News
‘Age of Justice’ findings revealed
A NEW report, which was launched last week by Diverse Cymru, calls for raised awareness of crimes against older people in Wales, as well as prevention measures to be put in place to prevent any further crimes from occurring.
The ‘Age of Justice’ report has been created as part of a comprehensive research project commissioned by the Welsh Government and completed by equalities charity Diverse Cymru.
Welsh people over the age of 50 were consulted through several focus groups, as well as through one-to-one interviews and surveys.
The survey results have revealed that there is no one overall definition of age-related crime, but more than half of the people who took part in the survey stated that scams, burglaries, neglect, anti-social behaviour, threats and verbal insults were particularly affecting older people.
10% of those who took part in the search reported that they themselves had been victims of age-related crimes, and a shocking 45% knew of one or more people who had been a victim.
When investigating why these crimes are often not reported, it was found that by doing so, people were worried about making the situation worse, were perhaps feeling embarrassed or, as some admitted, they were worried about not being believed, listened to or taken seriously.
Sarah Rochira, Older People’s Commissioner for Wales, said: “It is vital to understand the nature and causes of crimes against older people so that effective action can be taken to prevent them.
“I therefore welcome the findings of the Age of Justice report and expect that their recommendations will be carefully considered and acted upon without undue delay.”
The Age of Justice report, which was launched at a day of action in Cardiff Bay, highlighted that the major factors that put older people at greater risk of becoming victims of agerelated crimes included a mix between poor information sharing and a lack of understanding and training.
The report requests that police, social services, fire and rescue services and local authority departments work together to address the many varied concerns which were raised in the report, beginning with providing training for all of their staff in older people’s issues.
Martyn Jones, Diverse Cymru CEO, said: “Age of Justice represented the ideal opportunity to further the cause of equality for a protected group who are often overlooked. We hope this will help to establish a framework for a fairer, kinder and more equal society in Wales.”
Community
Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity
THE PEMBROKESHIRE ILLUMINATED TRACTOR RUN took place today (Dec 21), raising funds for two vital charities: the Catrin Vaughan Foundation and Wales Air Ambulance.
Starting at Clarbeston Road AFC at 6:00pm, the brightly lit convoy of nearly 200 tractors made its way through Withybush Hospital and Haverfordwest High Street before finishing at the Pembrokeshire County Showground.
The annual event has become a highlight of the festive calendar, drawing large crowds to witness the spectacle of tractors adorned with colourful lights and decorations.
Funds raised from the event will support the Catrin Vaughan Foundation, which provides crucial assistance to families facing hardship, and the Wales Air Ambulance, delivering life-saving emergency medical care across the region.
Organisers praised the dedication of local farmers and volunteers, whose commitment ensures the event’s continued success year after year.
(Image: Nia Marshall/Facebook)
Business
Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure
PEMBROKE DOCK Ferry Terminal has been experiencing significant congestion today as ferry services remain under immense pressure following the closure of Holyhead Port earlier this month.
The disruption, caused by storm damage, has rerouted ferry traffic through Pembrokeshire, leading to long queues and crowded facilities at the terminal.
The Herald can confirm that it has been very busy today with cars, lorries, and foot passengers queuing in large numbers. Staff are working tirelessly to manage the influx, directing vehicles and assisting passengers as they prepare to board the heavily booked ferries.
A spokesperson for the Port of Milford Haven said: “We are working closely with ferry operators and local authorities to ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible, but the sheer volume of vehicles is causing unavoidable delays.”
Travelers are being urged to arrive early for their sailings and to remain patient as the terminal operates at full capacity.
Both Stena Line and Irish Ferries have increased capacity on their Pembrokeshire routes, deploying larger vessels, including the Stena Adventurer and the MV James Joyce, to handle the surge in demand.
From our position at the terminal, our photographer has captured photos showing long lines of vehicles, groups of foot passengers carrying luggage, and port staff coordinating efforts to ease congestion.
Authorities are advising non-essential travelers to consider rescheduling their journeys where possible and to monitor updates from ferry operators closely.
(Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald)
Community
Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend
ST DAVIDS Cathedral is set to host two special events on Sunday (Dec 22), offering a blend of joyful participation and traditional carol singing to mark the Christmas season.
In the morning, families are invited to the Scratch Nativity at 11:00am. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as wise men, angels, sheep, or shepherds and take part in an unrehearsed retelling of the Christmas story. Canon Leigh described the event as: “Complete, wonderful chaos for an hour… but with some poignant, thought-provoking moments to centre ourselves on the real meaning of Christmas.”
Later in the evening, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight will take place at 7:00pm, featuring the Cathedral Choir. The event, steeped in tradition, will see the cathedral bathed in candlelight as carols and scripture readings fill the historic space.
Doors will open at 5:45pm for those seeking unreserved seating, and a large turnout is expected for this beloved Christmas celebration.
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