discussion focused on concerns facing the community, including public safety, anti-social behaviour and the need for practical partnership working to help support residents, businesses and visitors.
Cllr Thomas-Turner said the meeting was open and honest, with all parties keen to look at constructive ways of improving safety and confidence in the town.
Further discussions are expected as councillors continue to explore possible community-led solutions.
Photo caption:
Town safety talks: Councillors met with representatives of RM Training and Security Solutions at Haverfordwest Town Council offices.
Community
Port invests almost £500,000 in Pembrokeshire communities
YOUNG people, water safety projects and environmental schemes across Pembrokeshire benefited from almost half a million pounds of support from the Port of Milford Haven during 2025.
The Port said its investment reflected another year of commitment to strengthening local communities, building confidence among young people, improving access to the Milford Haven Waterway and supporting environmental resilience across the county.
Its community support focused on three main themes: a safe, inclusive and enjoyable Waterway; a skilled and confident community, with a particular focus on young people; and a sustainable and resilient environment.

Water safety projects delivered with Windswept, Paddle West and Blue Horizons CIC helped more people access the Waterway safely, including skills sessions and boat trips for people of all abilities and backgrounds.
The Port also supported Tenby Surf Life Saving Club and Porthmawr Surf Life Saving Club, helping provide training and safety equipment for volunteers carrying out lifesaving work.
Youth support
long-standing partnerships also remained central to the Port’s community investment.
Its continued work with Milford Youth Matters supported initiatives including Under the Bridge and the Winter Warmers scheme, providing safe and warm spaces for young people during the colder months.
Support for Megan’s Starr Foundation funded more than 300 hours of counselling for young people, helping improve mental health and wellbeing.
The Port also worked with Pembrokeshire County Council and Milford Haven Town Council to help keep a vital library resource open.
Support continued for the Torch Theatre, which delivered opportunities for young people outside traditional academic or sporting settings and won an award in 2025.
In partnership with the SPARC Alliance, the Port also helped encourage young women to explore careers in STEM, with 172 girls enrolled in the programme.
Environmental work
The Port said it remained proud to support the Pembrokeshire Marine SAC Officer post, recognising the importance of protecting and sharing the county’s special marine environment.
It also highlighted its role with the Milford Haven Waterway Environment Surveillance Group, which has monitored the Waterway’s habitats and wildlife for more than thirty years.
The Port has also supported Cymbrogi Futures in delivering the Tomorrow’s Changemakers Hackathon programme for schools across Pembrokeshire.
Anna Malloy, Communications and Marketing Director at the Port of Milford Haven, said: “Our community investments are some of the most rewarding ways we support people across Pembrokeshire.
“Every year we see incredible dedication from local groups working to make our communities safer, more inclusive, and more inspiring, especially for young people.
“We are particularly proud that in 2026 the fund will be focusing further on supporting projects that help young people gain skills and grow in confidence.
“Our investment in people today helps create a stronger, more inclusive and ambitious generation tomorrow.”
The Port of Milford Haven is the UK’s top energy port and Wales’ busiest port, handling around 20% of Britain’s seaborne trade in oil and gas. It also owns and operates Pembroke Port and Milford Waterfront.
Photo caption: Water safety projects delivered with Windswept, Paddle West and Blue Horizons CIC helped more people access the Waterway safely.
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