News
AM pledges to become a Dementia Friend
AM William Powell has taken a key step towards helping end the stigma surrounding dementia by pledging to become one of Wales’ first Dementia Friends.William Powell joined actress Ruth Jones MBE, and AMs from across the country, for the launch of Alzheimer’s Society’s Dementia Friends programme at the Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff Bay.
Dementia Friends aims to give people in Wales a better understanding of dementia and the small things that they can do that could make a difference to people living with the condition. From helping someone to find the right bus to spreading the word about dementia on social media, every action counts.
Thanks to funding from Welsh Government, Alzheimer’s Society is running a year-long pilot of their Dementia Friends programme in Wales. The trailblazing initiative aims to improve people’s understanding of dementia and its effects.
The charity hopes four thousand people in Wales will become Dementia Friends Wales by 2015. The move comes in a bid to make the country more dementia-friendly and improve the lives of the 45,500 people currently living with the condition.
William Powell was one of twenty-two AMs who took part in the launch event, and he said: “I’ve signed up to show my support for Dementia Friends, and am encouraging people in Mid and West Wales to do the same too. With a growing number of people living with dementia, it’s more important than ever we all have a better understanding of the condition.
“Dementia Friends is about giving people an understanding of dementia and the small things they can do that can make a difference to people living with dementia. From helping someone find the right bus to spreading the word about dementia, it can help make our local community a better place to live.”
Sue Phelps, Director of Alzheimer’s Society in Wales said: “Most people don’t know enough about dementia. Dementia Friends is the perfect opportunity to be able to invite everyone to improve their knowledge. We are pleased to have been able to engage twenty-two AMs in one day. They have a huge influence in their local communities and we hope they will use this opportunity to take action and improve lives.”
Charity
Letterston dog show raises over £750 for local charities
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
THE CAMROSE VINTAGE WORKING DAY team has donated £3,800 to services across Withybush Hospital.
Their 37th 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
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.
A heartfelt ‘Well done’ to everyone involved for making this Christmas lunch a resounding success and spreading joy to so many.
-
News5 days ago
Ferry accident causes delay on new Dublin-Fishguard route
-
Education6 days ago
Home Education: Delays and missed opportunities risk further tragedy
-
Business7 days ago
Pembrokeshire care home group hit by £150,000 budget blow
-
Community7 days ago
Tips for coping with Mental Health challenges this Christmas
-
Business4 days ago
Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure
-
Entertainment7 days ago
River-themed lanterns light up Cardigan in spectacular parade
-
Crime7 days ago
Couple falsely claimed £13,000 in Universal Credit
-
Charity6 days ago
Welsh teen wins photography competition with ‘perfect puffin pic’