Community

First Minister highlights importance of childcare

Published

10 years ago

May 1, 2015

Tom Sinclair

First Minister Carwyn Jones: Chatting with some of the children at the centre

WELSH LABOUR LEADER Carwyn Jones today visited a Flying Start centre in Pembrokeshire to highlight Labour’s pledge to introduce 10 extra hours of free childcare for working parents of three and four year olds if Labour wins May’s General Election.
Labour investment contrasts with the Tories who have slashed funding for Sure Start provision in England resulting in the loss of 40,000 childcare places and the closure of 720 Sure Start centres.
Welsh Labour leader and First Minister, Carwyn Jones AM, said: “These are difficult times for many families in Wales, with parents working hard in order to make ends meet. Labour’s plans to introduce 10 extra hours of free childcare for working parents of three and four year olds will be a huge relief to those struggling to balance family time and work. We know too that the lack of affordable childcare can be a barrier to mums returning to work. In Wales we have recognised this and have invested in Foundation Phase scheme which will help transform the futures of children across Wales. The number of children benefitting from Flying Start provision under Labour has increased from 18,000 to 33,000 in this Assembly. Contrasting with harsh cuts by the Tories to Sure Start in England which has seen 720 centres close and the loss of 40,000 childcare places. This election is a choice between a Labour government that boost childcare provision and help parents back to work, or a Tory government with extreme spending plans and a commitment to slash education funding.”
He added: “I’m here to emphasise the importance of childcare, we’re in a childcare setting, and also the benefits from Flying Start, the Welsh Government scheme. We know that one of the major obstacles people will have to overcome to get back to work is what they do with children and being able to provide affordable childcare is really important to help people earn money and get back to work. We’ve already doubled the number of children who are entitled to Flying Start which is one of the schemes we run. It has been extremely successful and I have heard today how successful that has been where children development mentally a way ahead of where they should be which is great news and the pleasure to be made in terms of increasing access to childcare. When our children were young, having childcare was a really important issue and it’s that way for many people. What we want to do is make sure that where people have the opportunity to work, we know that work is the best way out of poverty, and people have that opportunity to work and that we do as much as we can for them to remove any barriers that prevent them from working. We want to make sure that we (Wales) have the same offer as is in place in England. We don’t want our children to be in a different position. We are already ahead of England in that sense. One of the things we did of course was to introduce Flying Start. In England they did it the other way, getting rid of sure start, and that meant that many families didn’t have the extra help that children needed. We take the view we want to give the best start in life to our kids.”
Labour candidate for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire, Delyth Evans, said: “Families across the constituency tell me that the cost of childcare is a huge issue for them. Labour’s plan to double free childcare will be a real help to families who are working hard and still struggling to make ends meet. It shows that Labour is listening to families and taking action to tackle the issues that matter to them.”

Community

Mid and West Wales Fire Service backs Register My Appliance Week

Published

3 hours ago

January 21, 2025

Tom Sinclair

MID and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service (MAWWFRS) is supporting Register My Appliance Week (January 20–26) to help households stay informed about appliance safety and product recalls.

Millions of UK households are unaware of critical safety updates for their appliances, with over 40 million large appliances still unregistered. From brand-new purchases to second-hand machines, registering appliances ensures owners are alerted to any safety issues, extending their safe usage.

In the past year, MAWWFRS responded to 163 incidents involving white goods. Home Fire Safety Manager Wayne Thomas said:

“We all value how appliances have transformed our lives, but it’s essential to register them. Doing so is quick, free, and ensures you’re informed if a safety repair is needed. Just a few minutes spent registering can help you enjoy your appliances safely.”

The Register My Appliance portal, run by AMDEA, connects users with over 70 leading brands and accepts registrations for both new and older appliances.

Community

Young Musician Competition: Winners shine in prestigious event

Published

3 hours ago

January 21, 2025

Tom Sinclair

SIX talented young musicians showcased their skills during the first round of the 2025 Young Musician competition, held at Bethesda Chapel in Narberth on Wednesday, January 15. The event, organized by the Narberth & Whitland Rotary Club, highlighted the exceptional abilities of these enthusiastic performers.

The evening’s instrumental category winner was harpist Alaw Elisa, representing Ysgol Bro Preseli. The vocalist winner, Max Morris, also represented Ysgol Bro Preseli, impressing the audience and judges alike with his outstanding performance.

Certificates were presented to the winners by Rotary Club President Paul, who expressed his gratitude to everyone involved. “A heartfelt thank you to the competitors, their teachers, parents, and the dedicated volunteers at Bethesda Chapel who made this event a success,” he said.

The Rotary Club looks forward to seeing these young musicians continue to excel as they progress to the next stages of the competition.

Talented winners: Alaw Elisa (Harp) and Max Morris (Vocalist) proudly represent Ysgol Bro Preseli. (Pic: Narberth & Whitland Rotary)

Community

Church in Wales grant sparks revival in youth ministryFor immediate release

Published

4 hours ago

January 21, 2025

Tom Sinclair

AN INNOVATIVE church project, funded by the Church in Wales, has sparked extraordinary growth in youth ministry, engaging more than 160 children across three coastal parishes. Just a year ago, only two children were involved.

The Faith Alive project from Bro Dwylan Ministry Area in the Diocese of Bangor combines regular family-friendly worship with hands-on activities for children and young people. A monthly Kids Club meets at the local community centre, offering Bible stories, arts and crafts, games, and a delicious picnic lunch provided by volunteers.

Alongside regular activities, the project runs seasonal events to involve people who may be new to church. Activities include summer rock-pooling sessions exploring God’s creation, led by Revd Andy Broadbent, who is also a marine biologist, Halloween celebrations focusing on Christian traditions, and interactive Christmas activities including nativity displays and craft workshops.

Funding has also enabled the creation of a welcoming family space at St Mary and Christ Church in Llanfairfechan, complete with comfortable seating, a Lego table, children’s toys, library, and art area.

The impact has been significant. Where previously only two children attended, the Ministry Area now regularly engages with over 160 children through its events, with additional hundreds reached through joint community initiatives. Several new families have become regular worship attendees.

Revd Andy says, “We wanted to create options for those new or familiar with church to join in as much or as little as they want while helping them to develop their faith. Thanks to Church in Wales funding families can now attend services that include easy-to-understand theology, and family-friendly worship with modern music and technology.

“It has given the congregation a real boost seeing that change is possible and that decline need not be the future. Our success story shows how targeted funding for innovative local ministry can revitalise rural churches and create more opportunities for young people to come to faith.”

Archbishop of Wales Andrew John says, “The success of Faith Alive shows what’s possible when we reimagine how we serve our communities. Bro Dwylan’s creative approach to ministry shows that churches can thrive through innovation and genuine engagement with families. This is exactly what Church in Wales funding aims to achieve – locally-grown initiatives that can inspire similar growth across Wales.”

Bishop of Bardsey David Morris says, “It has been wonderful to hear how the Faith Alive initiative, pioneered by the clergy and people of Bro Dwylan, has touched the lives of so many young people in local communities. We are hopeful the project will continue to grow in strength and impact, nurturing and deepening faith in the next generation.”

The Church in Wales’s Tier One funding stream provides grants of up to £10,000 for innovative local projects that can be replicated nationally, supporting the wider church’s mission to engage with modern communities.