THE OLDER People’s Commissioner for Wales has urged the Welsh Government to create a dedicated support scheme for households in financial hardship, warning that older people are being left behind by existing initiatives.

Responding to the announcement of a new Crisis and Resilience Fund in England worth £1bn a year from April, Commissioner Rhian Bowen-Davies said Wales should use any consequential funding to establish a similar scheme here.

She said: “With the announcement that a new Crisis and Resilience fund worth £1bn a year is set to be launched in England from April to provide financial support to households that are struggling, there is an opportunity to use consequential funding to establish a similar scheme here in Wales.

“This is something I have been calling for, including in my recently published Priorities for the Next Welsh Government paper, as the criteria used by existing initiatives often leaves older people who are struggling financially excluded from being able to access vital support.”

The Commissioner said financial hardship carries a heavy cost, not only for individuals but also for public services.

“We know that financial hardship has a significant cost – both in terms of the impact on people’s health and well-being, and the subsequent increased pressures on public services,” she said.

“Investing in tackling these issues would help to prevent people from reaching crisis point, reducing costs and pressures while also – importantly – improving people’s quality of life and supporting them to age well.

“That’s why establishing a Resilience fund must be a priority here in Wales.”

MEGHAN SMYTH, an A-level student and young carer for her disabled sister Mia, has attended Action for Children’s Young Carers’ Gala in London – an event celebrating the determination of young people who care for loved ones.

Having balanced schoolwork with caring responsibilities from an early age, Meghan took to the stage during the Gala to perform live with a band. Her story was also shared in a short film shown to hundreds of guests – a moment she described as unforgettable.

“Watching my video play at the Gala, I found myself looking around, wondering if I was being judged. Instead, I saw genuine warmth on everyone’s faces. In that moment I realised I wasn’t being judged but rather being supported. It truly felt like a dream,” Meghan said.

During the event, Meghan also met celebrities and supporters of the charity, including singer Alexandra Burke, who praised the courage and resilience of young carers across the UK.

Following the Gala, Meghan received a personal invitation from the Princess of Wales to attend a special carol service at Buckingham Palace – a gesture highlighting the importance of recognising and uplifting young carers who can often go unseen.

Action for Children representatives praised Meghan for her dedication and talent, and for the powerful way she shares her lived experience to inspire others.

The charity’s Young Carers’ Gala aims to shine a light on young carers across the UK who juggle education, work and caring responsibilities every day, often without the recognition they deserve.

For Meghan, the evening marked more than a celebration – it was a moment of validation, pride and hope for the future.

POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a parked vehicle was damaged in Fishguard.

Officers say the incident happened sometime between the late hours of Sunday (Jan 4) and the early hours of Monday (Jan 5) in the area between Ffwrn and Pizza Point.

A blue Skoda Karoq was parked there when its front windscreen was damaged.

Anyone with information, or private CCTV such as doorbell footage, or dashcam recordings showing suspicious activity, is asked to contact Dyfed-Powys Police by emailing [email protected], calling 101, or sending a direct message on social media.

The reference is DP-20260107-035.

Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via its website.