News

Milford Haven becoming ‘autism aware’

Published

9 years ago

June 19, 2017

DYFED-POWYS POLICE officers and staff are on track to make Milford Haven the first autism friendly community in Wales.

For the past three months the team has been out and about in the town raising awareness of autism, and helping shops and businesses learn how they can become more supportive and welcoming of autistic people.

The Neighbourhood Policing Team is leading the bid to become an autism friendly community, and so far a sergeant, seven PCSOs, two PCs and two volunteers have completed their online awareness training with ASDInfoWales.

On the force day of action alone, the team visited 16 businesses in the town to make them aware of the scheme and to encourage them to complete the online training. There are currently 30 businesses signed up and displaying their autism aware stickers, which are designed to promote awareness and understanding, and give autistic people and their carers the confidence to call in.

Schools, organisations and health centres are also working towards gaining the certification.

Milford Haven Sergeant Terri Harrison said the purpose of becoming an autism aware community was ‘about reducing hate crime, mate crime, and supporting the vulnerable’.

“We’re looking at the bigger picture of how autism awareness can improve the whole community,” she said.

“An extra five minutes spent in a shop or a business explaining what it’s about doesn’t take anything away from our role – if anything, it enhances it. We are getting to know parts of the community we didn’t know before.

“Protecting the vulnerable is one of the Chief Constable’s key messages. By making ourselves and others aware of autism and how it affects people we are protecting not just children, but vulnerable adults too.”

As well as helping to reduce crime, Sgt Harrison hopes becoming autism friendly will be beneficial for the whole of Milford Haven.

“There are so many families where there are people with autism that are looking for autism friendly destinations – somewhere they feel comfortable to bring their family for a holiday,” she said.

“With all the work that is going on here and everything we have planned for Milford Haven it will be perfect. We want to let everyone know that we are on board and we understand.”

PC Emma Smyth patrols Milford Haven, but when she’s not in work she cares for her four-year-old autistic daughter. She hopes the autism friendly initiative will eventually be rolled out across the force to support communities further afield, as well as police colleagues.

“It seems appropriate that we are a part of building the community that we look after,” she said.

“We hope to be the first autism informed community in Wales, and it would be nice if we could then become the first autism friendly force in Wales so we can support people across Dyfed-Powys, as well as officers with autism, and those who care for family members.

“There are so many people affected by autism, whether it’s the individual themselves, their parents or carers, and the first thing people say when I ask what they know about autism is ‘my nephew has it, or my friend’s child is autistic’ – it’s something more and more people are affected by.

“Other people we speak to don’t know anything about it at all, so it’s nice to bring it to the forefront. I think there is still a lot of work to be done, but there is more acceptance now. When I started in the police, autism would have been branded as a mental health issue – now there are people who think having autism is beneficial to them.”

Caring for an autistic child, PC Smyth knows full well the difficulties posed both at home and when out and about in the community. She said raising awareness of how autistic people might act or communicate would be of great benefit to parents and carers.

“I have days when I can’t cope,” she said.

“My day starts at 4.30am when my daughter wakes up, and I have to carry her downstairs – I might still be doing that when she’s a teenager, it’s not going to get any easier. I look after her until I come to work, and I’m not alone in caring for someone like this – it would be great if we could develop a network of people who are in the same boat and can support one another.

“She can have quite severe meltdowns and make noises that people don’t generally like. If I saw a sticker on the window of a shop or cafe that suggested that it’s an autism-friendly location I would have more faith that I would be able to cope in that situation, and wouldn’t have to worry.

“It’s really stressful for working parents with autistic children. It’s not just support for the person with autism that we need, but support for their families too.”

As part of the ASDinfoWales Can You See Me Campaign, people can choose to wear a wristband indicating that they are autistic. Alternatively, they can carry a card or download an app with a logo to show shop workers, café staff, police officers, or anyone else they might come in contact with to make them aware that they might have difficulties with communicating.

PCSO Paul Mayhew has taken the campaign to heart, and has dedicated time during every shift to make people aware of the scheme, as well as educating himself about autism.

He said: “If we break down our roles as police officers, not all of what we deal with is crime. Our role as a police service, rather than a force, is to protect the vulnerable in our communities, and you can’t get more protective than trying to make the whole community aware.

“It has really opened my eyes to how many people are living with autism in Milford Haven. One parent said to me that it was like her son was invisible, and that really brought the Can You See Me campaign to life.

“Nobody I have spoken to has questioned why we are doing it. They can see that we are looking out for the vulnerable people in our community. It’s like a Neighbourhood Watch scheme because if people can see that someone with a vulnerability is being taken advantage of they will let us know.

“Milford is such a community town, and it really shows in how people are taking this scheme on board. It has opened a new world to me.”

The team is now hoping to support ASDinfoWales to develop training specifically for the emergency services, and will encourage other officers to undertake this when the course has been developed.

Once all the targets have been completed, Milford Haven will officially become an Autism Friendly Community. There will be a launch event at the Torch Theatre on Thursday, July 6 to raise awareness and celebrate the campaign.

Crime

Emergency bags rolled out to support domestic abuse victims across Dyfed-Powys

Published

4 hours ago

December 19, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Thirty packs provide immediate help for families fleeing dangerous situations

A NEW initiative aimed at supporting victims of domestic abuse has seen thirty emergency bags distributed for use across the Dyfed-Powys Police area.

The bags, which contain essential items including toiletries, non-perishable snacks and emergency supplies, are designed to offer immediate practical support to individuals and families forced to flee abusive situations, often with little or nothing.

The scheme forms part of the Police and Crime Commissioner’s wider commitment to improving outcomes for victims and is being delivered in partnership with Dyfed-Powys Police and Dal i Godi, the commissioned Independent Domestic Violence Adviser (IDVA) service.

Dal i Godi provides specialist support to victims at high risk of serious harm, including safety planning and advocacy through the criminal justice process.

Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn said the initiative was already proving its value.

“This is an incredible initiative that I’m proud to support,” he said. “It provides meaningful help to those experiencing trauma and reflects our ongoing work to put victims first.

“Within just a few days of the bags being distributed to the Dal i Godi service, one was given to a victim fleeing a domestic abuse situation, along with a children’s pack to support their young family. That shows just how essential this support can be and how quickly it can make a difference.”

Detective Chief Inspector Llyr Williams, from the Dyfed-Powys Police Vulnerability Hub, said the emergency bags could provide a vital lifeline at critical moments.

“These emergency bags offer support at some of the most difficult moments in a person’s life,” he said.

“The contents provide immediate comfort, dignity and practical help for those leaving their homes in crisis. While simple, they represent an important first step towards safety and recovery.

“We are proud to be working with partners across the Dyfed-Powys area to ensure this support reaches people when they need it most.”

Anyone experiencing domestic abuse, or concerned about someone else, is encouraged to seek help. In an emergency, call 999.

Domestic abuse can also be reported online via Dyfed-Powys Police.

Support services available include Victim Support Dyfed-Powys, which offers free and confidential help to anyone affected by crime, whether or not it has been reported, and Dal i Godi, which provides specialist IDVA support for high-risk victims.

The Live Fear Free Helpline offers 24-hour support for those experiencing domestic abuse or sexual violence across Wales.

If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic abuse, please consider reporting it. If you are in danger or need support right away, please call 999.

You can report domestic abuse through the online crime reporting service here: Report domestic abuse | Dyfed-Powys Police.

Support is also available via the below support services:

Victim Support Dyfed-Powys

Free, independent support for anyone affected by crime in the Dyfed-Powys area, whether or not it has been reported to the police.

0300 123 2996

Victim Support Dyfed-Powys

Dal i Godi (IDVA Service)

Specialist support for victims of domestic abuse at high risk, offering safety planning, emotional support, and advocacy with agencies such as police and courts.

01267 221194

Dal i Godi

Live Fear Free Helpline

24/7 support for anyone experiencing domestic abuse or sexual violence.

0808 80 10 800 | Text 07860 077333

[email protected]

News

Welsh-language school praised for ‘happy, proud and friendly community’

Published

4 hours ago

December 19, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Estyn highlights strong leadership, positive attitudes and a clear curriculum vision at Ysgol Bro Preseli

A WELSH-medium all-age school in Crymych has been praised by inspectors for fostering a “happy, proud and friendly community,” according to a recent Estyn report.

Inspectors said pupils at Ysgol Bro Preseli show pride in their local area, thrive both academically and socially, and are well prepared for the next stages of their learning.

The school currently has 932 pupils on roll, including 118 in the sixth form, and has operated as an all-age school since 2022.

Estyn found that most pupils demonstrate extremely positive attitudes to learning, treat staff with respect, and listen carefully to the contributions of their peers.

The report also notes that, in almost all cases, teachers show strong subject knowledge. Inspectors highlighted the close and supportive relationships staff build with pupils, alongside the creation of a safe learning environment where pupils are not afraid to make mistakes.

It states: “As a result of a clear strategic direction and detailed planning, teachers provide beneficial practical activities that allow pupils to develop purposeful oracy, reading and writing skills in language sessions and across the other areas of learning and experience.”

Inspectors also praised the school’s clear curriculum vision, rooted in its motto Gwreiddiau a Gorwelion (Roots and Horizons).

“Leaders and teachers provide a coherent curriculum and learning experiences that bridge the primary and secondary sectors effectively,” the report said. “Staff plan stimulating activities and experiences for pupils to learn and deepen their understanding within the areas of learning and experience. This contributes positively to the sense of belonging that permeates the whole curriculum of Ysgol Bro Preseli.”

Headteacher Rhonwen Morris said the report was a reflection of the collective effort across the school community.

“As a successful all-age Welsh-medium school, we are delighted that the report recognises our commitment to excellence and the unique identity that makes Ysgol Bro Preseli so special,” she said.

“Since becoming an all-age school in 2022, our cohesive leadership team and governing body have focused on building a strong foundation based on our values of Welsh ethos, kindness, community and responsibility.

“The report highlights the excellent strategic work of staff at all levels, which is a testament to the shared dedication and vision that drives our school forward.

“It is gratifying that the report reflects what we continuously aim to achieve day in and day out. This achievement belongs to our entire community — staff, pupils, parents and governors — and together we will continue to build on this success and provide the very best education for every pupil.”

Charity

Welsh opticians raise £1,600 for people experiencing homelessness

Published

5 hours ago

December 19, 2025

Tom Sinclair

SPECSAVERS Pembroke Dock has helped raise £1,600 to support people experiencing homelessness this winter, with all funds going to The Wallich’s winter appeal.

Thirteen stores from North, South and West Wales donated £1 for every customer feedback form completed during November to help The Wallich, Wales’ largest homelessness and rough sleeping charity, continue its vital work.

Supporting more than 8,000 people experiencing or at risk of homelessness across the nation each year, The Wallich runs around 100 diverse projects across 20 local authorities to provide hope, support and solutions to end homelessness.

Funds raised by Specsavers will go directly to the Wallich’s Flexible Assistance Fund, which provides small but vital emergency grants. The grants support people at crucial turning points, helping cover essential costs such as phone credit, rent or food shops.

This initiative is a continuation of Specsavers’ wider homelessness programme, which sees over a hundred Specsavers stores and Home Visits services hold out-of-hours or pop-up clinics and invite people affected by forms of homelessness to use their services for free.

Specsavers’ North Wales regional relationship manager, Martin Lawrence, who helped organise the fundraiser, says: ‘We’re really proud to be supporting The Wallich’s winter appeal at a time when support is needed most.

‘Homelessness affects people in every community and as locally owned and run businesses, Specsavers stores are committed to raising awareness of the issue and supporting people through their toughest moments.

‘We’re excited to build on the success of this fundraiser and strengthen our partnership with The Wallich in the new year.’

Louisa Turner, head of fundraising at The Wallich, adds: ‘Winter can be an incredibly difficult time for people experiencing homelessness and this support from Specsavers will make a real difference.

‘The funds raised will help provide emergency grants at critical moments – whether that’s putting food on the table, helping someone stay connected with their loved ones or preventing someone from losing a safe place to live.

‘This kind of support creates vital turning points and helps people move towards a safer, more secure future.’

Specsavers works year-round with homelessness charities including Crisis, Vision Care and The Big Issue, to improve access to healthcare and advocate for policy change – ensuring people experiencing homelessness can receive free eye tests, glasses and hearing checks.

To find out more about Specsavers or to book an appointment at your local store, visit: https://www.specsavers.co.uk/stores.