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Learning Welsh helped Pembrokeshire woman integrate

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A PEMBROKESHIRE WOMAN feels more connected to her local community after learning Welsh and is now calling on others to do the same as part of Adult Learners’ Week.

Ailinor Evans, 48, from Cilgerran in Pembrokeshire, started learning Welsh three years ago as she wanted to feel a part of her local community. Ali, who grew up in the area in a non-Welsh speaking family, moved away when she was 16, and lost any Welsh that she had learnt when she was younger. It wasn’t until she moved back 19 years later that she felt the need to pick the language back up again.

However, as a busy working mother the time never felt right to dedicate the time to learn Welsh. In 2015 after being made redundant she started working at the Pembrokeshire Housing Association now called ateb Group.

The organisation offered free lunchtime Welsh classes as part of its Welsh language policy, Ali took the opportunity and hasn’t looked back since. Ali soon found one hour a week wasn’t enough and she wanted to progress more quickly, so she took the leap and began an evening class. She is now on her way to gaining her Canolradd/Intermediate qualification next month with the view to taking her Uwch/Advanced certificate in advanced Welsh in the future.

Ali is supporting Adult Learners’ Week 2018 which takes place from June 18-24 2018 to highlight opportunities to continue developing and learning new skills as an adult and celebrate the positive impact of adult education on skills and employability.

Ali said: “I have always wanted to be fluent in Welsh but have felt, until now, that I haven’t had the time to commit to it. When my employer introduced Welsh lessons that were held in the room next door to my office I felt that I didn’t have an excuse any more.

“I live in a rural community where about 60% of people speak fluent Welsh. I have never been made to feel unwelcome but I was keen to learn as much Welsh as I could to be fully integrated in the community. The majority of our local businesses, shops, pubs and cafes operate in Welsh so I have loved being able to hold a conversation and go about my daily tasks with the confidence that I can speak in Welsh.

“Learning Welsh has also benefitted me at work. My role involves me speaking to tenants to find out if they have any concerns or issues that they want to raise and it is nice that they can speak to me in Welsh if that is the language they feel more comfortable in. My employer has been really supportive of my learning journey and allows me the time to study and the time to take any exams.

“I would encourage anyone thinking about learning Welsh to do it. If you don’t want to commit to an evening course, there are lots of less intensive options for you to try first. Many local communities hold coffee mornings or will team you up with a local mentor where you can meet up and chat in Welsh together. The Welsh language community is very supportive and will encourage learners as much as they can.”

Adult Learners’ Week 2018 is running from June 18-24 and celebrates lifelong learning, whether work-based, as part of a community education course, at college, university or online. Now in its 27th year, it aims to promote the range of courses available to adult learners, from languages to computing or childcare to finance.

Eluned Morgan, Minister for Welsh Language and Lifelong Learning, said: “We often think of education as something we do when we’re young, but learning is a lifelong activity.

“Ali is a perfect example of someone who has benefited from the decision to learn Welsh as an adult. The Welsh language belongs to us all, and whatever your age it’s never too late to start learning. There are more opportunities than ever before for people of all ages to start learning Welsh, whether at school, college, or as an adult. Every person who takes up the opportunity to learn our language will help towards our ambitious target of one million Welsh speakers by 2050 who will embrace the language and use it in all contexts.

“We hope Adult Learners’ Week will inspire people of all ages across Wales to find out more about how they can develop their skills. Skills Gateway for Adults also offers a range of careers advice and guidance for anyone looking to improve their skills and employability or get back into work.”

David Hagendyk, Director for Wales at Learning and Work Institute, said: “Going back into education has enormous benefits for adults. The evidence shows that it can improve your health, family life, the chance of a job, or a promotion at work. Taking that first step back into adult education might seem a little daunting at first but there is always someone to lend a helping hand and to support you along the way.

“Adult Learners’ Week has been running in Wales for 27 years and has helped hundreds of thousands of adults right across the country. It’s a great time to take the plunge to learn a new skill, meet new people and learn about something you have always been passionate about. With the world changing so quickly around us it is more important than ever that all of us are learning throughout our lives. Now is the perfect time to start.”

Adult Learners’ Week is funded by The Welsh Government and the European Social Fund and organised by the Learning & Work Institute Wales.

For more information on Adult Learners’ Week, go to www.careerswales.com/skillsgateway or call 0800 028 4844 or follow @skillsgatewaycw.

For more information on Welsh courses, please go to learnwelsh.cymru

Health

Smoke-free ambitions clouded by concerns over illicit market

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THE UK government introduced its Tobacco and Vapes Bill in Parliament today, aiming to create a “smoke-free generation” by prohibiting anyone born after 1 January 2009 from legally purchasing cigarettes for the rest of their lives. The Bill also proposes strict new restrictions on nicotine products, including vapes, heat-not-burn products, and nicotine pouches.

Public health experts in Wales are largely supportive of the new legislation, seeing it as a potential driver in reducing the strain on the NHS in Wales. Smoking-related illnesses are a major contributor to healthcare costs, and advocates argue that curbing smoking among future generations will yield long-term health and economic benefits. This could be especially impactful in Welsh regions where smoking rates are persistently high.

However, there is also concern about how restrictions on safer nicotine alternatives, such as vapes and heat-not-burn products, could impact Welsh individuals trying to quit smoking. The Welsh NHS has invested in smoking cessation programs that promote these alternatives, and some fear that restrictions on these products may reduce access to effective cessation tools, ultimately affecting health outcomes.

Mike Salem, UK Country Associate for the Consumer Choice Center (CCC), reacted to the news: “Whilst it is predictable that the prohibition was going to be introduced, I am extremely concerned and disappointed with how little regard the government has had for consumers’ voices, particularly the young voices.”

The Bill revives an initiative initially proposed by the previous Conservative government before the election, though Labour’s version brings in tougher regulations. The proposal has sparked debates across various groups, with health advocates supporting the measures and others, like the CCC, voicing concerns about potential unintended consequences.

Illicit market worries

The CCC has highlighted fears that prohibitions may fuel an already significant black market for tobacco products in the UK. According to Salem, 2023 saw the highest number of illicit cigarettes consumed in the country, with one in five cigarettes sold illegally. He warns that restrictions risk expanding this underground market.

“It is no surprise that gangs and illegal suppliers are already positioning themselves in this market in anticipation of the prohibition,” Salem said. He cited experiences from other regions, such as the state of Victoria in Australia, where similar prohibitions have led to gang-related violence and exposed children to criminal activities, including arson.

Impact on young people

Critics of the Bill argue that the Labour Party’s approach may negatively impact young people, whom they claim are already disadvantaged by recent policies. “The Labour Party has shown that it is the Party of Boomers, and is letting young people down,” Salem said. He added that recent increases in tuition fees and levies on alcohol and soft drinks, along with tougher employment markets, restrict young people’s lifestyle choices and increase their exposure to illegal markets.

Public health debate

Supporters of the Bill believe these measures are necessary to protect public health. They argue that strict controls on tobacco and nicotine products are crucial steps towards reducing smoking rates, improving long-term health outcomes, and reducing the burden on the NHS. Advocates also believe that limiting youth exposure to nicotine will reduce future smoking rates.

However, Salem argues that the Bill may have the opposite effect. “Not everyone can quit cold turkey,” he said, noting that many people have found success using alternative products like vapes, heat-not-burn devices, and nicotine pouches. “Restricting safer methods of consuming nicotine makes it extremely difficult for those who are trying hard to quit smoking to do so permanently and positively.”

Alternative solutions proposed

The CCC says it is calling on the government to ensure existing laws are enforced first, such as banning nicotine sales to under-18s, before introducing a total prohibition. They argue that failing to do so will lead to worse public health outcomes and put consumers and children in a vulnerable position. The Bill now moves forward for further debate, with both sides urging careful consideration of the potential impacts on public health, youth, and the illicit market.

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Crime

Bin lorry driver banned after “squishing” man in road rage incident

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RHYS GRIFFITHS, a former bin lorry driver, has been banned from driving after injuring a man by colliding with his car door during a road confrontation on St Issels Avenue, Haverfordwest, on 22 February 2023.

Swansea Crown Court heard from Prosecutor Harry Dickens that Griffiths, 32, accelerated towards the victim’s vehicle, stopping bumper-to-bumper. Following a brief verbal exchange, the victim turned back to his car, only to hear Griffiths rev his engine, mount the kerb, and strike the driver-side door, pinning the man against his own car. Though the victim felt pain in his thighs, he did not require medical attention, and only minor damage was reported to the car.

Griffiths left the scene without stopping, and a witness alerted the police. The victim later told officers: “There was no need for this incident at all.”

Griffiths initially pleaded not guilty to dangerous driving, later changing his plea to guilty on the day of his trial. His defence lawyer, Emily Bennett, expressed Griffiths’ “deep shame” over the incident, noting he had been redeployed from his job as a bin lorry driver due to the offence.

Judge Paul Thomas KC described Griffiths’ actions as “incredibly stupid” and sentenced him to 10 months, suspended for 18 months. Griffiths must complete 100 hours of unpaid work, 25 rehabilitation days, and pay £1,200 in costs due to the lateness of his plea. Additionally, he was disqualified from driving for 12 months and must pass an extended driving test to regain his licence.

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Health

Welsh GP committee reject contract offer and hold referendum for members

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BMA Cymru Wales’ GP committee has voted unanimously to reject the Welsh Government’s offer for the 2024/2025 GMS (General Medical services) contract, as it fails to provide a credible and sustainable future for general practice.

GPs in Wales will now vote on whether to accept or reject the contract in a referendum which will open later this month.*

Dr Gareth Oelmann, chair of the BMA’s Welsh GP committee said:

“The decision to disregard the serious concerns and valuable contribution of general practice once again in Wales is beyond insulting, it is dangerous, leaving more surgeries and their patients in peril.

“We are deeply concerned that this offer will leave more practices with no option but to close their doors. GP practices are being denied the resources they need to deliver vital services to the population.

“For years, the service has been starved of adequate funding which has led to the closure of 100 surgeries since 2012. This is having a devastating impact on general practice.

“A recent survey** of our members showed that 91% of GPs are routinely unable to meet patient demand due to unsustainably high workloads.

“With 100 fewer surgeries for patients to turn to, GPs are now seeing up to 35% more patients each, causing unsustainably high workloads and burnout with doctors being expected to do more with less, risking patient safety. How long can this continue?”

Dr Oelmann continued: “General Practice is the foundation of a high-quality, cost-effective health system, but successive governments have insisted on ignoring the vital role general practice plays in the national health service.

“Welsh Government had an opportunity to change the current trajectory but has failed to do so. It is now up to GPs to decide what happens next.”

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