News

Calls for new foster carers

Published

8 years ago

May 25, 2017

Unveiling the new banner at Haverfordwest Leisure Centre: (L-R) Jonathan Griffiths, Director of Social Services; Julie Ashley-Jones, Service Business & Marketing Development Officer for Leisure; Colin Driver; Sian Fair, Manager of Haverfordwest Leisure Centre; and Luke Chapman, Service Manager for Children in Care

PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL is continuing its drive to recruit more foster carers with a new awareness-raising campaign at local leisure centres.

New banners are being displayed encouraging visitors to leisure centres to consider whether they could become a foster carer.

Every year, more than 200 Pembrokeshire children of all ages need foster placements because, for a variety of reasons, they cannot live with their family and need a stable and secure home. For some children this is temporary or short term, but for others it is longer.

The council is keen to ensure that wherever possible, children are looked after close to their own homes and in family-based care in their communities.

“The Family Placement Team need more people who are willing to offer a home to siblings groups, so that they do not have to be separated from each other at an already difficult time,” said Colin Driver, Assistant Team Manager.

“We also need more people to foster children with disabilities and additional learning needs whose families need a short break to recharge their batteries; and teenagers who want support while they learn to live more independently.”

Colin added that foster carers come from all walks of life.

“Some have children of their own, and some have children who have left home,” he said.

“Childless couples, same sex couples and single people also become foster carers.

“If you have a spare bedroom, enough time to care for a child, patience, tolerance and a sense of humour and can be open and honest, you can become a foster carer.

“It’s about providing the everyday things that we take for granted – a warm bed, a hot meal, a bedtime story, praise and a listening ear. More than anything you need to be there and care.”

The new recruitment banners continue the collaboration between Social Services and Leisure departments who hold regular monthly coffee mornings for foster carers in leisure centres throughout the county, as well as a successful Easter Activity day for foster carers and children.

The coffee mornings offer an opportunity for anyone interested in fostering to meet members of the Family Placement Team and more importantly, existing foster carers to talk about the benefits and challenges, of fostering.

In addition to practical support and advice from the Family Placement Team, training and a weekly allowance, foster carers also receive a discounted Passport to Leisure membership to enable themselves and the children they look after to enjoy an active and healthy lifestyle.

Charity

Letterston dog show raises over £750 for local charities

Published

18 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ON SUNDAY (Dec 22), Letterston Ring Craft successfully raised £755.55 for two Pembrokeshire-based charities during a fun dog show event. The funds were equally split between South Pembrokeshire Cat Rescue and Letterston Memorial Hall.

The event featured a variety of well-attended classes, including child handling and fancy dress, drawing participation from dog enthusiasts of all levels.

This fundraiser marked the first charitable event supporting South Pembrokeshire Cat Rescue. Founded and managed by Lizzy Austwick, the rescue organisation aids unwanted, feral, and sick cats across Pembrokeshire and responds to urgent cases in Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion. The rescue provides neutering support for stray and feral cats, directs owners to available resources, and specialises in helping stray cats with severe injuries, raising essential funds for their care.

For assistance, Lizzy can be contacted via the rescue’s Facebook page or at 07575 131443.

Letterston Ring Craft welcomes new members interested in training and showing their dogs, from local companion shows to prestigious events like Crufts. The club meets every other Sunday in Letterston, and further details can be found on their Facebook page.

Looking ahead, the next fun dog show is scheduled for early next year and will support Belle’s Story Charity. For more information or to get involved, contact Gentle Lowe at 07956 653401.

Charity

£3,800 donated to services across Withybush Hospital

Published

20 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE CAMROSE VINTAGE WORKING DAY team has donated £3,800 to services across Withybush Hospital.

Their 37^th annual event raised a record breaking £25,000, which has now been distributed among 26 local charities.

They donated the funds to the Stroke Ward, Specialist Respiratory Team, Chemo Day Unit and Heads Up! Hair Loss Initiative at Withybush Hospital. Each service received £950.

The Heads Up! initiative provides a person-centred, holistic hair loss service for cancer patients. It brings together healthcare and haircare professionals from local communities to give patients the knowledge and products needed to manage their hair loss with dignity and choice.

Katie Hancock, Fundraising Officer, said: “Thank you to Andrew, the team and the supporters of the Camrose Vintage Working Day for your generosity once again. Your donation to each service is amazing and will make a big difference. We are hugely grateful for your wonderful support.

“The support of our local communities enables us to provide services over and above what the NHS can provide in the three counties of Hywel Dda and we are extremely grateful for every donation we receive.”

Pictured above: Andrew James, Chairman of Camrose Vintage Working Day with Withybush Hospital staff from the Stroke Ward, Specialist Respiratory Team, Chemo Day Unit, Heads Up! Hair Loss initiative.

Community

Neyland Community Christmas Lunch a festive success

Published

20 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

NEYLAND TOWN COUNCIL rolled up their sleeves to support this year’s Community Christmas Lunch, spreading festive cheer and warm hospitality to attendees on Christmas Day at the Alumchine.

Councillors Steve Campodonic, David Devauden, Steve Thomas, and Brian Rothero began their efforts as early as 7:30am, working tirelessly to ensure the event ran smoothly.

The dedicated organisers, including Trish Campodonic, Pam, and Lloyd Hamilton, along with other volunteers, created a welcoming space filled with festive spirit and a delicious meal with all the trimmings.

The event brought together members of the community who might otherwise have spent the day alone, highlighting the warmth and generosity that Neyland is known for.