News

Pembrokeshire Council first in Wales to achieve ‘disabled’ accreditation

Published

5 years ago

September 25, 2019

PEMBROKESHIRE County Council has become the first local authority in Wales to achieve the Department of Work and Pensions’ (DWP) Disability Confident Leader accreditation.

The Disability Confident campaign is about creating a movement of change, encouraging employers to think differently about disability and take action to improve how they recruit, retain and develop disabled people.

As a Disability Confident Leader, the Council is leading the way to support its staff, the employment of people with disability and the support it provides to other employers.

The Authority’s Chief Executive, Ian Westley, said: “There are around seven million working age people with a disability or long-term health condition in the UK, yet only around one half of them are in work.

“As a Council, we recognise the social justice case that we cannot afford to ignore this huge pool of untapped talent.

“Through a positive and inclusive approach to managing disability, we hope to reap the benefit of increased loyalty and commitment from staff. They also need to feel they have a voice in the organisation to allow their different perspective to be heard.

“As one example of what we’re doing, we’re continuing to promote mental health awareness and support at work.

“Mental health awareness training has been rolled out across our workforce. We want our staff to feel as comfortable talking about mental health as physical health.”

DWP’s senior employer and partnership manager, Jonathan Feild, said: “Many congratulations to Pembrokeshire County Council on becoming the first local authority in Wales to achieve the Disability Confident Leader Accreditation.

“As one of Pembrokeshire’s largest employers, this accreditation sends out a strong message to all employers and businesses across the county – it shows that Pembrokeshire County Council is leading by example and can now ‘champion’ Disability Confident across the county and beyond.”

Pembrokeshire County Council’s journey to Disability Confident Leader began in December 2018 when two Learning Disability Champions, Rachel Bailey and Rhys Eynon – employed by the Authority to promote volunteering and employment for people with a learning disability – gave a presentation at a DWP event attended by over 80 people.

Rachel and Rhys are just two of around 50 people with a disability employed by Pembrokeshire County Council who benefit from its supported employment programme run by Norman Industries and Workways+ and which is supported by DWP’s Access to Work scheme and the Welsh Government’s Integrated Care Fund.

As well as recognising the ongoing support for people with disability offered by the Human Resources and Occupational Health teams, the assessment acknowledges the support provided by Norman Industries, the Workways+ and Experience 4 Industries projects.

This support includes help to apply for jobs, work experience, a paid work opportunity or supported employment. Workways+ Employer Liaison Officers are also working with the Learning Disability Champion for Employment, Rachel Bailey, to develop the skills of local employers in employing people with disability.

Through the assessment process, the County Council has taken a hard look at itself.

It has already made changes to its recruitment practices and as a result, now offers a guaranteed interview to anyone declaring a disability who meets the essential requirements of the person specification of the jobs it advertises.

It will also be sharing good practice across its departments and improving the opportunities for people with disability across the whole Authority.

For more information on how to register for the Disability Confident Scheme, visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/disability-confident-campaign or contact Fred Hatton (01646 483431) or Diane Phillips (01437 823204) at Jobcentre Plus in Pembrokeshire.

Caption: Jonathan Field (second from left) presents the accreditation certificate to the County Council’s Director of Social Services and Housing, Jonathan Griffiths with them Rachel Bailey and Karen Davies of Norman Industries.

Entertainment

Newport Winter Wonderland is the ideal treat for the family this Christmas holiday

Published

20 hours ago

December 24, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THERE is still a chance to attend the Newport Winter Wonderland and experience a magical winter experience. Located next to Friars Walk Shopping Centre (NP20 1UH), the festive attraction opened its doors on Thursday, November 21, and will run until Sunday, January 5, closing only on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

Visitors can look forward to a real ice rink under cover, ensuring skating fun whatever the weather. Alongside the rink, a large Christmas funfair offers thrills and entertainment for all ages, while stalls serving various Christmas foods promise festive treats to keep everyone warm and satisfied.

For those looking to unwind, a fire pit provides a cosy spot for roasting marshmallows, and a licensed bar offers seasonal drinks to enjoy. Entry to the Winter Wonderland is free, with tickets required only for specific attractions.

Families can also meet Santa Claus himself, making it a perfect outing for creating cherished holiday memories.

For more details, including ticket bookings and opening hours, visit www.newportwinterwonderland.co.uk.

Make sure to wrap up warm and head down to Newport Winter Wonderland for a truly festive day out this Christmas season.

Festive fun: Newport Winter Wonderland features an ice rink, funfair, and Santa Claus (Pic: Herald).

Crime

Arrest after fatal Carmarthenshire hit-and-run

Published

20 hours ago

December 24, 2024

Tom Sinclair

A MAN has been arrested following a fatal hit-and-run collision in Llanpumsaint, Carmarthenshire, on Monday (December 23), which claimed the life of 38-year-old Aaron Jones.

The incident happened near Caer Salem Baptist Chapel between 6:45pm and 7:45pm while Aaron was walking his dog. Police said the vehicle involved, a blue car with noticeable damage, was travelling northbound through the village at the time of the collision.

Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed that the vehicle believed to have been involved has now been located, and a 27-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving, failing to stop for a collision, and failing to report a collision.

Specially trained officers are supporting Aaron’s family, who have asked for privacy during this difficult time.

A spokesperson for Dyfed-Powys Police said: “We are appealing to anyone who may have seen the vehicle or has dashcam footage from the area during the relevant times to contact us immediately.”

The road remains closed while investigations continue, and residents can expect an increased police presence in the area.

Anyone with dashcam footage, doorbell camera recordings, or CCTV footage from the area is urged to check their recordings and contact Dyfed-Powys Police immediately using the details provided in the comments.

Community

Lord Nelson Hotel refunds lucky couple the full cost of their wedding day

Published

1 day ago

December 24, 2024

Tom Sinclair

WHAT an amazing Christmas present!

In an extraordinary gesture of generosity, the Lord Nelson Hotel delighted one lucky couple by refunding the full cost of their 2024 wedding. Abby and Simon Hooper, who tied the knot at the historic venue on August 3, were thrilled to learn they were the winners of this year’s giveaway.

The initiative was part of a special promotion open to all couples who celebrated their weddings at the Lord Nelson in 2024. The winners were selected through a random draw using a fair generator system, with the Hoopers emerging as the fortunate recipients.

The hotel has announced plans to continue the tradition in 2025, offering next year’s couples the same opportunity to win their wedding costs back.

A spokesperson for the Lord Nelson Hotel said: “If you’re planning to get married in 2025, it’s not too late to book with us and secure your spot in next year’s draw.

“We are thrilled to celebrate love and create moments to cherish, and this is just one of the ways we give back to our incredible couples.”

Known for its elegant venue spaces and exceptional wedding team, the Lord Nelson Hotel remains a top choice for couples seeking a perfect wedding day. This annual giveaway further cements their commitment to delivering unforgettable experiences.

Abby and Simon Hooper shared their gratitude after their special day: “From start to finish, the team at the Lord Nelson Hotel was incredibly helpful, and nothing was too much to ask.

“The day went smoothly, the food was fantastic, and the staff were polite, hardworking, and attentive. Mia and Jenna, in particular, stood out for their thoughtfulness and attention to detail.

“We couldn’t have asked for a better experience.”