Launch comes as one in four students in Wales declares a disability

A NEW public-sector backed organisation has been launched with the aim of improving access to vital support for disabled students in Wales.

The initiative comes as figures show that one in four students in Wales now declares a known disability, highlighting growing pressure on universities and support services.

Since 2020, the number of students in Wales reporting a disability has risen by 26 per cent, creating what campaigners describe as a widening accessibility gap within higher education.

The situation reflects a broader challenge across the UK. Research suggests nearly two thirds of students with disabilities have not benefited from adjustment support because the process of securing help can be difficult. Meanwhile, 42 per cent of students with a declared disability say delays in accessing support have negatively affected their studies.

To address the problem, Impact Student Partners has launched a partnership-based approach designed to improve the delivery of Non-Medical Help (NMH) — the specialist human support provided to enable disabled students to access their studies.

The organisation will work with universities, support workers and students to provide a more personalised approach to matching support staff with those who need assistance. The model also includes improved communication with students and job-seeking support for graduates.

Charlie Bentham-Wood, founder of Impact Student Partners, said the increase in disability declarations reflected growing demand for better support systems within universities.

“This steady rise in Wales, where a quarter of students now declare a disability, highlights the challenges many students face,” he said.

“Research shows students often encounter barriers when trying to access reasonable adjustments at university. Demand has also increased significantly for Disabled Students Allowance-funded support through Student Finance Wales, particularly for students experiencing mental health conditions.

“Our role is to help ensure students in Wales receive the support they need and reduce the barriers they may face during their studies.”

Impact Student Partners is owned by Commercial Services Group, a council-owned organisation which returns its surplus profits to the public sector.

Students eligible for Non-Medical Help include those with conditions such as dyslexia, diagnosed neurodivergence and traumatic brain injuries. Support can include specialist tutoring, mentoring and learning assistance tailored to individual needs, including autism and neurodiversity-informed approaches.

One of the major obstacles facing students is a lack of awareness about the support available, both among students themselves and within universities.

Bentham-Wood said many students currently rely on informal support networks because accessing official help can be difficult.

“We know that a large number of students depend on informal support services, partly because sourcing Non-Medical Help can be challenging,” he said.

“Our mission is to make sure everyone who could benefit from this assistance knows it exists and understands how straightforward it can be to access.”

He added that the organisation has developed a growing network of trained professionals across Wales and the wider UK and plans to expand further as demand increases.

“We believe everyone has enormous potential. Through our partnership approach we want to create opportunities that help students thrive.”

More information about Impact Student Partners is available at:
https://commercialservicesgroup.com/ or by contacting [email protected].

Alleged incident in Ammanford

A MOTORIST accused of dangerous driving has been sent to the Crown Court following a hearing at Llanelli Magistrates’ Court.

Kyle Morgan, aged 27, of Heol Y Meinciau, Pontyates, appeared before magistrates on Thursday (Mar 5) charged with driving dangerously.

The court heard that the alleged offence took place on February 14 this year on Dyffryn Road, Ammanford.

Prosecutors allege that Morgan drove a motor vehicle in a manner that fell far below the standard expected of a competent and careful driver, and that it would have been obvious to a competent driver that driving in that way was dangerous.

Dangerous driving is one of the most serious road traffic offences and carries a maximum penalty of two years’ imprisonment, an unlimited fine and a mandatory driving disqualification.

Magistrates were told that because of the seriousness of the allegation the case should be dealt with by the Crown Court.

Morgan was therefore sent to Swansea Crown Court where the case will proceed.

He was granted bail ahead of his next court appearance.

Defendant accused of confronting man connected to criminal case

A CARMARTHENSHIRE man has been sent to the Crown Court after appearing before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court charged with intimidating a witness connected to a criminal investigation.

Justin Griffiths, aged 41, of Brynhaul Street, Llanelli, appeared before magistrates on Thursday (Mar 5) accused of attempting to interfere with the course of justice.

The court heard that the alleged incident took place on February 10 this year in Llanelli.

Prosecutors allege that Griffiths approached and verbally confronted a man whom he knew to be a witness in an ongoing criminal matter. It is claimed that his behaviour was intended to intimidate the individual and discourage them from assisting the police investigation.

The charge states that Griffiths intimidated a witness in order to obstruct, pervert or interfere with the course of justice, contrary to the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994.

Witness intimidation offences are treated particularly seriously by the courts because they can undermine the integrity of criminal proceedings and discourage victims or witnesses from coming forward.

Magistrates were told that because of the nature of the allegation and the potential seriousness of the offence, the case was unsuitable for summary trial.

The court therefore sent Griffiths to Swansea Crown Court, where the case will proceed.

He was granted bail ahead of his next appearance at the Crown Court.