News

Community raises funds for refugees

Published

10 years ago

February 2, 2016

WEST WALES refugee support group Hiraeth Hope’s ‘Greek Supper’ helped raise over £2200 for families who have made the harsh sea crossing to Lesvos, Greece from Turkey.

Hiraeth Hope supported group members Cara and Steve Wilson with their Greek Supper event which took place on Friday January 15, and raised over £2200 to send Steve Wilson and Ian O’Donahue to the Greek island of Lesvos for 10 days, where they will be helping to rescue and take care of refugees who have reached and are crossing the sea to the small island.

Speaking to The Herald Steve said: “It’s much easier to take over money, than items. The money will be spent on aid for some of the 500,000 refugees who have made the crossing from Turkey to Lesvos.”

Cara Wilson, supporting her husband arranged a fund raiser in St. Dogmaels Memorial Hall. Expecting only 40 people to turn up until two-weeks before the night, she was overwhelmed by the support received with over 200 people attending.

She said: “I cannot believe how well this has gone, we only had the idea a month ago, and with little advertising, it really goes to show that despite the negative media image, lots and lots of people do support refugees.”

“I would love to get the message out that anybody, anywhere can do what we have done, there are no big organisations fighting for this cause locally, so it is up to us in communities to get together and raise funds, and when available go and visit these places where men, women and children are in need,” Cara added.

170 Greek dinners were served, with entertainment from the St. Dogmaels choir and Rasallilah, a Greek music group, the evening also held a raffle and auction which included outdoor benches made by volunteer refugees.

Adele from Swansea brought along three refugees, Karim, Tamo and Ayesha who have gained asylum to the UK who all stood before the crowd to speak about their former professions and lives before coming to Wales.

The events supporter Hiraeth Hope, offer respite and working holidays to those already in Wales. Hiraeth Hope’s director and the evenings chef, Fred Luckman works with Swansea refugee organisations like Unity and Diversity.

In the UK refugees are not allowed to work while their papers are being processed. Many fail to get asylum at which point they must leave their accommodation within 28 days and are not allowed to rent or work at all, despite this they are not sent back to their countries which are generally considered too dangerous so they are left in limbo, often having to rely on others who have been granted asylum for support.

“We are also particularity looking for people in Pembrokeshire who are interested in perhaps providing some weekend housing for these refugees. Activities and craft work, staying with a family in West Wales provide a breath of fresh air for some of them.” Fred Luckman said.

“The present policies are a recipe for problems” said Vicky Moller, a Plaid Assembly candidate and a director with Hiraeth Hope. “I am urging the UK to allow a sponsorship scheme, which could be piloted in one county or in Wales. Then we could invite in refugees who would fit in, on the basis of friendship and avoid using any public money. They could work without taking local jobs.”

“I am taking two MEPs and an MP to the refugee camp in Calais to discuss with the people living within them and aid workers what we could do to respond to the crisis more intelligently.”

All counties in Wales have been asked to take a small number of Syrian refugees, first to answer was Ceredigion Council who took a group in before Christmas. Carmarthenshire has also responded and is taking a number of Syrians shortly, despite continued pressure from Pembrokeshire locals and Hiraeth Hope, Speakers said: “Pembrokeshire County Council refuse to take in any refugees and sometimes don’t even reply to questions regarding the topic.

“With very little monetary support we could work together to with the council to house and provide activities for Syrian refugees.”

One North Pembrokeshire resident who had a phone call with a housing officer for Pembrokeshire County Council said: “The counties around us are responding but Pembrokeshire officers cite lack of political will as the reason for inaction.”

St. Dogmaels Councillor Mike James, was prevailed upon to look in on the fundraiser. He was shocked at the level of support and promised to ask for a progress update at County Hall.

A spokesperson for PCC told the Herald: “A report on the Syrian Vulnerable Persons Relocation Scheme will be presented to Cabinet for consideration in February.”

He also added that the issue: “is not only a matter for the local authority but for a number of agencies who will need to work together to deliver services to ensure that any placements are sustainable.”

To find out more details about Hiraeth Hope and the work they do visit: www.hiraethhope.org.uk

News

Political leaders and unions react to Milford Haven school assault

Published

7 hours ago

February 6, 2026

Tom Sinclair

First Minister, MP, MS and teaching unions call for safety and support for staff

POLITICAL leaders and teaching unions across Wales have spoken out following Thursday’s assault on a teacher at Milford Haven School, which led to a lockdown, a major police response and the arrest of a 15-year-old boy on suspicion of attempted murder.

The First Minister Eluned Morgan said she was “deeply concerned” by the incident and stressed that violence had no place in Welsh schools.

***Police at Milford Haven School on May 5 (Pic: Herald)***

Her comments come just days after she visited the Milford Haven campus following the school being placed into special measures by Estyn, where she met leaders to discuss improvement plans and support arrangements.

She said her thoughts were with the injured teacher, their family and the wider school community, and praised the swift response of staff and emergency services.

Local MP Henry Tufnell, who represents Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire, described the incident as deeply upsetting for what he called a close-knit community.

He said he was thinking of the teacher and pupils affected and thanked Dyfed-Powys Police and ambulance crews for their professionalism.

Meanwhile Senedd Member Samuel Kurtz said: “Deeply concerning news across the water in Milford Haven.

“Sadly, violence in our schools is becoming all too common, and thanks must go to the emergency services for their timely response. Thoughts are with the injured teacher, their family and the wider school community.”

Leader of the Welsh Conservatives Andrew RT Davies said teachers must feel safe at work and called for continued support for school staff.

Teaching unions also responded.

NASUWT said teachers “deserve to feel safe in their workplace” and that any violence against staff must be taken seriously, while National Education Union said schools must remain safe spaces for both pupils and staff and urged continued focus on safeguarding and behaviour support.

All said support would be offered to the Milford Haven school community in the days ahead as police investigations continue.

Crime

Teacher discharged as police step back from Milford Haven school after assault

Published

9 hours ago

February 5, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Teenager remains in custody as school closes and patrols increased to reassure community

POLICE have confirmed they are no longer stationed at Milford Haven School after a teacher was assaulted by a pupil on Thursday afternoon (Feb 5), as the injured member of staff has now been discharged from hospital.

In a joint statement issued by Dyfed-Powys Police, Pembrokeshire County Council and Hywel Dda University Health Board, Superintendent Chris Neve said swift action had been taken to protect pupils and staff.

He said: “Police are no longer in attendance at Milford Haven Comprehensive School, following a report of the assault of a teacher at approx. 3.20pm this afternoon.

“I would like to reassure parents, and the wider community, that swift action was taken to both safeguard pupils and teachers, and to trace the suspect as soon as this report was received.

“The teacher has now been discharged from hospital and is being supported by specialist officers. All pupils at the location were safe, and all returned home unharmed. A 15-year-old boy has been arrested and remains in police custody as enquiries continue.

“You will see a higher than usual police presence in the area over the coming days – these will be dedicated patrols to provide further reassurance.”

The injured teacher was earlier taken to hospital by road ambulance.

An immediate lockdown was put in place at the school while emergency services responded. Most pupils had already left for the day, but those still on site were secured inside classrooms and offices as a precaution.

School closed on Friday

Council leader Cllr Jon Harvey said the school would be closed to pupils on Friday to allow support and safety measures to continue.

He said: “We would like to thank staff and pupils at Milford Haven School for implementing a swift and effective lockdown in response to this incident.

“While the school will be closed to pupils tomorrow, if there are any learners who require additional support they are welcome to attend and there will also be support for staff on site.

“We’d like to reassure learners and parents, along with the wider community, that all measures to ensure safety are being taken.”

The health board added that anyone needing urgent mental health support can call NHS 111 and press option 2 for 24-hour assistance.

National spotlight

The incident has drawn national media attention.

BBC News broadcast live from the school gates during its Ten O’Clock News bulletin, while ITV News and several national titles also covered developments.

Journalists from a number of UK outlets, including The Sun, contacted The Herald as events unfolded, with several Welsh and national publishers using photographs first taken by Herald reporters.

Residents said the scale of coverage was unprecedented for the normally quiet port town.

Police enquiries are continuing.

Photo caption:

Police outside Milford Haven School following Thursday’s incident (Pics: Herald).

Health

Health board targets rise in steroid and gym drug use across west Wales

Published

13 hours ago

February 5, 2026

Tom Sinclair

THE LOCAL health board has launched new targeted measures after recording a sharp rise in the use of steroids and other image-enhancing drugs across the region.

Hywel Dda University Health Board says needle exchange figures show significant growth over the past two years in people seeking support related to Image and Performance Enhancing Drugs (IPEDs), including anabolic steroids and so-called Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators (SARMs).

SARMs, while marketed online as safer alternatives to steroids, are illegal to sell in the UK and health professionals warn they carry serious and largely unknown risks.

The health board has now teamed up with Dyfed Drug and Alcohol Service (DDAS) and Choices, a young people’s substance use service, to tackle what officials describe as an “emerging public health challenge”.

Workshops and outreach

Two key initiatives have been introduced.

Educational workshops are being delivered to young people, focusing on the risks of using performance-enhancing substances during physical development and the potential long-term effects on hormones, mental health and fertility.

At the same time, enhanced support is being offered to people already involved in gym and fitness culture, with harm-reduction advice, health monitoring and confidential drop-in services.

Support includes testosterone testing, blood checks, cycle provision kits and discreet one-to-one consultations.

One service user described the programme as “quick, professional and non-judgemental”.

They said: “The drop-in clinic for my blood test was really convenient. I was seen quickly and given a full run-down of the services available. The staff made me feel comfortable the whole time and I got my results back faster than expected.”

Taking support into the community

The team has also worked directly with local gyms, leisure centres and sports venues, speaking to more than 100 people during five outreach sessions.

Twelve DDAS staff members have completed specialist IPED training delivered by Public Health Wales to strengthen expertise within the service.

Rachel Wilson, Resilient Families Manager at Choices, said the aim is to reduce stigma.

She said: “We’re proud to work alongside Hywel Dda to ensure people who use IPEDs are met with understanding, not judgement. These initiatives are helping us reach individuals who may not have previously considered accessing support.”

Craig Jones, Prevention and Population Health Improvement Manager, added: “This work is about meeting people where they are. By listening and responding with compassion and evidence-based care, we’re making a real difference.”

Dr Ardiana Gjini, Executive Director of Public Health, said the approach showed the board’s commitment to early intervention.

She said: “These initiatives reflect a proactive, collaborative response to emerging health challenges and demonstrate our dedication to protecting the health of our communities.”

Anyone seeking confidential advice or support can contact DDAS on 03303 639997 to book an appointment.