Community

People reluctant to get debt help

Published

11 years ago

January 27, 2015

PEMBROKESHIRE Christians Against Poverty (CAP) debt centre had spare capacity to help people last year, despite there being much evidence that people are struggling with unmanageable debts. The debt counselling charity has told how its Welsh clients suffered in silence with poor finances for years before daring to ask for help.

A survey from CAP showed a third delayed calling the charity for three or more years thinking they could sort out financial problems on their own. Centre manager, Naomi Joseph said: “People will know if they have a problem. “They will be the ones who are awake at night worrying; unable to meet frequent creditors’ demands and struggling to afford the basics of life.

“Today we are saying, if that is you, now is the time to get some help to sort things out.” Asked why people delayed asking for debt help, CAP found 65 per cent thought they could sort out their debts themselves; 39 per cent felt embarrassed or ashamed while 37 per cent thought no one else could help.

“The reality is, if you try to tackle the big companies as an individual, they react very differently from when a debt counselling charity gets in touch. We are speaking to the banks and loan companies every day as we make negotiations on behalf of people. “Asking for this kind of service need not be embarrassing. CAP is not an organisation that will make a judgement about what you could have done or what mistakes you made.

We are just interested in setting the wheels in motion to get you debt free.” CAP has 12 debt centres in Wales including one that opened last year in Milford Haven to cover Pembrokeshire, and each centre gives free help in the clients’ home regardless of age, gender, faith or background.

Community

Narbelles WI support Food Bank with festive donation

Published

3 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Group marks December meeting with charity collection and Christmas celebrations

NARBELLES WI rounded off the year with a festive December meeting featuring a bring-and-share buffet, party games and a Secret Santa gift exchange.

Members also used the occasion to support families in need across the county, collecting food items and presenting a £120 cheque to Ann Watling from Pembrokeshire Food Bank. The donation represents the proceeds of the group’s bucket collection during Narberth Civic Week 2024.

A spokesperson for the WI said the group was delighted to finish the year “with fun, friendship and a chance to give something back to the community.”

(Photo: Narbelles WI members presenting the cheque to Ann Watling, Pembrokeshire Food Bank.)

Community

Annual charity carol service raises funds for good causes

Published

1 day ago

December 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

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

Published

1 day ago

December 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

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)