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News

Sandy Bear: Local child bereavement service to shut its doors in June

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sandyA BEREAVEMENT service helping children and young people will close within months, it has been confirmed today.

In a statement a spokesman said for Hywel Dda University Health Board said: “The Sandy Bear Service will end in June 2016 as a commissioned service.

“We continue our work with the county council and other partners to explore new opportunities for bereavement services for children young people and their families.”

The Pembrokeshire-based community service has been working with children aged from 0-18 for 19 years and has been cited as an example of best practice in helping children with unresolved grief issues.
The service has ​two​ funded part-time coordinators and volunteers recruited from health, education and social services.
The development of this service was unique and innovative within Pembrokeshire as research states that by and large the mental health service field had not previously appreciated the impact of loss and bereavement on a child’s emotional health and well-being.
Despite the excellent work being delivered by the service, a post appeared in the Save Essential Services Facebook group from an unimpeachable source stating that the service is definitely to close.
Reactions to the news were appalled.
Samantha-Jane Connor wrote: ​”​Sandy bear helped me when I lost my dad 10 years ago (I was 11) I still even have the teddy they gave me and the memory box that was created! It’s wrong … I think children need this!​”​

Service users, both past and current, were unanimous in their condemnation of the service cut. A check on the County Council’s website revealed that there appeared to have been no discussion of cutting the service with councillors, and the service is not mentioned in the string of cuts to the social services budget rubber-stamped by the County Council’s Cabinet.
As the cut to funding is likely to have an impact on the welfare of a defined group of young people, the Council should have carried out an impact assessment. There is no sign of it having done so.
The Herald asked the local authority to confirm or deny that the services was to close, in a statement which neither confirmed nor confirmed its closure, a spokesperson told The Herald: ​”​Council services provided by the Families First grant – including Sandy Bear – are currently being reviewed following a reduction in funding from the Welsh Government.​”​
Sandy Bear is part of the Council’s Emotional Health and Well Being service commissioned from the Hywel Dda University Health Board.

​”​Tellingly, an online link to information on the county council’s own website no carries the information described on a Google search as being held there.

As the Council’s statement had flagged up the involvement of the Health Board, we approached it for a comment as well. Libby Ryan-Davies, Director of Mental Health and Learning Disabilities, told us: “Hywel Dda University Health Board are working together with Pembrokeshire County Council to review the current provision of Bereavement services in Pembrokeshire as a result of the recent confirmation of Welsh Government funding reduction.
“We are committed to looking at all opportunities to ensure the delivery of evidence-based services, locally.”
Pembrokeshire County Councillor Stephen Joseph joined the online discussion on Thursday (Mar 24), commenting: ‘I have only become aware that funding has been cut to this service through Facebook today. I have spent the morning trying to establish who has made the decision and why it has been made without, it appears, any involvement from any councillors’.
At the time of writing this article, an online petition started by Nina Evans has gathered 2,600 signatures in under forty-eight hours.
Nina’s petition states: “​This is a service that help hundreds of children who have encountered bereavement. They carry out an amazing service supporting children & helping them understand what has happened. I would hate to think what dark place my child would be in now if he had not been lucky enough to have the support from Sandy Bears.

​”​Please help to make Pembrokeshire county council sit up and re-think their decision. As a mother of a child who has suffered a bereavement of a parent I know how difficult it is dealing with grief, so please sign and let others have the support that that my family did.
​”​Fiona Skeate, a former volunteer with the service responding to the petition wrote: ​”​I work with some of the most damaged LAC children in Wales and see first-hand the devastating emotional and psychological impact that bereavement and loss can have on children and young people, both in the immediate and long term.
​”​I volunteered for Sandy Bears a few years ago and have seen first hand the positive difference this kind of support group provides to troubled teens and children as well as providing vital support to families who are having difficulty supporting themselves and are often at a loss as to how best help their children.

​”​Karen and Anita have been able to visit families in their homes to provide immediate guidance and develop a rapport with families.At a later date, children can then share their grief, express feelings and emotions, talk, share memories, carry out therapeutic activities and have pertinent questione answered that in most cases they have previously been unable to do.
​”​Think again and research into the therapeutic value of this kind of intervention before it is too late.”​
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Charity

Tenby Round Table donates £2,336 to Paul Sartori Foundation

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THE PAUL SARTORI FOUNDATION, Pembrokeshire’s hospice-at-home charity, has received a donation of £2,336 from Tenby Round Table, funding the purchase of two specialised Minuet 2 hospital-style beds to enhance patient comfort at home.

Representatives from the Tenby Round Table visited Paul Sartori House on Tuesday (Mar 4) to meet the team and see how their donation is making a difference. The charity’s Equipment Loan Team demonstrated the new beds, highlighting their benefits for end-of-life patients wishing to spend their final days at home.

Amanda Elmes, Equipment Assistant, and Mark Bunyan, Equipment Technician, explained how the beds provide essential support, with families expressing deep gratitude for their availability, even if used for just a short period.

Will Davies, Chairman of Tenby Round Table, said: “The decision to donate was unanimous because we all strongly believe in the invaluable service Paul Sartori provides to families in need.”

Joost Geertman, past president of Tenby Round Table, shared a personal connection, having recently accessed the charity’s services for a family member. He said: “It’s heartening to see how Paul Sartori supports people at the most critical times of their lives. I know firsthand the difference it makes to families locally.”

The Paul Sartori Equipment Loan Service plays a crucial role in supporting end-of-life patients across Pembrokeshire. In 2023/24, the team delivered over 1,700 items of equipment—an average of 32 per week—including beds, wheelchairs, commodes, chairs, and mattresses, all provided at no cost.

Pat Coombs, Clinical Coordinator and Equipment Facilitator, emphasised the importance of donations in sustaining their work. She said: “We are incredibly grateful to the Tenby Round Table. We rely heavily on donations and grants to continue complementing statutory services. Beds are among the most important items we loan, offering comfort and support when it is most needed.”

The Paul Sartori Foundation provides a range of services beyond equipment loans, including home nursing care, complementary therapy, bereavement and counselling support, physiotherapy, advance care planning, and training. The charity also operates a 24-hour advice line, available seven days a week, with a standby service for those not yet requiring hands-on care.

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Entertainment

Welsh Motorsport & Supercar Festival returns to Pembrey

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THE WELSH Motorsport & Supercar Festival is set to return to Pembrey Circuit on Sunday, September 21, 2025, with backing from The Trade Centre Wales and Iconic Auctioneers.

The Trade Centre Wales, the country’s largest used car supermarket, operates from sites in Abercynon and Neath, offering thousands of vehicles. Iconic Auctioneers, a globally recognised auction house, specialises in classic and modern supercars, competition vehicles, and automobilia.

Last year’s inaugural event drew 6,000 fans to the ‘Home of Welsh Motorsport,’ granting visitors unprecedented access to paddocks, supercar zones, motorsport displays, pit garages, and live-action demonstrations. The 2025 edition promises an even bigger spectacle, with more historic Formula 1 cars, rare motorsport machinery, and high-profile motorsport personalities. A headline theme will be announced soon.

Fan experience will be a priority, with improvements based on feedback from last year. Additional car parks within Pembrey will ease entry, a new food village will offer a wider selection, and more seating and improved signage will enhance the visitor experience.

Mark Bailey, founder of The Trade Centre Wales, said: “As a company founded in Wales, we are immensely proud to support the Welsh Motorsport & Supercar Festival at Pembrey Circuit. This event allows us to give back to the local community and connect with passionate motorsport fans.”

Iconic Auctioneers classic car specialist Arwel Richards added: “Last year’s festival was a phenomenal success, proving that motorsport and supercar enthusiasts exist in their thousands beyond the M4. We’re excited to be involved.”

Pembrey Circuit Manager Phil Davies said: “Having The Trade Centre Wales and Iconic Auctioneers as partners strengthens the event, and they will be showcasing some never-before-seen cars. We aim to build on last year’s success to make this year’s festival even bigger and better.”

Welsh Motorsport & Supercar Festival
Pembrey Circuit, Sunday, September 21, 2025
Tickets: £22 in advance / Children 15 and under FREE
More information: pembreycircuit.co.uk/event/welsh-motorsport-supercar-festival
BARC (Pembrey) Ltd., Pembrey Circuit, Pembrey, Carmarthenshire, SA16 0HZ

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Community

Dog owner speaks out after attack in Pembroke Dock

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THE OWNER of an American Bulldog involved in a dog attack in Pembroke Dock has expressed his distress over the incident, calling it a “massive accident” and an “isolated incident.”

A video circulating on social media shows the dog, named Bobo, attacking another dog, a golden retriever named Bailey, on Dimond Street, Pembroke Dock, on Tuesday (Mar 12). The footage shows passers-by attempting to intervene, with some appearing to strike Bobo in an effort to separate the animals.

Bailey’s owner, Julie Jenkins, later confirmed that her pet had suffered wounds to his body, including an ear injury requiring staples.

‘A complete accident’

Mikey Newman, Bobo’s owner, said he was devastated by what had happened and had since reached out to Ms Jenkins to offer an apology and cover all vet bills.

“I feel absolutely distraught about the whole thing,” Mr Newman said. “I don’t blame anybody but myself.”

He explained that Bobo, a rescue dog still undergoing training, escaped after being startled by a falling broom while waiting to be harnessed at the door of his home.

“He was sitting just inside my doorway, waiting patiently for me to secure his harness,” he said. “A brush I use to clean my yard fell forward and smacked into him, which made him bolt. He’s never allowed out on his own, and when walked, he’s always on his lead.”

Mr Newman chased after Bobo and arrived just as the fight broke out. He stated that he immediately intervened, pinning Bobo down in an attempt to stop the attack.

“The moment I jumped on him, he started to let go and calm down,” he explained. “But people reacted in fear, and both Bobo and I were hit in the process. I was kicked and punched in the ribs while trying to secure him.”

Ongoing training and backlash

Mr Newman emphasised that Bobo has never shown aggression towards people and described him as a “cuddle bug” who loves people and is extremely loyal to his family.

“Bobo is absolutely no danger to people or children,” he said. “There were lots of people around, and he didn’t attack any of them. He is still an adolescent and in training. He even saved my daughter’s life when an intruder broke into her house.”

Since the video was shared online, Mr Newman has faced significant backlash, with some people calling for Bobo to be put down. He expressed frustration that people were jumping to conclusions without understanding the full context of the incident.

“It’s alarming that so many people are vilifying Bobo,” he said. “They see a big dog, they hear the yelps, and they react without first trying to get the facts.”

Community protection notice issued

Mr Newman confirmed that he had contacted the police regarding the incident and that authorities had now issued a Community Protection Warning Notice. This means Bobo must be kept on a lead and muzzled at all times in public.

“This will not happen again,” he said. “I take full responsibility for what happened, but I will not hurt my dog or have him put down. This was not his fault, and I have already taken steps to ensure it never happens again.”

The police have not indicated that any further action will be taken against Mr Newman or Bobo.

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