Community

Fostering in Wales celebrated

Published

10 years ago

June 25, 2015

Tom Sinclair

Mark Drakeford AM

POLITICIANS, councillors and representatives from across the fostering sector will be joining the Minister for Health and Social Services Mark Drakeford AM, at a Senedd reception held by The Fostering Network to celebrate the role of foster care onFostering in Wales Day, Friday June 12.
The special day is part of the charity The Fostering Network’s Foster Care Fortnight (June 1-14), and is an opportunity to highlight the fantastic work that thousands of foster families do across the country as well as raising awareness of fostering and the need for 550 more foster families across Wales this year.
The charity will also use the occasion to launch its Foster Carers’ Charter, which has been developed in partnership with ADSS Cymru and the WLGA and outlines the roles and commitments of both fostering services and their foster carers. Attendees will also hear from foster carers Will Howells and Bryn Miles about their experiences, and from health and social services minister Mark Drakeford AM who, as well as reiterating the need for more people to come forward as potential foster carers, will talk about the When I’m Ready scheme and the consultation on the regulations underpinning the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act.
Director of The Fostering Network Wales, Dr Emily Warren, said: “We’re delighted to have the opportunity to celebrate the role of foster care with the minister, AMs, councillors and many others from across the sector.
“Foster carers throughout Wales provide stable and secure homes for thousands of children in care each and every year, often giving these children their first real experience of positive family life. To make sure that fostering services can find the right home for each of these children, first time, another 550 more foster families are needed across Wales in the next year alone.
“For the thousands who are already foster carers, we know how important it is that they feel valued and supported by their fostering service, and that’s why we are using this year’s campaign as an opportunity to launch our Foster Carers’ Charter. This charter makes clear the responsibilities of, and expectations on, both fostering services and foster carers, as they work together to care for fostered children.
“The Fostering Network is the UK’s leading fostering charity. For over 40 years we have been bringing everyone involved in foster care together to make life better for fostered children. We promote and celebrate foster care, influence and create change and develop and share innovative approaches to fostering. That’s why I’m delighted that we are leading Confidence in Care, a consortium funded by the Big Lottery Fund which is delivering a five-year programme aiming to improve the life chances of looked after children across Wales.
“Thank you to all the foster families across Wales for the amazing work that you do. I know that this Foster Care Fortnight you will have inspired others to come forward and make a real difference for fostered children.”
Health and Social Services Minister Mark Drakeford said: “It’s an exciting time to be a foster carer or a fostering service provider in Wales as we implement our ambitious plans to transform social care. Foster Care Fortnight is a chance to celebrate our achievements and challenge us to find new ways of achieving better outcomes for looked-after children and their foster carers.
“I am particularly pleased that we are rolling out the ‘When I am Ready’ scheme, which will give young people the opportunity to continue living with their foster carers beyond the age of 18, until they are ready to move to more independent living.”
Phil Evans from the Association of Directors of Social Services (ADSS) Cymru said: “Foster carers are at the heart of our fostering service; they provide placements for over two-thirds of all looked after children in Wales. We’re delighted that the Fostering Network has given us the opportunity to acknowledge and thank them again for all their remarkable dedication and commitment.
“It’s every child’s right to live within a safe, secure and stable family environment, to be able to grow, develop and reach their potential. Foster carers offer this opportunity to children of all ages, from new born babies through to young adults. Some look after children on a short-term basis while others provide long-term permanent care. Some provide placements for children with complex needs while others care for children who are part of their extended family.
“This is an essential service provided to children and society as a whole. We’re very mindful that there are c h a l l e n g e s f a c i n g f o s t e r i n g services now and in the longer-term. The new Charter has an important role to play in providing us all with a clear statement about what foster carers need and deserve and what has to improve. ADSS Cymru looks forward to working with The Fostering Network, BAAF Cymru, Welsh Government and other partners to make this vision an everyday reality for all foster carers.”
Cllr Mel Nott OBE (Bridgend), WLGA spokesperson for social services said: “Fostering makes a huge difference to the lives of children by offering them the stable and secure home that they need to flourish. Raising awareness through events like Foster Care Fortnight plays a crucial role and we hope it encourages more people to come forward and help give a child a positive and settled family life. Local government, through initiatives like the Foster Carers’ Charter, remains committed to achieving the highest possible standards both for those children who are in need of a foster family, and also for foster families themselves.”

Community

Protest in Pembroke Dock over release of convicted sex offender

Published

2 days ago

March 20, 2025

Tom Sinclair

A SMALL group of protesters gathered outside a house in Pembroke Dock on Tuesday (Mar 19) following the release of convicted sex offender Matthew Gilbert.

The demonstration took place on Water Street, where Gilbert now resides. Protesters, including some youths, voiced their concerns about his presence in the community, particularly due to the number of young children living nearby. The property is also close to a local boxing club used by youngsters.

***Assaulted teenage boy: Matthew Gilbert***

Gilbert, 39, was previously sentenced to 16 months in prison after sexually assaulting a 15-year-old boy on a bus traveling from Haverfordwest to Milford Haven. During the incident, Gilbert sat next to the teenager, engaged him in conversation, and proceeded to touch the boy’s thigh inappropriately. The victim later reported feeling “frozen” and “shocked” by the assault.

At his sentencing, the judge described Gilbert as posing a “significant risk to young boys” and placed him on the sex offenders register for 10 years.

In addition to this offense, Gilbert has a record of other criminal activities. He previously admitted to making obscene phone calls to the Pembroke Dock fire station, which caused distress among the emergency crew. He was also convicted of sexually assaulting another man in Neyland in September 2023.

Residents are now questioning why Gilbert has been allowed to reside so close to children and a boxing club frequented by young people. The protest on Tuesday remained peaceful, with police confirming that no arrests were made.

Authorities have yet to comment on whether further action will be taken regarding Gilbert’s presence in the community.

Community

Inquest opens into teenager’s death in Burton

Published

2 days ago

March 20, 2025

Tom Sinclair

AN INQUEST has opened into the death of 15-year-old Kady Hannah Absalom, who was found at a property in Burton on Saturday, March 15.

HM Coroner for Pembrokeshire, Paul Bennett, heard that emergency services were called to the property at 4:27pm. Paramedics were already at the scene, where the teenager was reported to be in cardiac arrest. She was pronounced dead shortly after.

Coroner’s officer PC Carrie Sheridan confirmed that the girl who sadly died was Kady Hannah Absalom, a school pupil born in Haverfordwest.

A post-mortem examination was carried out by Dr Stephen Leadbeatter at West Wales General Hospital in Carmarthen.

Dyfed-Powys Police have launched a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death, with enquiries ongoing.

The death has deeply affected the local community, with Haverfordwest High School issuing a letter to parents expressing their sorrow. Headteacher Mrs J Harries described the loss as a “great shock” and extended her condolences to Kady’s family and friends.

The school has offered pastoral support to pupils affected by the tragedy and urged the community to be mindful of the impact of sharing unverified information on social media.

Mr Bennett expressed his sympathies to Kady’s family, saying: “I would like to say how sorry I am for the family that they have to endure not only the loss of their daughter but also the inquest process itself.”

The inquest has been adjourned until June for a review hearing.

Community

Drinks-related litter found on 99% of Welsh beaches

Published

3 days ago

March 18, 2025

Tom Sinclair

THE MARINE CONSERVATION SOCIETY’S latest report has revealed a troubling rise in litter on Welsh beaches, with drinks-related waste present on 99% of those surveyed.

The charity’s annual State of Our Beaches 2024 report highlights that glass bottles were found on almost half (49%) of the surveyed beaches in Wales. The findings have prompted calls for the Welsh Government to introduce a Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) that includes glass, aligning with the rest of the UK.

Growing problem of beach pollution

In 2024, volunteers conducted 119 surveys across Wales, marking an 8% increase from the previous year. A total of 1,073 volunteers participated in the Marine Conservation Society’s beach clean programme, recording all litter found along 100-metre sections of coastline. The data, collected over 30 years, helps the charity identify pollution trends and advocate for cleaner seas.

On average, 120 litter items were recorded per 100-metre stretch—an increase of 4% from 2023—suggesting the problem of beach pollution is far from solved.

Call for urgent action on deposit scheme

The report found an average of 10 drinks-related litter items—including cans, plastic bottles, and glass bottles—per 100-metre section. With drinks-related waste appearing on nearly every surveyed beach, the Marine Conservation Society is urging the Welsh Government to implement a DRS that includes glass.

Elise Lavender, Parliamentary Affairs Officer for Wales at the Marine Conservation Society, said: “We support the introduction of a Deposit Return Scheme in Wales that includes glass and allows reuse. We are calling on the Welsh Government to implement this as close as possible to the UK-wide scheme launch in October 2027. Bringing this forward will help ensure a smoother transition, improve recycling efforts, and contribute to a more sustainable future for Wales.”

Glass bottles pose a growing threat

A total of 175 glass bottles were collected by volunteers, with glass litter recorded on almost half of the beach cleans. The Marine Conservation Society’s data indicates that glass waste on beaches is increasing, with 2024 ranking as the ninth highest year for glass litter since records began 31 years ago. Broken glass poses a serious threat to both marine life and beachgoers, with sharp edges causing potential injuries.

With the presence of drinks-related litter so widespread, the Marine Conservation Society says its data highlights the urgent need for a DRS in Wales to reduce waste and encourage a culture of reuse and recycling.

Success of deposit schemes in other countries

Under the proposed DRS, consumers would pay a small deposit when purchasing drinks, which they would receive back upon returning the empty container to a collection point. Similar schemes have seen success in countries such as Finland, Lithuania, and Sweden. Ireland’s recent introduction of a DRS has led to an 80% reduction in drinks-related litter per kilometre of beach, demonstrating the potential impact of such a system in Wales.

While England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland are set to roll out a UK-wide DRS in October 2027, Wales has chosen to develop its own version, which will include glass containers.

Lottery funding supports clean-up efforts

For the past decade, players of the People’s Postcode Lottery have helped fund the Marine Conservation Society’s beach cleaning initiatives.

Laura Chow, Head of Charities at the People’s Postcode Lottery, said: “Beach cleans are about more than just removing litter. The information collected by Marine Conservation Society volunteers contributes to valuable datasets identifying pollution sources and trends over time so we can all take action to reduce marine pollution and protect our seas.

“I’m delighted funding raised by players of Postcode Lottery is supporting beach cleans, where every piece of litter collected and recorded brings us a step closer to healthier oceans.”