News
Consultation on mental health in Letterston
MEMBERS of the public are invited to a drop in event this Thursday (July 6) between 2pm – 7pm at Letterston Memorial Hall to find out more about Hywel Dda University Health Board’s Transforming Mental Health consultation.
Launched on June 22, the consultation will run for 12 weeks until the September 15 with the aim to help change adult mental health services for the better across Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion.
‘The Journey to Recovery’ asks people for their opinions on proposals to change how the Health Board provide care and treatment to meet the mental health needs of people now as well as future generations.
A spokesperson for the Health Board said: “Having discussed and explored the issues that our current services encounter together with the people most affected we have worked together to co-design a model that encompasses:
“24 hour services – ensuring anyone who needs help can access a mental health centre for support at any time of the day or night.
“No waiting lists – so that people receive first contact with mental health services within 24 hours and for their subsequent care to be planned for in a consistent and supportive way
“Community focus – to stop admitting people to hospital when it isn’t the best option and provide support in the community when people need time away from home, extra support or protection.
“Recovery and resilience – services that don’t purely focus on treating or managing symptoms, but instead help people to live independent, fulfilling lives with the help and support they need.”
Libby Ryan-Davies, Director of Transformation, said: “The work we have done on Transforming Mental Health has helped us to think differently about how we design, plan and deliver services locally. We know we do not always help people with mental health difficulties at an early enough stage and services do not always feel joined up with people having to endure repeat assessments before they get the right care.
“We want service users to have better access to higher quality services in their communities, helping them stay well and out of hospital where possible.
“We want to do our best for everyone who needs adult mental health services across our counties and we know the best way to do this is to take into account the views from as many people as possible to help us develop plans that meet the needs of our services users, their carers, friends and families.”
Angie Darlington, Director of West Wales Action for Mental Health (WWAMH) said: “Over the last two years we have worked with a variety of service users, carers, organisations and interest groups, I would encourage everyone to get involved with this consultation, to make their views known.
“It is great to see such energy and determination to work together to improve mental health services across Wales. This consultation offers a fantastic opportunity to develop forward thinking recovery focused mental health services, that offer care, compassion and proactive support. By working together to shape this work we can all make a positive difference.”
To take part, residents are asked to read the issues paper and answer an accompanying questionnaire. An easy read version is also available.
Documents can be accessed or requested by:
Emailing: [email protected]
Visiting the website: www.hywelddahb.wales.nhs.uk/mentalhealth
Writing to them at: FREEPOST HYWEL DDA HEALTH BOARD
Calling us on: 01554 899 056 (please leave a message for us)
You can also complete the questionnaire online at: www.hywelddahb.wales.nhs.uk/mentalhealth
Entertainment
Pat Fulgoni Blues Experience torock Tenby Blues Festival
THE soulful, genre-bending blues act, Pat Fulgoni Blues Experience, is set to take the main stage on Friday at Tenby Blues Festival, bringing their high-energy mix of blues, rock, and soul.
Ranked #3 on both the Roots Music Report UK and the UK IBBA Most Played chart in September 2024, Pat Fulgoni’s latest album, Pat Fulgoni Blues Experience, has captured the hearts of blues lovers across the UK. Released on September 27, 2024, the album has received praise for its dynamic fusion of blues, funk, and soul. Tracks like “Drifter,” “Keep The Blues Alive,” and “Stickin’ the Knife in Blues” showcase Fulgoni’s powerful vocals, which have been hailed by Billboard magazine, describing him as a singer who “could sing a pearl from its oyster.”
The Pat Fulgoni Blues Experience began as a spontaneous lineup supporting a food bank fundraiser in Huddersfield. Since then, Fulgoni and his band have performed at numerous blues festivals, from Colne Blues to Blues Alive in the Czech Republic, and have built a reputation as a sought-after live act. The band’s lineup features rising guitar talent Jacob Beckwith, alongside the rhythm section of bassist Rory Wells and drummer Zebedee Sylvester, with Sam Bolt on piano. Together, they deliver a distinctive blend of original tracks and classic covers, including “Everybody Wants to Go to Heaven” and “Midnight Train.”
For fans of soulful, energetic blues, don’t miss Pat Fulgoni Blues Experience this Friday at Tenby Blues Festival. More information and music are available on Spotify, Bandcamp, and other platforms.
Track Listing:
- Everybody Wants to Go to Heaven
- Drifter
- Keep The Blues Alive
- Midnight Train
- Bleeding Heart
- Lady Day & John Coltrane
- Confusion Blues
- The Thrill Is Gone
- Stickin’ the Knife in Blues
For press inquiries, contact Matt at Chocolate Fireguard on 07974 675244 or email [email protected].
For more updates, follow Pat Fulgoni Blues Experience on Facebook @patfulgonibluesexperience or explore their latest releases on Bandcamp.
News
Multi-million pound grant funding for transport projects sought
PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL is seeking £10.3 million grant funding from Welsh Government for a range of important transport improvement and active travel projects.
The projects will benefit local communities all over the county, said Cllr Paul Miller, Deputy Leader.
Cllr Miller added: “By approving the need for these bids to be submitted we are demonstrating our commitment to improving communities for all residents, across Pembrokeshire.”
Among the Local Transport Fund grants bids being made are Public Transport Interchange Improvements at Milford Haven and Pembroke Dock.
A detailed scheme update on the Milford haven scheme was provided to the Cabinet last month. Subject to confirmation of further funding contributions from Welsh Government, work could start to begin on site next year and be completed in 2026.
This project is a key enabler for improving rail connectivity for Milford Haven and Pembrokeshire as a whole.
It also supports the work being done with Welsh and UK Governments as well as Great Western Railways to secure the return of direct, high speed, intercity services to the town.
The scheme involves improvement works to the existing Milford Haven train station to create a new public transport interchange by relocating the existing rail platform and providing a dedicated bus interchange between the station and retail area, along with a taxi rank, formalised car park, public realm spaces and improved Active Travel links.
The Pembroke Dock Interchange scheme is for a new public transport and active link from Pembroke Dock Retail Park, and subject to grant award, work would concentrate on design of connectivity into the interchange from London Road, and the installation of Traffic Signals.
The Active Travel Fund is an opportunity to seek funding for the completion of schemes in Saundersfoot, at Stammers Road and Francis Road.
The Resilient Roads Fund bid will cover a bid for the Newgale Coastal Adaptation and A487 Diversion. An update was provided to Cabinet meeting on 9th September.
There has been extensive engagement and consultation on this scheme, and the solution recommended is based on significant data and evidence which is contained in the project website library. There remains some discussion over the scheme proposal from some members of the community, and the Council is committed to listing to all views, and explaining its stance on adaptation to the challenges presented by climate change at this location.
Preparation of a Planning Application, including the statutory Pre-Application Consultation, is due later this financial year, which will again allow open and transparent scrutiny of proposals.
The Council’s proposals are about adaptation to tackle the scale of the problem of climate change.
Meanwhile, the county’s provision of electric charging points is seeking a boost with an application for grant to further expand the network and related infrastructure.
Cllr Rhys Sinnett, Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services added: “These bids, if approved, will bring to improvements to travel for all aspects of transportation in Pembrokeshire. Drivers, commuters, cyclists, pedestrians and others will all benefit.”
News
Accident investigators issue update following fatal train collision
THE Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) has issued its latest updates following a rail crash in Wales last month.
On October 21, at approximately 7:26 pm, Transport for Wales passenger train 1J25, en route from Shrewsbury to Aberystwyth, collided with train 1S71, the Machynlleth to Shrewsbury service, near Talerddig, Powys. The crash, which occurred on Network Rail’s Cambrian line, claimed the life of one passenger and left four others seriously injured. Eleven additional passengers required hospital treatment. Both trains sustained considerable damage, although neither derailed.
Immediate response
The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) was alerted at 7:45 pm and quickly dispatched inspectors to the site. Working alongside the British Transport Police, Office of Rail and Road, and involved railway companies, RAIB secured evidence to support an independent safety investigation. Network Rail was cleared to begin site repairs on October 23, and the trains were removed by October 25.
Preliminary findings
The collision involved two 2-car class 158 diesel multiple units equipped with wheel slide protection and automatic sanding systems, designed to improve traction. Both units operate on the Cambrian line, which uses the European Rail Traffic Management System to transmit signalling data directly to trains, eliminating the need for traditional lineside signals.
Initial analysis indicates that train 1J25, headed west, was supposed to stop in a passing loop near Talerddig to allow the eastbound train 1S71 to pass. Data from the on-train recorder shows that 1J25’s driver applied the brakes upon approaching the loop. However, emergency braking was initiated shortly afterward due to persistent wheel slide, which continued until the collision occurred. The westbound train passed through the loop but was unable to stop before rejoining the single track, eventually colliding with train 1S71 about 900 meters beyond the loop.
Key areas of investigation
The RAIB’s ongoing investigation will examine several factors, including:
- The events leading to the collision and the actions of involved personnel
- Levels of wheel/rail adhesion on the approach to Talerddig and at the collision site
- The functionality of train 1J25’s braking, wheel slide protection, and sanding systems
- The response and policies of Transport for Wales and Network Rail regarding low wheel/rail adhesion on the Cambrian line
- Measures taken to manage overrun risks and any relevant underlying issues
RAIB will release further updates as its investigation progresses.
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