Community

Students at the heart of decision making

Published

11 years ago

June 4, 2014

waleswewant P E M B R O K E S H I R E COLLEGE, in conjunction with VocalEyes, is putting learners at the heart of the Welsh Government’s ground-breaking National Conversation on The Wales We Want.

Learners at Pembrokeshire College are being encouraged to have their voice heard and play an active role in shaping how Wales will look in 2050. As our future adults, learners are being consulted on how we should develop Wales as a sustainable nation to 2050 including priorities such as tackling climate change, education, health, employment, language, culture and what young people want Wales to be like when they become adults, parents and grandparents. The consultation is looking to inform the ‘Future Generations Bill’ and this is the first time that VocalEyes has been used in this way. Having already transformed the College’s Learner Voice process, from 100 interactions to a staggering 26,000 interactions over a twelve month period, the power of the VocalEyes platform is being recognised by many education and public sector bodies as a way of engaging with their customers and stakeholders. Neath Port Talbot College and the University of Wales Trinity Saint David are also using the VocalEyes system to encourage their learners to participate in the National Conversation. Through VocalEyes learners are being asked to put forward their own ideas as well as rating and debating other people’s ideas with the aim of positioning Wales as the best place to live, learn, work and do business from now until 2050. Through the consultation it is hoped that young people will think more about the long-term future of Wales, will work better together and will take early action to ensure the people of Wales are healthier and happier, more bilingual, our economy is prosperous and our environment is resilient. The Wales We Want is a government-sponsored conversation about sustainable development and what Wales our young people want to live in to 2050. All ideas, debates and ratings generated through VocalEyes will be passed directly to the Welsh Government during June. It is hoped the use of the VocalEyes platform will highlight the power of digital engagement when seeking the views of young people on important topics such as The Wales We Want and will ensure the sustainability of this work into the future. On launching the National Conversation, Jeff Cuthbert AM, Minister for Communities and Tackling Poverty commented: “This Conversation is about the kind of Wales we want to see in the future. How do we ensure that the decisions we make now strike the right balance in securing a healthier nation with better prospects without adversely impacting on our natural resources?” In you are interested in finding out more and participating in the National Conversation, The Wales We Want website – http:// thewaleswewant.co.uk/ has a link to a survey where anyone can participate and respond to the multiple-choice questions. The voices of young people – those who will be adults in 2050 – is of particular interest, though of course anyone who considers themselves a stakeholder in Wales – as an individual, businessmember, academic, parent, grandparent – anyone interested in helping influence Wales for the future – is encouraged to join in.

Community

Neyland Community Christmas Lunch a festive success

Published

7 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

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.

Community

Milford Haven’s heartwarming ‘Christmas Together’ event another success

Published

7 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

MILFORD HAVEN came together once again on Christmas Day for the annual ‘Christmas Together’ event, a cherished tradition that has been running since December 2012.

Organised by Mayor Cllr William Elliott and his consort Lloyd Jones, alongside Cllr Colin Sharp and the dedicated Christmas Together Committee, the event provided warmth, community spirit, and festive cheer to those who might otherwise spend the day alone.

Volunteers played an essential role, with special thanks extended to Claire and her kitchen team, who prepared and served a delicious Christmas meal for all attendees. Milford Haven Town Band added a festive soundtrack to the day, while support from Milford Haven Fire Station and numerous volunteers ensured everything ran smoothly.

The event, which aims to combat loneliness during what can be a difficult time of year for many, was described as a resounding success. The organisers expressed heartfelt gratitude to all those who donated money, items, and their time to make the day special.

A spokesperson for the event said: “As another year closes, we would like to thank all those that made Christmas Together 2024 so amazing. Great day, great company, and so good to see the community working together.”

Special recognition was also given to Marble Hall Mini Market for their kind donation of a festive hamper.

The Christmas Together raffle added an extra layer of excitement to the day, with generous donations from supporters.

A special thank you was extended to Mariam Dalziel and the team from South Hook for kindly donating an Amazon Fire HD 8 tablet as one of the raffle prizes. Other prizes included a hamper of wine, a tower of temptation (chocolates and Prosecco), chocolate tub hampers, and many more.

Preparations for the event began well in advance, with invitations being posted on Saturday, 26th October 2024. The dedicated team behind this effort included Leanne from Milford Haven Post Office, Mayor Cllr William Elliott, Cllr Guy Woodham (Founder and Chair of Christmas Together), and Cllr Colin Sharp (Committee Member and Chair of the Pill Social Centre).

The event once again highlighted the strong sense of community spirit in Milford Haven, with attendees leaving with full hearts and warm smiles.

Merry Christmas to all from the Christmas Together team!

Community

Heartfelt Christmas message from Tenby’s Mayor

Published

7 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE MAYOR of Tenby, Councillor Dai Morgan, has delivered a warm and heartfelt Christmas message to the community.

Cllr Morgan praised the town’s ‘resilient and united’ spirit, reflecting on the ‘kindness and generosity’ that have defined Tenby throughout the year. He expressed deep gratitude for the unwavering community support that continues to make the town ‘a truly special place to call home.’

Acknowledging the challenges many families face this year, including the ongoing cost-of-living pressures and rising energy costs, Cllr Morgan encouraged residents to embrace the core values of the festive season: peace, compassion, and hope.

“Christmas is a time to come together, to reflect on what truly matters, and to share moments of joy and hope for a brighter tomorrow,” he said.

The mayor extended his heartfelt thanks to those who work tirelessly to keep the community safe and supported over the festive season. This included the police, RNLI, health services, fire crews, HM Coastguard, carers, and all frontline workers.

He also highlighted the vital contributions of Tenby’s voluntary organisations, who continue to bring comfort and joy to those who may feel isolated or face hardship during the holidays.

“Without the dedication and compassion of our voluntary groups, our town would lose so much of its heart. Their efforts make a real difference, and they deserve our gratitude and support every single day,” Cllr Morgan added.

Reflecting on the year gone by, he shared how humbled he felt meeting so many inspiring individuals who contribute to the town’s rich tapestry of community life. Looking ahead to 2025, he expressed optimism and a renewed sense of gratitude for his family, friends, and colleagues.

Cllr Morgan concluded his message with warm wishes for the season:

“May this Christmas bring you moments of happiness, peace, and togetherness. Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful Christmas and a hopeful New Year.”