News

Social services are ‘failing deaf people’

Published

12 years ago

May 30, 2014

THOUSANDS OF deaf people in Wales are failing to get vital support from social services, a hearing loss charity has claimed this week. Action on Hearing Loss Cymru (formerly RNID) is calling on the Welsh Government to ensure that the new Social Services and Well-Being Bill makes a real difference to the 534,000 people in Wales who are deaf and hard of hearing. Currently almost four out of five people diagnosed with hearing loss (78%) leave audiology unaware of support available to them and 75 per cent of social services departments in Wales do not offer bespoke communications support or textphone numbers, meaning people are not able to access appropriate assessments. Richard Williams, director of Action on Hearing Loss Cymru, said: “The situation is pretty bad and we know of cases where deaf people have had to move out of Wales to ensure they have the right support. “Of course there are some councils that provide excellent support and work in a co-ordinated way with the health board and voluntary sector to ensure the right services are provided in the most effective way. “Yet too many local authorities have lost specialist social workers roles who are trained to work with deaf people, meaning deaf people have to rely on support from people who can’t communicate effectively and safely with them. It is not safe and it is leaving people at risk. The new Bill gives us a chance to improve services for people who are deaf and hard of hearing and we want to urge the Government and local authorities across Wales to take that opportunity to ensure they are providing safe services.” Deaf people have met with the Deputy Minister to urge the Welsh Government to use the new Bill to ensure services to deaf people are improved. The charity is calling for the Best Practice standards to be updated in line with the new Bill and for local authorities to ensure that their services are accessible to deaf people. AM Paul Davies said: “It’s extremely worrying that deaf people across Wales are not receiving the support that they so desperately need. Services need to be delivered locally deaf people should not have to leave Wales to access them. The number of people with hearing loss is growing fast in Wales and the new Social Services and Well-Being Bill is a great opportunity for the Deputy Minister to update the Best Practice standards and make a clear commitment to improving services for deaf people across the country.”

Community

Community gathers to remember Corrina Baker

Published

4 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Lanterns and balloons released in emotional acts of remembrance

FAMILY, friends and members of the local community came together to remember Corrina Baker at a series of moving events held across west Wales this week.

Corrina’s funeral took place on Monday (Dec 15), a month after her death, with a public service held at St Mary’s Church. Mourners lined the route as her coffin was carried on its final journey in an elegant horse-drawn carriage, before a private cremation later took place at Parc Gwyn crematorium in Narberth.

Later that evening, shortly after 6:00pm, friends and relatives gathered at the Quayside in Cardigan for the first of two acts of remembrance to celebrate her life. Lanterns were lit and released into the night sky above the town as some of Corrina’s favourite songs were played.

On Tuesday afternoon (Dec 16), a second tribute was held near the location where Corrina was found. Twenty-one pink balloons — one for each year of her life — were released into a clear blue sky, each carrying personal messages in her memory.

Floral tributes continue to be laid at the Netpool, while a GoFundMe appeal set up in Corrina’s memory has raised more than £2,300. She has been described by those who knew her as “funny and bright”.

Dyfed-Powys Police have confirmed that their investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ms Baker’s death is ongoing. A 29-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of murder has been released on bail while inquiries continue.

(Photos: Stuart Ladd/Herald)

Community

Six untaxed vehicles seized in Milford Haven police operation

Published

4 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

SIX untaxed and abandoned vehicles were seized during a joint roads policing operation in Milford Haven on Tuesday morning.

Officers from the Milford Haven Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Team (NPPT) worked alongside the Pembrokeshire Roads Policing Team as part of targeted enforcement across the town.

In addition to the vehicle seizures, a number of traffic offence reports were issued to drivers during the operation.

Police said the action formed part of ongoing efforts to improve road safety and tackle vehicle-related offences in the Milford Haven area.

Community

Candlelit carol service brings community together in Milford Haven

Published

4 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

ST KATHARINE and St Peter’s Church in Milford Haven hosted its annual Candlelit Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, bringing together members of the community for a traditional celebration of Christmas.

The service featured readings from the Mayor of Milford Haven, representatives of the Soroptimists, Milford Haven Amateur Operatic Society, the Headteacher and Head Prefects of Milford Haven School, Milford Haven Town Band, and NCI Wooltack Point.

Music for the evening was provided by organist Seimon Morris, Milford Haven Town Band and the Milford Haven Cluster Band, whose performances added to the atmosphere of the candlelit service.

The Friends of St Katharine and St Peter’s Church thanked all those involved and wished the community a happy Christmas.