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£27m EU-backed investment to boost prospects of young people in Wales

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imgID11946951.jpg.galleryTWO major projects backed by EU funding to boost the prospects of young people in Wales will be announced today (Jul 20) by Welsh Government Finance Secretary Mark Drakeford.
The projects will provide individually-tailored programmes of support, including training, volunteering opportunities and paid work placements, for more than 9,000 people over the next three years.
Around 4,500 young people aged 11 to 24 years, living in South West Wales will benefit from Pembrokeshire Council’s £19m Cynnydd scheme. This includes £13m of EU funds.
A further £5.8m of EU funds will support the £8.3m expansion of the Active Inclusion Fund to include opportunities for 16 to 24-year-olds in North and West Wales and the South Wales Valleys.
Professor Drakeford said: “I’m delighted to announce EU funding for these projects, which will translate into improved skills, prospects and new opportunities for thousands of young people in Wales, helping them to reach their potential.
“These are important projects which are benefiting from the millions of pounds Wales receives from the European Union, which in turn are helping people into work and training; are supporting businesses; improving our roads and infrastructure and helping to regenerate communities.
“This is why it’s essential that we get a guarantee from the UK Government that Wales will not lose a penny of this funding as a result of leaving the EU.
”While arrangements are being made for the UK to leave the EU, we are pressing ahead with the delivery of our existing EU programmes in Wales, investing in projects to ensure continuity for citizens, communities and businesses.”
The Cynnydd scheme aims to help young people progress further in education and training and improve their future job and career prospects.
Support will include individual mentoring, coaching and counselling; courses to improve basic skills, self-esteem and life skills and work experience and volunteering opportunities.
The investment in Cynnydd follows £30m of EU funds invested earlier this year for similar schemes to support young people in North Wales, the South Wales Valleys and South East Wales.
Pembrokeshire Council’s cabinet member for the economy and communities Councillor Keith Lewis said: “The new Cynnydd project is a wonderful opportunity for us to improve the future for young people who without this support might have struggled against life’s challenges.
“This isn’t a one-size-fits-all project, but one that will be tailored to the needs and aspirations of each young person.”
The Active Inclusion fund, which is managed by the Wales Council for Voluntary Action, will benefit almost 5,000 young people, providing skills programmes and paid work placements for those who are out-of-work.
Phil Fiander, the WCVA’s director of operations, said: “Almost 5,000 young people will benefit from the expansion of the Active Inclusion Fund, including many from disadvantaged backgrounds who need this type of support to turn their lives around.
“This funding will create community-based opportunities for 16 to 24-year-olds to improve their skills and take part in paid work placements that will suit a wide range of interests, talents and abilities.”
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Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

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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)

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Business

Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure

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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)

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Community

Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend

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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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