Community

Support centre gives people a break

Published

10 years ago

January 28, 2015

Tom Sinclair

Pembrokeshire Cancer Support: The Charity Shop In Queen Street,
Pembroke Dock.

THE CANCER SUPPORT CENTRE in Queen Street, Pembroke Dock, provides support for people who have or have had cancer and their families. As the only Support Centre in Pembrokeshire, Charity Coordinator, Lyn Neville says the facility is ‘incredibly important’ for the community and it’s a shame that people only discover it when they need it. The Centre offers a place for Cancer Sufferers and their carers to go to relax, talk to others, enjoy activities and for therapies such as counselling or reflexology. The group began in 1991, meeting in the Cleddau Bridge Hotel before becoming a registered charity in 1995.

The Centre in Queen Street opened in 2007. With 3 part time staff, the centre relies heavily on raising money through fundraising. The Cancer Support shop is one outlet for raising money, while local companies have also offered support. “South Hook LNG have been really good to us,” Lyn says. “They have made a huge contribution to fund the Reflexology. “They have continued to support us over a long period, and have enabled the Charity to improve and move forward.

“We are also the Charity of the year for the Royal antediluvian society of Buffalos, or ‘Buffs’ as they’re known to most people.” The Buff’s are a worldwide group that help raise money through charity work in the community. Lyn, who has suffered from Cancer himself, says they have made every effort to make the centre comfortable and welcoming for the group. He said: “A lot of people are afraid to come here, because they think it will be depressing but it’s not like that at all.

“Our Lounge room always surprises people. We have done our best to make it homely, and even got local artists to donate paintings for the walls.” Relaxation sessions are held in the Lounge room on Tuesday and Thursdays. Karen Deverson runs Tuesday’s class, a general relaxation for the body and mind. Thursday’s class is a ‘surviving stress’ relaxation class run by Heather Owen. Every other Wednesday Morning at 10.30, members take part in crafts and card making classes.

Reflexology is also offered to members for £10 for 6 weeks and the centre’s quiet room is often used by other organisations such as CRUSE bereavement Counselling and Macmillan. There is a wide range of information available in their library and on the Pembrokeshire Cancer Support website. Perhaps the main focus of the facilities offered at the centre, is the role of the support workers.

Barbara, the chief support worker, spends much of her time visiting people in the county, whether in hospital or at home. The staff speak highly of her hard work and dedication, as they do of each other. Deryn, another support worker, says: “Our job is to listen. To provide support and find access to facilities that will help.

Maybe that’s by introducing them to someone with a similar form of Cancer, or helping to provide financial and emotional support.” Thanks to funding from Pembrokeshire County Council and Hywel Dda health board, The Support Centre has just started an outreach service providing reflexology to those who cannot access the facilities in Pembroke Dock.

Hetta, the reflexologist, visits the Cottage hospital in Tenby as well as some people’s homes. But, as Lyn points out, financial restraints mean that facilities are often limited. For the future, the staff would like to see more facilities available, as well as support for carers too. Lyn said: “Sometimes I think it’s harder for them, watching a partner or family member go through something.” Delyth agreed, and said: “Sometimes they can’t talk to family members and they take it all on themselves. It’s stressful and they often need a break.”

Community

Officials announced for 2026 Eisteddfod in Pembrokeshire

Published

9 hours ago

November 14, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE NATIONAL EISTEDDFOD returns to Pembrokeshire in 2026, and organisers have named the officials who will steer this major cultural event over the next year and a half.

With the artistic and local committees already established, meetings to finalise competitions and adjudicators are underway to ensure the List of Competitions is ready by spring. Committee members have also been voting over the past weeks to elect key officials for the Executive Committee.

John Davies, former leader of Pembrokeshire County Council, has been appointed Chair of the Executive Committee. Known for his deep connection to Pembrokeshire and extensive experience with national organisations, Davies aims to make the Eisteddfod a true community event, welcoming involvement from all corners of the region.

Tegryn Jones, Chief Executive of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, takes on the role of Deputy Chair (Strategy). With a strong passion for Welsh culture and language, Jones brings a wealth of experience working with local communities, visitors, and volunteers across three counties.

Deputy Chair (Culture) is Carys Ifan, Director of Canolfan Egin and a seasoned cultural organiser. Based in Llangrannog and originally from Llandudoch, Ifan has led numerous artistic and community projects across the region.

Cris Tomos, a community development veteran with over 30 years of experience, will lead the 2026 Eisteddfod Local Fund. Working with PLANED, a community development charity, Tomos has supported countless community enterprises and co-operatives in Pembrokeshire, Ceredigion, and Carmarthenshire.

Non Davies, recently elected as Executive Committee Secretary, brings extensive cultural management expertise as Ceredigion County Council’s Corporate Manager for Culture. Having chaired the Cardigan Local Fund Committee for the 2022 Ceredigion Eisteddfod, Davies is well-versed in managing cultural projects.

National Eisteddfod Chief Executive, Betsan Moses, said: “We’re looking forward to working with John and the team over the next few months as we prepare for the 2026 Eisteddfod.

“There’s almost a quarter of a century since the Eisteddfod was last held in Pembrokeshire, and we’re very much looking forward to returning to the area. 2026 is an important year for us as we celebrate 850 years since the first Eisteddfod was held in Cardigan Castle in 1176.

“We’re looking forward to working in a new way within a catchment area which includes parts of another two counties, which is, of course, a chance to work with local people in Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire again.”

Further announcements are expected in the coming weeks, including the sale of competition prizes and opportunities to donate the Crown and the Chair.

The National Eisteddfod will be held in Llantood from August 1–8, 2026.

Charity

Kurtz goes Jurassic as Pantosaurus visits Senedd NSPCC Campaign

Published

1 day ago

November 14, 2024

Richard Lewis

THIS WEEK, the NSPCC’s annual campaign to safeguard children from sexual abuse reached the steps of the Senedd.

Pantosaurus, the friendly mascot of the NSPCC’s PANTS campaign, appeared to raise awareness among Members of the Senedd and the wider public about the vital importance of child safety. The campaign encourages parents and carers to talk openly with young children about risks and protective measures.

The PANTS campaign is built around five key child protection messages:

Privates are private.
Always remember your body belongs to you.
No means no.
Talk about secrets that upset you.
Speak up; someone can help.

After meeting Pantosaurus, Samuel Kurtz MS, Member of the Senedd for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire, expressed his support for the campaign

He said: “I wholeheartedly support this important NSPCC initiative. Since its launch in 2013, it has empowered over six million families to discuss this sensitive subject.

“This issue affects communities across Wales, so promoting the five principles of PANTS is essential for everyone in Pembrokeshire and beyond.”

Community

Crowdfunding drive launched for documentary on forgotten 1967 football match

Published

1 day ago

November 13, 2024

Tom Sinclair

A CROWDFUNDING campaign has launched to support a new documentary capturing a nearly forgotten piece of football history—a 1967 charity match in Liverpool featuring Hungarian football icon Ferenc Puskás, alongside British legends Billy Liddell and John Charles.

Daniel Metcalf, director of the film and grandson of Chester FC striker Mike Metcalf, who played in the match, describes the film as “a love letter to the beautiful game,” aiming to highlight community spirit and the unity of sport. “Through personal stories, historic footage, and expert insights, we’ll revisit this unique game and explore 1960s football’s influence over the decades,” he said.

The project has attracted substantial backing, including collaboration with Chester FC, endorsements from notable players like Neville Southall, and the involvement of a skilled production team with narration by broadcaster Kim Thomas.

Supporters can choose from various funding tiers, with contributions starting at £10 for acknowledgments and extending to £5,000 Producer credits. Rewards range from film credits to signed memorabilia and invitations to the UK premiere. The funding target of £3,300 aims to cover initial production costs, with stretch goals set to enhance production quality.

Filming will commence in Chester in May 2025, with the documentary slated for release in early 2026 for the festival circuit.

For more information or to support the project, visit Kickstarter.