Connect with us
Advertisement
Advertisement

Community

Welsh more likely to be alone at Christmas

Published

on

A NEW SURVEY by The Salvation Army has revealed that nearly one in 10 people will spend Christmas day alone this year in Wales (9 per cent), more than double the average across Britain (3 per cent).

alone at christmasThe poll that the church and charity commissioned with YouGov, also revealed that 12 per cent of people in the country felt lonely over the festive season last year (higher than the British average of 11 per cent). The Salvation Army is working within local communities to tackle the issue of isolation and loneliness, and bringing Christmas to many people who would otherwise be unable to celebrate the festive season. Last year, church and charity supported more than 53,000 people over Christmas in Britain, delivered more than 70,000 presents donated to us, and cooked 1703 Christmas dinners Major Val Mylechreest, Salvation Army spokeswoman, said:

“Loneliness can affect anyone of any age or background. People in Wales, like many people across the Britain, can feel disconnected to their local communities and out of touch with their families over the Christmas period. Every year many of our churches open their doors on Christmas Day for a sociable lunch or go out into the community – and see people from every background and age.”

According to the survey, 81 per cent of the Welsh think the season has become too materialistic, with the survey average 77 per cent. With an average total spend of £438 in the country, Christmas is an expensive celebration with the Welsh forking out more than people living in London, South East England and Scotland. The poll also found that 43 per cent of people believe that Christmas is still a Christian festival. The survey suggests that many of us still believe in ‘Christian charity’ with 12 per cent planning to help vulnerable people in need or volunteer with charities over the festive period, though that is below the British average of 14 per cent. Demi Hall, 39, from London, was struggling to make ends meet and needed emergency food for her family, so she asked The Salvation Army for help. She now volunteers at the church (corps) in Clapton, London and the nearby Salvation Army community café in Stoke Newington.

She said: “The Christmas holidays were really difficult. I have extended family but the added pressure of providing for my son at Christmas made me feel very isolated, because I was trying to cope with things on my own. I wanted to treat my son to a nice Christmas. The Salvation Army church in Clapton helped me with friendship, food and books to make Christmas a happy time for us. I’m now working for The Salvation Army coordinating the food parcel programme – helping people like me.”

Val Mylechreest adds: “The Salvation Army are here to help anyone in Wales who needs us, regardless of background. If you are feeling lonely, or worried about feeling lonely, please get in touch with your local church.

 

1 Comment

1 Comment

  1. DavidTwera

    March 12, 2026 at 11:53 am

    Journeying with CBD [url=https://www.cornbreadhemp.com/collections/full-spectrum-cbd-oil ]full spectrum cbd oil 1000mg[/url] products calls for a bit of homework. While hemp-derived cannabidiol is lawfully permitted in the United States, laws differ from state to state and nation to territory. Bringing original bottles with visible ingredient lists and lab documentation can minimize likely issues at customs. A small amount of research before leaving ensures a hassle-free and confident experience.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Community

Police intervene after post raises fears of planned Pembroke Dock fight

Published

on

Extra patrols launched after social media alert in aftermath of Tenby stabbings

POLICE intervened after an online warning raised fears of a planned fight involving young people in Pembroke Dock.

The development came in the immediate aftermath of the shocking stabbings of four youths at Tenby railway station on Tuesday night, which have caused serious concern across Pembrokeshire.

Pembroke Dock and Pembroke Police said they were made aware of social media posts suggesting a fight had been arranged for Friday afternoon (Apr 10), and that the reports were treated with “the utmost seriousness”.

The Herald understands concerns were flagged directly to Dyfed-Powys Police after troubling material was seen online, including a post warning parents about an alleged planned fight in Memorial Park, Pembroke Dock.

The post urged parents to check their children’s phones and referred to claims that children as young as nine could be involved, with allegations that knives were being discussed in group chats on social media.

In a statement, BCU Commander for Pembrokeshire, Superintendent Louise Harries said: “These reports have been treated with the utmost seriousness, and our priority is to ensure the safety of residents in this area, as well as disrupting any kind of violent or anti-social behaviour that occurs.

“Today, our officers have taken proactive measures to identify those involved in the planned activity, and have spoken to each young person, along with their parents and guardians.

“I’d like to thank the young people involved for co-operating with our officers and for their understanding of the potential dangers and risks posed by planning such an event.

“To provide further reassurance, officers and Neighbourhood Policing Teams will carry out patrols of the area and will be happy to speak with any members of the community about any concerns they may have.

“As we come to the end of the Easter holidays, I continue to urge parents, carers, and guardians to be aware of their children’s whereabouts.”

Police said neighbourhood officers would carry out extra patrols in the area to provide reassurance and deter any further anti-social or violent behaviour.

The latest development is likely to deepen fears of further youth disorder following the serious violence in Tenby earlier this week.

Anyone with concerns or information is asked to contact Dyfed-Powys Police via 101 or online. In an emergency, always dial 999.

 

Continue Reading

Community

PCSO clocks in after villagers raise speeding fears

Published

on

HERBRANDSTON residents flagged fast-moving traffic as a key concern, prompting police to carry out speed checks in the village.

Concern over speeding in Herbrandston has prompted a local police response, with PCSO Adam out in the village carrying out speed checks after residents raised the issue through DPP Connect.

Milford Haven and Neyland Police said the concerns emerged after officers signed local people up to the messaging service, which allows residents to share feedback and receive updates from police.

Many of those who responded said speeding through the village was one of their main worries.

In response, PCSO Adam was deployed to monitor traffic and check vehicle speeds.

The move is likely to be welcomed by residents who have grown tired of motorists treating the village like a racetrack.

 

Continue Reading

Community

Walk the Path for Wellbeing to span three counties in 2026

Published

on

THE PEMBROKESHIRE COAST NATIONAL PARK AUTHORITY is inviting communities, workplaces, families and friends to take part in the 2026 Walk the Path for Wellbeing challenge, with this year’s event expanding across three counties for the first time.

Taking place on Sunday, May 10 and Monday, May 11, the challenge will bring people together to celebrate the spectacular West Wales coastline through walking and other forms of active travel, while highlighting the strong links between nature, movement and wellbeing. A reserve weekend of May 17 and 18 has also been set aside in the event of severe weather.

Building on feedback from last year, the event will now take place over two days rather than one, giving more people the opportunity to get involved and creating a longer window for celebration, storytelling and community spirit.

While last year’s challenge focused on the 186-mile Pembrokeshire Coast, this year’s event will also include sections of Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion, bringing even more communities into the shared coastal celebration.

The two-day event will feature self-led sections for group entry. With the focus firmly on enjoyment, there is no pressure to complete every stage, and participants are encouraged to do only as much as they feel comfortable with. Together, those individual efforts will contribute to a shared goal of covering the full 313 miles of coastline.

Angela Robinson, Health and Wellbeing Officer at the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority, said: “The coast has an extraordinary ability to lift people, connect communities and create lasting memories. By extending the event across two days and into neighbouring counties, we’re opening the door to even more people to celebrate that connection together and share their experiences on social media.”

 

Continue Reading

Community24 minutes ago

Police intervene after post raises fears of planned Pembroke Dock fight

Extra patrols launched after social media alert in aftermath of Tenby stabbings POLICE intervened after an online warning raised fears...

Crime2 hours ago

Man arrested after alleged child sexual assault in Haverfordwest

Police enquiries ongoing after incident in Castle Square A MAN has been arrested after an alleged sexual assault of a...

Crime2 days ago

Four youths stabbed at Tenby railway station as two arrested

British Transport Police lead investigation after serious disorder involving group of youths FOUR youths suffered stab wounds during a major...

News2 days ago

Major emergency response in Tenby after incident near train station

Witnesses report injuries as police and ambulance crews remain at scene on Warren Street POLICE and ambulance crews remain at...

News2 days ago

Haverfordwest County AFC faces High Court winding-up threat from HMRC

Chairman says issue has been dealt with, but winding-up notice is still listed ahead of High Court hearing HAVERFORDWEST County...

Local Government2 days ago

Food hygiene checks have not been carried out in parts of a Welsh county since 2019

FOOD hygiene checks have not been carried out in parts of a Welsh county since 2019 due an inspection backlog,...

Local Government2 days ago

Bridge works on Neyland-Burton road to continue into late April

Council says safety repairs remain on programme but traffic lights will stay in place as major bridge scheme moves into...

Charity3 days ago

Angle RNLI answers string of call-outs across the Milford Haven Waterway

Volunteer crew launched for searches, police incidents, a medical evacuation and a grounded yacht during a busy spell from mid-February...

Charity3 days ago

St Davids RNLI launches on Easter Monday after drifting kayak spotted off Solva

Missing vessel recovered near shore after coastguard confirms it had been reported lost days earlier ST DAVIDS RNLI launched on...

News3 days ago

Diesel nears £2 a litre in Pembrokeshire as drivers scramble for cheaper fuel

Johnston forecourt hits 194.9p while wide price gaps and rush to fill up pile pressure on motorists across the county...

Popular This Week