Charity

Call for universal childcare to tackle poverty in Wales

Published

8 months ago

October 29, 2025

Charity urges next Welsh Government to create a simpler, fairer system

A LEADING Welsh charity has called for childcare to be made universally available in Wales to help reduce poverty, boost employment, and support children’s development.

In a new report published today, the Women’s Equality Network (WEN) Wales says the next Welsh Government must create a flexible, streamlined childcare system that works for all families. The charity argues that childcare in Wales has become the most expensive in the UK following the recent rollout of a new offer for working parents in England.

Parents told researchers that the current system is “disjointed, complicated and difficult to access.” Funded childcare for children under three remains limited, particularly for low-income families.

WEN Wales says that simply copying England’s model would not solve the problem. Instead, it is calling for “a uniquely Welsh solution” that delivers high-quality, sustainable and flexible childcare, alongside fair pay and working conditions for staff.

The report draws on research involving more than 780 parents and childcare experts. It recommends targeting investment where it will make the biggest difference — helping families on low incomes. The charity proposes a universal entitlement of at least 15 hours a week for all children, with means-tested support of up to 35 hours for those on the lowest incomes.

According to WEN, this approach could lift families out of poverty and give disadvantaged children a better start in life. Crucially, the universal element would apply regardless of whether parents are in work.

The report also highlights the gender inequality caused by the current childcare system. Women in the UK spend an average of 45 hours a week caring for children — twice as much as men — limiting their ability to work. Some parents told researchers they were skipping meals because they had to give up employment to care for their children.

WEN Wales is also urging better support for providers to deliver flexible childcare options that fit around parents’ working lives. The charity recommends integrating childcare with wider family support services, offering a single point of contact within easy reach of disadvantaged communities.

Providers, it says, should be funded at a level that reflects the real cost of delivery, particularly in rural or deprived areas, and for children with disabilities or additional needs.

Victoria Vasey, Director of WEN Wales, said: “Childcare is at a crossroads, and now is the time for a transformation. This report proposes a new approach that can lift families out of poverty, give children a better start in life, and increase economic activity in Wales — especially for women.

“A universal core entitlement to childcare, combined with a means-tested element, would target investment where it has the greatest impact. All political parties should consider this carefully as they develop their plans ahead of the 2026 Senedd election.”

Steffan Evans, CEO of the Bevan Foundation and contributor to the report, added:
“This report provides yet further evidence that the current approach to childcare in Wales is not fit for purpose. A well-designed and functioning childcare system is a key tool in tackling poverty and inequality.”

Sean O’Neill, Deputy CEO and Policy Director of Children in Wales, said: “We have long called for a childcare system that puts the rights and developmental needs of babies and children at its heart. Quality, affordable, child-centred childcare delivered by a well-paid, valued workforce should be a top priority for the next Welsh Government.”

Charity

Sea shanties and street food bring crowds to Cardigan RNLI festival

Published

1 day ago

June 22, 2026

Tom Sinclair

SUNSHINE, sea shanties and street food helped draw hundreds of visitors to Cardigan RNLI Lifeboat Station on Saturday (Jun 20).

The station’s Sea Shanty and Street Food Festival brought together families, supporters and visitors from across the region for a day of maritime music, food and community spirit.

Traditional sea shanty groups performed throughout the event, with songs echoing around the lifeboat station, while street food vendors served a range of refreshments.

The event also gave visitors the chance to learn more about the lifesaving work carried out by the RNLI and its volunteer crews.

Cardigan RNLI thanked the performers, food vendors, volunteers, sponsors and supporters who helped make the day a success.

Bruce Harris, Launch Authority and event organiser, said: “It was wonderful to see so many people come together to support the station, enjoy the entertainment, and celebrate our maritime heritage.

“The atmosphere throughout the day was fantastic, and we are incredibly grateful to everyone who attended, performed, volunteered, and contributed to such a memorable event.”

The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts.

The charity operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands.

Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved more than 146,700 lives.

Charity

Mum takes on half marathon to give back to NHS

Published

1 day ago

June 22, 2026

Cerys Lafferty

KATE DAVIES is taking on the Wales Half Marathon to say thank you to the NHS services that supported her during a difficult time.

Kate, a mother of one who works in operational workforce at Withybush Hospital, is heading to Tenby on June 28 to take on the Wales Half Marathon at Long Course Weekend Wales to raise funds for Cilgerran Ward at Glangwili Hospital.

Having been in good health for much of her life, Kate has been fortunate to not need many Hywel Dda University Health Board services until recent years.

Kate said: “The journey to becoming a parent wasn’t straightforward, and I experienced several difficult and emotional setbacks along the way. Throughout this time, I was supported with great care, kindness and compassion by various services across the health board, for which I will always be grateful.

“In December 2023, under the care of Glangwili consultants, I gave birth to a healthy baby girl. I’m incredibly grateful and fortunate that I have a fantastic, healthy and happy two-year-old daughter.

“To celebrate, I have signed up to take part in the Long Course Wales Half Marathon! I would love to raise money to give back to the health board that was there when I needed it.

“I can think of nothing better than reaching the finish line in good health, with my daughter waiting for me, knowing I have raised funds and given back to say thank you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart to everyone who has donated.”

Tara Nickerson, Fundraising Manager, said: “What a heartfelt story. A huge thanks to Kate for taking on the Wales Half Marathon to support a service so close to her heart. We look forward to cheering her on!

“The generous charitable donations we receive don’t replace NHS funding. Instead, they are used to provide items and activities above and beyond core NHS expenditure, such as more welcoming surroundings for patients, families and staff, and research into, and the development of, treatments.”

You can donate to Kate’s fundraiser here: https://hyweldda.enthuse.com/pf/kate-davies

Charity

Welsh gold prize helps Cancer Research Wales mark 60 years

Published

2 days ago

June 22, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A DIAMOND-set Welsh gold necklace donated by Clogau will headline a special fundraising raffle marking 60 years of Cancer Research Wales.

The award-winning jewellery brand has gifted the necklace as the grand prize in the charity’s inaugural 60th Anniversary Diamond Raffle, which will raise funds for research, diagnosis and treatment projects across Wales.

The prize was unveiled at Clogau’s Cardiff store by Cancer Research Wales ambassador and Miss United Kingdom Millie-Mae Adams, who received it on behalf of the charity.

Clogau, founded in North Wales, is internationally known for jewellery containing rare Welsh gold. Its heritage is closely linked to the Royal Family, with Welsh gold from the Clogau St David’s mine used in royal wedding rings for more than a century.

Ben Roberts, Managing Director of Clogau, said: “We are incredibly proud to support Cancer Research Wales as it celebrates this remarkable 60-year milestone.

“As a Welsh business with deep roots in our communities, we recognise the impact cancer has on families across the country and the importance of investing in research that can save and improve lives.

“We hope this beautiful Welsh gold necklace will help generate significant support for the raffle and encourage people to get behind the charity’s vital work.”

Millie-Mae, a proud Welsh speaker and doctor in training, is also the founder of Exeter Street Doctors, a charity which equips young people with lifesaving first aid skills.

She said: “As a proud ambassador of the charity, it is my privilege to play my part in Cancer Research Wales’s 60th anniversary and be here today to unveil the first prize in the 60 Anniversary Diamond Raffle – a stunning, diamond-set gold necklace, generously donated by Clogau.

“The gift of life and time with our loved ones is the most precious thing in the world, so please show your support for Cancer Research Wales’s life-saving and life-prolonging work today by entering the raffle.

“You could win this stunning Clogau gold necklace while helping to fund vital cancer research here in Wales.”

Millie-Mae also advocates for health education through her Medic Millie Mondays social media series and delivered the first Welsh-language Street Doctors session. Her work with Cancer Research Wales is shaped in part by her own family’s experience of cancer.

Lisa Buckley, Head of Income Generation at Cancer Research Wales, said: “I’m very grateful to Clogau and Millie-Mae Adams for supporting us to launch our 60 Anniversary Diamond Raffle – our first ever raffle, as we celebrate 60 years as the independent Welsh cancer research charity and 60 years of innovation in cancer diagnosis and treatment.

“Since 1966, we have invested £41.68 million to push the boundaries of cancer research discoveries here in Wales and we couldn’t have done that without the kindness of the Welsh public and our fantastic business community.

“Thank you for your support over the years and together we will unite Wales against cancer.”

Cancer Research Wales says the raffle will help support projects aimed at improving cancer outcomes for people across the country.

To enter the raffle, visit www.cancerresearch.wales.

Prize unveiled:

Miss United Kingdom Millie-Mae Adams received the necklace on behalf of Cancer Research Wales at Clogau’s Cardiff store (Pic: Paul Fears).