Community
Senedd Members back Haverfordwest Samaritans amid closure concerns
Charity branch praised for vital mental health support across Pembrokeshire
WELSH Conservative Senedd Members Paul Davies and Samuel Kurtz have met with volunteers at the Samaritans’ Haverfordwest branch to discuss their work, future plans, and the challenges they face.
The branch, which has been open since 1976, provides essential emotional support to people in distress through its listening service and educational outreach. It also delivers digital emotional health talks to local primary and secondary schools and has recently launched a new farming initiative — Our Farming, Our Future — to support those in the agricultural community.
During the meeting, the two Senedd Members discussed the charity’s wider restructuring plans, which could see some local branches, including Haverfordwest, potentially close. Both Mr Davies and Mr Kurtz expressed strong support for the local volunteers and the continuation of their work.
Mr Davies said: “I know that Pembrokeshire Samaritans do an important job of supporting people who are struggling, and it’s vital that we find a way for that to continue in the future. According to the latest figures, suicide registration rates increased in Wales in 2024, and that’s exactly why services need support and investment. I’m proud to support the important work of the Pembrokeshire branch and hope they can continue helping people for many years to come.”
Mr Kurtz added: “It was great to speak to the local Samaritans; the work they do to help prevent suicide is outstanding, and it would be a tremendous shame if the Pembrokeshire branch were to close. Suicide rates, particularly among men, are deeply concerning, and in rural areas, farmers face unique mental health challenges. The pressures of isolation, long hours, financial uncertainty, and emotional strain can all take a huge toll.
“That’s why having support from organisations like the Samaritans is so vital — they provide a lifeline for those who might otherwise suffer in silence.”
Community
Annual charity carol service raises funds for good causes
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.

Community
3 Amigos toy bike run under way across Pembrokeshire
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)
Community
Special delivery of thanks as MP visits Haverfordwest sorting office
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).
-
Crime4 days agoPhillips found guilty of raping baby in “worst case” judge has ever dealt with
-
Crime3 days agoKilgetty scaffolder sentenced after driving with cocaine and in system
-
Crime3 days agoHousing site director sentenced after failing to provide breath sample following crash
-
Crime3 days agoMotorist banned for three years after driving with cannabis in system
-
Education2 days agoTeaching assistant struck off after asking pupil for photos of her body
-
News5 days agoJury retires tomorrow in harrowing Baby C rape trial
-
Crime3 days agoMilford Haven pensioner denies exposure charges
-
Local Government5 days agoNew defamation row erupts after anonymous website targets Herald editor





