News

Community raises funds for refugees

Published

9 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

New ratings system for care services launches in Wales

Published

37 minutes ago

March 27, 2025

Tom Sinclair

A NEW inspection ratings system for care services in Wales comes into force on 1 April to help ensure people receive the best possible care.

Ratings will help people better understand the quality of care provided, making it easier for individuals and families to make informed decisions about their care options. 

All care homes and domiciliary support services across Wales will be given ratings and most required to display them at their premises and online, following an inspection.

The ratings will reflect the quality of care across four key themes: Well-being; Care and Support; Leadership and Management; Environment.

Each theme will be judged as being excellent, good, requires improvement or requires significant improvement.

The Welsh Government consulted on inspection ratings for care home services and domiciliary support services last year.

The new system has been developed in close collaboration with care providers and commissioners across Wales and will help drive high quality standards across care services.

Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW) will support services through the implementation of the new system. Ratings will be clearly shown in inspection reports, on CIW’s website and on posters for the service provider to display.

Over the coming months, more and more services will be displaying their ratings, however it will take up to two years for all relevant services to be inspected and given their ratings.

The new system represents an important step change in supporting continuous improvement. 

Minister for Children and Social Care, Dawn Bowden said: “Care services throughout Wales have a crucial role in looking after people. For many of them, a care service can also be their home, where they live and thrive, and we want to keep ensuring they receive the best possible care.

“These ratings will enable people to make important decisions in choosing what’s right for them and support their well-being.

“They will also enable service providers to pinpoint their strengths as well as areas for growth and development.

“I want to thank the sector for their work in helping us develop the system.”

Chief Inspector at Care Inspectorate Wales, Gillian Baranski said: “This new ratings system will help people make informed choices about care services while supporting providers to continuously enhance the quality of care they deliver.

“Most care in Wales is good care. Ratings will highlight what is working well and support improvement where needed across Wales.”

Community

Family’s heartbreak as ‘beautiful’ 19-year-old takes his own life after night out

Published

9 hours ago

March 27, 2025

Tom Sinclair

A TEENAGER with a passion for rugby and a heart “full of love” took his own life at his home in Narberth after taking cocaine and leaving a note for his family.

Samuel Price, who was 19, died in the early hours of September 21, 2023, at a property in the centre of the Pembrokeshire town.

At an inquest held at County Hall in Haverfordwest on Thursday (Mar 27), the coroner heard how Sam had returned home after a busy day which included a job interview, a shift at a local pub, and rugby training. He had messaged his mother later that evening to ask to borrow some money, which she agreed to.

At 11:15pm, he contacted someone to ask about buying cocaine. He then began walking to a friend’s house but changed his mind and returned home. His stepfather found him unresponsive the following morning, and despite the efforts of paramedics, he was pronounced dead at 7:32am.

A note was discovered on his phone indicating his intention to end his life. A post-mortem examination confirmed the cause of death as hanging, with recent cocaine use recorded as a contributing factor.

Sam’s mother, Clare Price, described her son as a “very happy kid” who was “beautiful” inside and out.

“This came completely out of the blue,” she told the hearing. “We had plans to go to a gig on Saturday night. He had a big, big heart and loved people so very much. There was no middle ground with Sam—he was very black and white. I want everyone to know that he was so much more than this. He was a beautiful human being.”

The coroner concluded that Sam had taken his own life and extended his condolences to the family.

A legacy of love and hope

Following Sam’s tragic death, his family has worked tirelessly to raise awareness of mental health issues and suicide prevention. His auntie Shelley, uncle Anthony, and cousins Hollie and Sophie recently completed a 19-mile walk from Minehead to Donniford—one mile for every year of Sam’s life.

The fundraiser, which has already passed £1,000, was part of a wider campaign led by Sam’s mother, Clare, who has raised more than £6,500 through her initiative, The Sammy-sized GAP. The project aims to strengthen support networks for people in crisis and push for changes in government policy, including allowing friends and family to refer vulnerable adults for mental health intervention.

***The Hooper family raised more than £1,000 in memory of Sam’s ‘vibrant’ life (Pic: Clare Sturman)***

Sam, who grew up in Minehead before moving to Pembrokeshire, was known for his love of rugby and was a proud member of Minehead Barbarians’ mini team, once taking part in a memorable trip to France with the side.

Speaking after the walk, Clare said: “The Hooper family’s walk is a powerful symbol—a tribute filled with love, but also a call to action. It echoes Sam’s vibrancy, emphasizing the need for suicide prevention education and support for those affected. From this tragedy, they are crafting a legacy of hope, ensuring that others find strength and assistance in their darkest moments.”

She has also warned against young people self-medicating to deal with anxiety, isolation and mental health struggles, urging anyone affected to seek proper help.

“If you knew our Sam, or know a young person who might be going through similar struggles—who might be tempted to numb the pain with drugs—please consider giving what you can to this fund,” she said. “On Sam’s behalf, we will be very grateful.”

Donations to The Sammy-sized GAP initiative can be made via GoFundMe.

If you or someone you know is struggling

If you are affected by the issues raised in this article, help is available.

You are not alone, and talking to someone can make a difference.

Samaritans offer a free, confidential 24/7 listening service. Call 116 123 at any time or visit www.samaritans.org for more support.
CALL Mental Health Helpline for Wales: Free support and listening service available 24/7 on 0800 132 737 or text “Help” to 81066.
Papyrus HOPELINE247: Support for young people struggling with suicidal thoughts. Call 0800 068 41 41, text 07860 039967 or visit www.papyrus-uk.org.
Mind: Mental health charity offering advice and support. Visit www.mind.org.uk or call 0300 123 3393.

If someone is in immediate danger, always call 999.

Crime

Police investigate theft of 75 sheep from Newcastle Emlyn farm

Published

9 hours ago

March 27, 2025

Tom Sinclair

DYFED-POWYS Police is investigating the theft of approximately 75 sheep from a farm in the Newcastle Emlyn area.

The lamb yearling ewes were reported missing from farmland near Rhydlewis. Officers believe the theft occurred sometime between March 7 and March 17, 2025.

The stolen sheep are described as white-faced, with clean white wool and a faint yellow spot. They are believed to be continental cross ewes, similar in appearance to Texel crosses.

A 40-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of theft and remains in police custody.

Police are appealing to anyone who may have information that could assist with the investigation.

Anyone with details is urged to contact Dyfed-Powys Police via the following:

🖥️ | Online: https://bit.ly/DPPContactOnline
📧 | Email: [email protected]
📞 | Call: 101

Alternatively, information can be passed to the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555111 or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.