Community
Thousands of sick and disabled people supported into work as Government hits target
More than 65,000 people across the UK receive tailored employment support – but questions remain over impact and benefit changes
TENS of thousands of sick and disabled people across the UK – including in Wales – have received personalised employment support under a major Government scheme, according to new figures released this week.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) says more than 65,000 people have now been helped through its “Pathways to Work” programme, exceeding a target set in March 2025.
The initiative, delivered through Jobcentres, offers voluntary one-to-one support for people classed as having limited capability for work and work-related activity (LCWRA) – a group previously not required to seek employment.
Support or pressure?
Ministers say the scheme is helping to “fix a broken welfare system” by offering tailored advice, training opportunities and routes into employment.
Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden said the programme is giving people “a real chance at secure employment” after years of being “written off”.
However, critics have long argued that changes to welfare policy risk placing pressure on vulnerable people, particularly those with long-term health conditions or mental illness.
Around 2.7 million people are currently classed as LCWRA on Universal Credit, including more than 170,000 aged between 18 and 24.
Government data suggests that after two years, around 11.4% of those who received similar support were in work, compared to 8.1% who did not – a modest but measurable increase.
Changes coming in April
The announcement comes ahead of significant changes to Universal Credit due to take effect from April 6.
These include an above-inflation rise in the standard allowance, worth around £295 this year for a single claimant aged 25 or over.
However, the reforms also introduce a lower health-related payment for new claimants – £217.26 per month, compared to the current £429.80 – a move that has already attracted concern from campaigners.
The Government says the changes are designed to “rebalance” the system and encourage more people into work, alongside a wider £3.5 billion investment in employment support.
Real-life impact
The DWP highlighted individual success stories, including one claimant who turned a passion for art into paid work after receiving support from an adviser.
But questions remain about how widely such outcomes can be replicated, particularly in rural areas like Pembrokeshire where access to jobs, transport and specialist services can be limited.
Local picture unclear
While advisers are now based in Jobcentres across Wales, no local breakdown has been provided showing how many people in Pembrokeshire or West Wales have benefited from the scheme.
With economic inactivity and long-term illness rising in many parts of Wales, the real test will be whether programmes like this translate into sustained employment locally.
The Herald understands that further data on regional outcomes may be published later this year.
Community
Councillors needed for Kilgetty and Begelly Community Council
A PEMBROKESHIRE community council, which only has half its council seats filled, is calling for anyone interested in becoming a councillor to think about joining it.
Kilgetty and Begelly Community Council which cover areas such as Reynalton, Thomas Chapel, Begelly and also Kilgetty, is on the lookout for new members, having six vacant seats out of 12.
Peter Adams, Vice-Chair said: “The community council currently has six vacancies for our council, and would very much like to hear from anyone who may be interested in becoming more involved in community matters.
“The only commitment asked, is for a monthly meeting at the Kilgetty community centre on the second Thursday of the month to assist in decision making in the community, apart from the summer break which is usually in August when there is no meeting.”
He added: “KBCC council has 12 seats for councillors to represent the community covering the areas of Reynalton, Thomas Chapel and Kilgetty-Begelly; in recent years councillors have left for various reason due to retirement and other commitments etc, leaving us currently with six people.
“A lot has been achieved in the community in the last two years with a new park being opened, and now the completion of the ownership of the community centre the council feel that we need to encourage new people to come forward with ideas, and to also assist in the running of the increasing community facilities.”
Anyone interested please contact the council’s clerk Gary Price using the council’s website (www.kilgettybegellycouncil.co.uk) or phone 07984991520.
Community
HOPE MS Therapy Centre celebrates 40 years of support in Pembrokeshire
A special evening of music and celebration marked four decades of service by HOPE MS Therapy Centre, one of Pembrokeshire’s longest-serving self-funding charities.
THE ANNIVERSARY concert took place on Friday evening (June 26) at St Clement’s Church, Neyland, bringing together supporters, trustees, local councillors and members of the community to celebrate the charity’s 40th year.
Founded in 1986, HOPE MS Therapy Centre provides support and therapies for people living with multiple sclerosis and other neurological conditions across Pembrokeshire. The organisation has operated as a self-funding charity throughout its history, relying heavily on fundraising and community support.
Guests enjoyed performances from the Quaynotes Mixed Choir, along with acclaimed soloist Sarah Arthur, in what organisers described as an evening of music, song and thanksgiving.
Among those attending was Pembroke Mayor Jonathan Grimes, who praised the charity’s contribution to the county. He was joined by fellow county councillors and trustees including Simon Wright and Simon Hancock MBE.
Writing after the event, Cllr Grimes said: “Thank you to HOPE MS Therapy Centre for inviting me as Mayor of Pembroke to this evening’s concert to celebrate 40 years of service to Pembrokeshire.
“It was great to see my fellow county councillors and members of the trustee board as well as enjoying a fabulous performance from Quaynotes Mixed Choir and the fabulous soloist Sarah Arthur.
“Congratulations to HOPE MS Therapy Centre. I’m looking forward to being involved with the other events you have planned to celebrate 40 years.”
The concert is one of a series of events planned to mark the charity’s milestone anniversary year.
HOPE MS Therapy Centre continues to support people from across Pembrokeshire, providing therapies, advice and a vital social network for those affected by multiple sclerosis and related conditions.
Community
Fishguard joins Eisteddfod celebrations as Lord Rhys procession arrives in town
Giant puppet procession brings Welsh history and culture to the streets ahead of this summer’s National Eisteddfod
FISGHUARD and Goodwick joined the celebrations today as the spectacular Carreg Filltir Las procession brought the story of Lord Rhys to north Pembrokeshire.
Residents lined the streets as a giant puppet of the 12th-century Welsh prince, created by Small World Theatre, made its way through the community as part of the build-up to this summer’s National Eisteddfod.
The procession commemorates 850 years since Lord Rhys hosted what is widely regarded as the first Eisteddfod at Cardigan Castle in 1176.
Fishguard was one of the stops on the route, with families, local residents and Welsh language supporters turning out to welcome the larger-than-life figure as it passed through the town.
Organisers say the project aims to connect communities across the Eisteddfod area while celebrating Welsh language, culture and heritage.
The procession forms part of the build-up to Eisteddfod Genedlaethol y Garreg Las, which will be held in north Pembrokeshire from August 1 to 8.
The festival is expected to attract thousands of visitors and will showcase Welsh music, literature, performance, art and culture.
The Lord Rhys journey has already visited communities across west Wales and will culminate in Cardigan, the historic birthplace of the Eisteddfod tradition.
Photo caption:
Crowds gathered in Fishguard as the Lord Rhys procession passed through the town as part of the build-up to the 2026 National Eisteddfod.
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