Community
Homelessness: Gap between perception and reality

ALMOST half of online adults aged 18+ in Wales (46 per cent) say they always, or almost always do nothing when they see someone in the street who is homeless, compared to 54 per cent across the UK. More than a quarter of people in Wales say the main cause of homelessness is alcohol or drug addiction (30 per cent), followed by debt (20 per cent), according to new research commissioned by The Salvation Army.
The Salvation Army also carried out a survey of more than 300 residents of its centres (Lifehouses) for people experiencing homelessness, including Swan Lodge in Sunderland, and reveals a worrying gap between the reality of what it’s like to be homeless and the perception of the general public.
The Church and charity is warning that without greater education this gap will widen, making it harder for people who are experiencing homelessness to get their lives back on track which could risk increasing the cost to society in the future.
Major Howard Russell, Deputy Territorial Director of Homelessness Services at The Salvation Army, said: “At The Salvation Army we are working to end the cycle of homelessness and one of the key hurdles we face is around people’s attitudes as our research has revealed the general public believe alcohol and drugs are the root cause of homelessness when, in our experience, this isn’t the case. We believe educating the public on the reality of what causes homelessness is the way to overcome this.”
The Church and charity’s survey of its Lifehouses, reveals the main cause of homelessness is relationship breakdown (43 per cent), followed by a combination of issues (16 per cent), physical or mental health problems (13 per cent), job loss (11 per cent), then addiction (10 per cent), and finally debt (6 per cent).
Major Russell said: “While the general public appear to be aware that there are a variety of causes of homelessness, more than a quarter of people incorrectly perceive drug and alcohol addiction to be the main cause.
“Yes, alcohol and drugs may be a problem for many people experiencing homeless, this often comes as a result of homelessness and, as our survey of our Lifehouse residents shows, it is rarely the cause. Instead, it is relationship breakdown, something that can happen to anyone at any time.”
While revealing that 73 per cent of those in Wales say that at least some of the time they do nothing when they see someone who is experiencing homelessness, 41 per cent say they give cash at least sometimes, 26 per cent sometimes purchased something to eat or drink and 15 per cent say that they at least sometimes find out where the nearest homelessness service is and pass on the details to the person who was sleeping rough.
Major Russell continued: “We find it quite shocking that such a large proportion of the public polled would simply walk on by, doing nothing for a person sleeping rough.
“It isn’t an issue that can be ignored and we believe awareness needs to be raised. Our extensive experience has shown us that homelessness can affect anyone, and so it is surprising that the Ipsos MORI poll has revealed 36 per cent of people in Wales don’t think that they, or someone close to them could ever experience homelessness. At our Lifehouses you’ll find many people who previously worked in a range of professions and skilled jobs.”
The Church and charity’s survey of Lifehouses reported that 89 per cent of residents agreed that if there was one thing they wished they’d known before they experienced homelessness it was that it can happen to anyone.
The Salvation Army believe the Ipsos MORI research reveals a lack of understanding around who can be affected by homelessness as 21 per of people say it is not at all likely that someone with a job that requires a professional qualification could ever become homeless.
Interestingly the survey of Salvation Army Lifehouse residents shows that 72 per cent worked before they experienced homelessness. In addition, 65 per cent reported that employers treat them differently when they find out they’re homeless. For 70 per cent people in general treat them differently because they are experiencing homelessness.
Damon Short is a resident at Ty Gobaith Lifehouse in Cardiff. He lived on the streets for over 30 years after being in care, approved schools, hostels and jail.
He was approached by an outreach worker of the Bridge Programme at The Salvation Army and slowly began to rebuild his life. He is now a volunteer on the church and charity’s Bus Project for rough sleepers and credits The Salvation Army with helping turn his life around.
He said: “My early experiences in life made me institutionalised but I liked being on the streets because I was meeting new people and there was always something new to do etc. So my life (existence) was centred on drink and drugs resulting in me having no food – this was my situation for a long, long time.
“My Mother moved to Cardiff and I started to help her as she was alcohol and hash dependant. It made things easier for me to see her but to be honest this also made things harder for me as my health was getting worse daily.
“During one of my admissions to hospital for my drinking I was approached by the outreach worker of the Bridge Programme at The Salvation Army. A place was made available and even though I was unsure about what it was or what I could do there I accepted it. During the early days of being there a few of my friends passed away and I found the programme hard to say the least. I eventually got my detox date in the local hospital – this really scared me and I wondered what would be left in life or how I would feel without drink or drugs in my life.
“I completed my detox – I was chuffed, I’d actually done it. It felt all new and weird at first, I wasn’t too sure if I liked it or not. After a few weeks my Mother had become more and more withdrawn, her moods had changed which sadly resulted in her taking her own life. I was devastated! I attended the cremation but didn’t want to attend the wake as I knew it could start me back drinking and if I started drinking over this sadness I wouldn’t come out the other side whole.
“This actually made me stronger and gave me such determination to stay dry and clean. Initially I thought the Bridge Programme wasn’t what I wanted – how wrong was I! After a little time I started with help to deal with my feelings and thoughts, it was then that I started to live rather than exist!
The daily group sessions became exciting and I engaged fully in them, this boosted my confidence and self belief. I started to volunteer at a Peer Mentoring Group after passing the appropriate courses arranged by the Skills department. My courses have given me options to eventually achieve a NVQ via OCNs and Learn Direct.
“Recently I have regained contact with my children after seven years which is brilliant. I also volunteer on The Salvation Army’s Outreach Bus Project with the rough sleepers of Cardiff – I enjoy this immensely as I relate fully. It will only be a matter of time before I also start to assist at the local needle exchange project.
“All these placements and meetings are so worthwhile as now I’ve a purpose to get up in the mornings; my confidence and independence is such that I can’t wait for my own property to become available.
I would never have thought that I would ever be where I am today; it just proves how far I’ve come with the help and assistance of everyone who has invested their time and effort into my recovery. I am the man I am today because people believed in me and I started to believe in myself – I am now a happy, excited and purposeful person.”
The survey of Lifehouse residents reveals 68 per cent feel that people see their homelessness rather than them as a person.
The Ipsos MORI survey of online adults in the UK goes further in revealing the challenges faced by people once they have secured somewhere permanent to live and got their lives back on track, as 58 per cent agree that employers are less likely to give jobs to people who have previously experienced homelessness.
Major Russell concluded: “The MORI poll result appears to suggest that people believe once you’ve experienced homelessness employers will think twice about giving you a job. At The Salvation Army we never give up on anyone as we believe in helping individuals to reach their full potential, whatever that may be, and we would like to encourage people to put themselves in the shoes of a someone experiencing homelessness, as it is something that can happen to anyone, it’s not just alcoholics and drug addicts.”
The Salvation Army is an expert in running services for people experiencing homelessness and understands that a tailored and personal approach is needed when providing support. The Church and charity is keen to demonstrate that it’s not a simple case of providing accommodation as it employs a skilled workforce who are there at every step of the way to walk alongside residents and equip them with the skills and support they need to reach their full potential, whether that be employment, re-connecting with family or beating an addiction.
In total The Salvation Army have more than 80 homelessness services around the UK and the Republic of Ireland. It runs a number of courses and activities at all it’s Lifehouses which range from employment skills and cookery classes to how to keep their tenancy when they get somewhere to live, an important part of breaking the cycle of homelessness.
According to The Salvation Army’s survey, 76 per cent of residents take part in at least one activity on offer and 32 per cent do all the courses available to them, which the Church and charity believe shows how keen residents are to get their lives on track, if society will allow them the opportunity.
This year The Salvation Army is celebrating 150 years of transforming lives and it is still at the heart of every community today, supporting those in need.
If a member of the public sees someone rough sleeping The Salvation Army would like to suggest the public visit their local council’s website for 24 hour assistance on what they can do to help someone who is sleeping rough or experiencing homelessness.
Community
Campaign launched to save Oriel y Parc art gallery

A PETITION has been launched to save Oriel y Parc, the landscape gallery in St Davids, amid fears that its future as a dedicated fine art space is under threat.
Concerned members of the community and supporters of the arts have rallied against proposals by the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority (PCNPA) to repurpose parts of the gallery, which currently houses important artworks including those by the renowned British artist Graham Sutherland.
Campaigners say that the authority’s plan to downgrade the Pembrokeshire Landscape Gallery and convert it into a National Park Discovery Centre represents a significant departure from its original purpose. The gallery was created using £3.3 million in public and EU funding and was designed specifically to showcase the landscape and art of Wales.
The petition, launched on Change.org by the Pembrokeshire Landscape Gallery Working Group, has already attracted 519 verified signatures. It calls on PCNPA to reinstate the full gallery space for continuous exhibitions from the National Collection and maintain the rotating display of Graham Sutherland’s works, a core feature of the gallery since its opening.
Dozens of people have signed the petition in recent hours, with local residents and visitors alike voicing their support. Notable recent signers include Joanna Burke, Anne Crowley, Joanne Miles, Phil Thomas, and Patricia Karen Rathbone.
Campaigners argue that the decline in visitor numbers in recent years is not due to public disinterest in art, but rather to the lack of high-profile exhibitions since 2018. They point to previous successes—such as exhibitions of works by Graham Sutherland and John Constable—that attracted tens of thousands of visitors, boosted the local economy, and enriched the cultural life of the region.
Speaking to BBC Wales Today on March 27, Tegryn Jones, Chief Executive of PCNPA, defended the changes, saying:
“The gallery has to change. You know, 15 years – all organisations evolve and develop; their audience tastes develop during that time. I think we would be rightly criticised if we hadn’t evolved and tried to meet the needs of current visitors and current residents.”
While campaigners acknowledge that change is necessary, they say that abandoning the gallery’s artistic mission would be a mistake.
“The building was purpose-built to house art,” the petition states. “Instead of abandoning its original purpose, we urge PCNPA to work with the National Museum of Wales and the wider arts community to restore and reinvigorate Oriel y Parc’s programme.”
The petition also stresses the gallery’s importance to schools, families, artists and tourists, and warns that converting it into a discovery centre would strip St Davids of one of its most valuable cultural assets.
Supporters are calling on the public to sign the petition and urge decision makers to protect the architectural integrity and artistic role of Oriel y Parc for future generations.
To sign the petition or learn more, visit Change.org and search “Save Oriel y Parc”.
Community
Dog bans return to Pembrokeshire beaches from May 1

DOG owners visiting Pembrokeshire off-season have been able to enjoy unrestricted access to the county’s stunning coastline – but that freedom is about to end.
From May 1, seasonal dog bans will come into force on several popular beaches, as part of the county’s annual summer restrictions.
Outright bans will apply to Tenby’s North Beach and Whitesands in St Davids, while partial restrictions will be in place at parts of Lydstep, Newgale, Saundersfoot, Tenby Castle Beach, South Beach, Amroth Beach and Promenade, Poppit Sands, Broad Haven North, Dale, and Coppet Hall, where a voluntary exclusion zone operates.
The rules are in place each year from May 1 to September 30, covering the busiest visitor months.
With more than 50 beaches across the county, the majority remain dog-friendly year-round – but the council advises walkers to check signage and maps before setting off.
This summer, Pembrokeshire County Council is trialling a more lenient approach, focusing on education over enforcement. Dog walkers who breach the restrictions may receive a warning instead of an immediate fine.
However, the council has warned that dog fouling will still be strictly enforced, both on beaches and in public spaces.
A council spokesperson said: “We are looking to prioritise awareness and responsible dog ownership. This trial only applies to dogs on restricted beaches – fouling remains a serious issue and will not be tolerated.”
Maps and further guidance on beach dog zones are available via the council’s website.
Community
West Wales sewage crisis: New calls for accountability amid environmental concerns

THE SEWAGE pollution crisis engulfing West Wales continues to deepen, with new data and growing public pressure exposing serious environmental failures across multiple river catchments — including the River Teifi and the Cleddau.

Teifi among UK’s most polluted rivers
According to 2024 monitoring data, the River Teifi now has been ranked the fifth most sewage-polluted river in the UK, suffering 2,232 discharges lasting a combined 22,288 hours. The discharges, all recorded by Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water, underscore the dire state of the region’s infrastructure and regulation.
Meanwhile, Ceredigion emerged as the most sewage-polluted area in England and Wales, with 8,252 discharges lasting 94,836 hours—an unprecedented scale of pollution that has alarmed residents, politicians, and environmental groups alike.

Cleddau declared worst-performing SAC river in Wales
Concerns have also intensified in Pembrokeshire, where the Cleddau River has now been classified by Natural Resources Wales (NRW) as the worst-performing Special Area of Conservation (SAC) river in Wales, failing to meet environmental standards across key metrics. The designation has triggered political mobilisation and grassroots activism.
The Cleddau River Project and Surfers Against Sewage have been particularly prominent.
A public meeting held last month at Haverfordwest Rugby Club last week drew more than 150 concerned residents, bringing together politicians, scientists, campaigners, and regulators to discuss solutions. Organised by local advocacy group The Cleddau Project, the event was chaired by Henry Tufnell MP, who vowed to raise the issue in Westminster.

“The Cleddau is a vital natural resource, and last night’s discussion highlighted the urgent need for action,” said Tufnell. “The insight shared by our expert panel and members of the community reinforced the importance of tackling pollution at its source and ensuring our regulatory bodies are held accountable. I will be raising these issues in Parliament and pushing for stronger regulations and enforcement.”
Campaign leader Ric Cooper, of The Cleddau Project, added: “It was encouraging to see so many people engaged in this discussion, but we need to ensure that words translate into concrete action.”

Residents raised concerns about illegal discharges, agricultural runoff, and what they described as a systemic failure of enforcement by authorities.
At the meeting Jennifer Grubb from Welsh Water said: “We can do better. We need to do better.”
Political pressure mounts
Across West Wales, political figures are now facing increasing scrutiny. The Welsh Liberal Democrats have lambasted both Welsh Labour and the UK Conservative Government for what they describe as regulatory complacency.
Sandra Jervis, Welsh Lib Dem Senedd candidate for Ceredigion, said: “Welsh Labour has remained asleep at the wheel—using Dŵr Cymru’s status as an arm’s-length body as an excuse to avoid proper regulation and accountability. Residents deserve transparency and action.”

Party leader Jane Dodds MS added: “The Welsh Labour Government must get to grips with this crisis, properly regulate Welsh Water, and ensure there are real, enforceable punishments for breaking the rules and damaging our waterways.”
Welsh Water responds
Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water has attributed the vast number of discharges to the limitations of outdated rural infrastructure and reliance on Combined Sewer Overflows (CSOs).
A company spokesperson said: “We acknowledge the public concern and are committed to transparency and improvement. We’ve pledged £2.5 billion over the next five years, including £889 million specifically to improve storm overflows, to meet the challenges of climate change and aging infrastructure.”
Despite this, the company’s environmental record remains under intense scrutiny.
Regulatory failings and rising enforcement
Natural Resources Wales reported 107 sewage pollution incidents involving Welsh Water in 2023, with the number of serious incidents increasing from five to seven. Meanwhile, Ofwat has launched enforcement actions against all water companies in England and Wales, including Dŵr Cymru, amid growing concern that routine sewage releases have become normalised.
Impact on health and ecosystems
The effects are being felt far beyond the water’s edge. Campaign group Surfers Against Sewage reported 1,853 illness cases in 2024 linked to contaminated waters across the UK, many of them in Wales. Tourists and locals have also raised alarm over poor water quality at beaches in Cardigan Bay, New Quay, and along the Cleddau estuary.
The ecological cost has been severe. Local groups such as Save the Teifi have warned of dead fish, algae blooms, and collapsing biodiversity. “This is ecological vandalism,” said campaigner Lowri James. “Our rivers are dying before our eyes.”
From the Teifi to the Cleddau, the evidence is now overwhelming: sewage pollution is not confined to one catchment or one company—it is a widespread crisis demanding national attention. With communities, scientists, and politicians increasingly aligned in their calls for change, the question now is whether those in power will act before irreversible damage is done.
Cover image:
Surfers against sewage at Broad Haven in May 2024 (Image: Martin Cavaney)
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