News

Wales ahead in the protection of vulnerable elderly

Published

9 years ago

April 19, 2016

ACTION on Elder Abuse Cymru has welcomed the enactment of the Social Services and Wellbeing (Wales) Act 2014, which includes powers to better protect vulnerable adults, and notes that this moves Wales up to second place in the UK in terms of safeguarding older people.

The Act comes into force on 6th April 2016 and overhauls current safeguarding structures, providing a new legal framework to protect adults and children at risk.

“It’s a major positive step to introduce mandatory reporting of suspected abuse by agencies, as this extends the potential for victims to be identified and protected. It makes adult protection truly everybody’s business, and that should be welcomed,” says AEA Cymru director, Rachael Nicholson.

“This legislation moves Wales ahead of England and Northern Ireland, in terms of adult protection, and closer to the Scottish model. It is also a positive step towards acknowledging that the protection of adults at risk must be viewed with the same importance as that of children. Elder abuse affects approximately 500,000 people across the UK every year and it is important that we don’t shy away from the devastating reality of this issue.”

Strongly welcomed is the introduction of Adult Protection and Support Orders, a legal method of preventing a third party from blocking access to a vulnerable person and allowing a confidential interview with the suspected victim. “30,000 older people are abused in their homes every year in Wales and we know that many victims are unable to get the help they need because they are prohibited by their abusers from speaking to those who can offer support and safety”, says Nicholson.

“The APSO aims to address this by allowing proper risk assessments be carried out. But it will also signal to the abuser that violent behaviour against a vulnerable adult is considered by all to be a grave matter”.

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

1 day ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

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

Published

1 day ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

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

Published

1 day ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

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.