News

AM supports campaign to recruit Care Ambassadors

Published

10 years ago

July 9, 2014

REBECCA EVANS AM, has helped to recognise the efforts of over 100 volunteer care ambassadors across Wales at a special event held in the Assembly this week

The campaign to recruit more Care Ambassadors in Wales was given fresh impetus at the event to recognise the efforts of volunteers who play a key role in attracting more people to work in care. The Care Ambassador project was developed to raise the profile of the sector and offer prospective employees an insight into the world of care. There are now more than 100 Care Ambassadors across Wales. Care Ambassadors are also being recruited from early years and childcare practitioners. Recognising the invaluable assistance offered by the Care Ambassadors, Mrs Evans said: “I am more than happy to help recognise the efforts of Care Ambassadors and their employers in raising the profile of the work that they love. The passion and commitment of Care Ambassadors shines through in the work they do to challenge misconceptions about working in the care sector and in seeking to encourage people with the right skills and aptitudes to consider a career in caring.” The Ambassadors are people already working in care, who are passionate about sharing their experiences with others and changing their perceptions about care as a career. With the support of their employers, they go to schools, colleges and job centres to talk about what it is like to work in care. Todate, they have spoken to more than 10,000 people across the country. Led in Wales by the Care Council, and funded by the UK government, the Care Ambassador project has been developed by Social Care in Partnership (SCiP) regional co-ordinators, working closely with Careers Wales and schools and colleges. Care Council Chair, Arwel Ellis Owen, said: “Care Ambassadors play an essential role in attracting good-quality recruits into the care sector. At a time when the number of people needing care is predicted to rise significantly, it is important we have enthusiastic ambassadors who are passionate about the work they do and about sharing the reality of that rewarding experience with as many people as they can around Wales. “While the Care Ambassador project can play a key role in developing a sustainable workforce for the future, it requires a number of parties working in partnership towards a common goal. Particularly important are the employers of the ambassadors. Without their foresight and goodwill, we would not have as many ambassadors in Wales reaching thousands of potential recruits through their presentations and talks. “That is why our main priority going forward is to recruit more employers across Wales, from different parts of care, such as social work and early years, who are prepared to be part of this already successful project, and to supply ambassadors from their workforce,” he added. The Deputy Minister said: “The social care sector is one of the major employers in Wales. There are 70,000 staff delivering care and support for people across Wales every day. This is a varied and dynamic sector incorporating services in the public and independent sectors. Its size and significance is growing and the importance of the social care workforce for the population of Wales cannot be overstated. “I’m delighted to be able to highlight the particular contribution that Care Ambassadors make to promoting social care as a compelling field of work. “There are two principle reasons why care ambassadors are so valuable to what we are working towards in achieving sustainable social services. Firstly, they can help recruit the greater numbers of workers needed by the sector to meet future demand. The second reason that care ambassadors are so valuable is that they boost the public image of social care. I want to boost the esteem in which social care is held in the public eye. This will not only offer fairer recognition for the good work done by social workers and social care workers, but it will also help us to recruit and retain the brightest and the best to the sector.” John Wynne Hughes, Care Ambassador and Service Development Coordinator with Mental Health Care (UK) Ltd, said: “After reading about the aims of the programme, I was very interested and wanted to be a part of it. So far I‘ve spoken at careers events and schools, to hundreds of people, providing information and guidance on health and social care settings, the benefits of working within health and social care, the skills required and how to go about obtaining those skills. I’ve also talked about my own career path and the opportunities that are available. “We must endeavour to attract the best possible group of individuals to work within health and social care to drive standards, nurture innovation and gain experience,” added John.

News

Milford Haven School celebrates U14 Pembrokeshire Hockey Championship victory

Published

2 hours ago

November 12, 2024

Tom Sinclair

MILFORD HAVEN SCHOOL’S Under-14 girls’ hockey team has been crowned Pembrokeshire Champions, delivering an outstanding performance and securing their title after a series of intense matches.

The team, consisting of 14 talented players, demonstrated impressive skill, resilience, and teamwork throughout the competition. Under the guidance of Miss Griffiths, they evolved their strategy and showcased their capabilities with each game.

A Day of Victories

The team’s first game against YBP was a close battle, with Milford Haven securing a narrow 1-0 win.

Goal Scorer: Lola P
Players’ Player: Annabelle G
Coaches’ Player: Lilly J

In their second match, they faced Haverfordwest High and dominated with a strong midfield play and clinical finishes, achieving a 6-0 victory.

Goals Scored: Olivia D (3), Ruby D, Lola P, Ameila C
Players’ Player: Olivia D
Coaches’ Player: Ruby D

After a brief interval, Milford Haven went on to face YHT, focusing on using the field’s width, which led them to a 4-0 win.

Goals Scored: Lola P (2), Annabelle G, Olivia D
Players’ Player: Annabelle G
Coaches’ Players: Lola P and Macy B

In their final game of the day, the team played YGB, finishing with a decisive 7-0 win and showing relentless energy.

Goals Scored: Ellie M (2), Olivia D (2), Annabelle G, Lilly J, Ruby D
Players’ Player: Annabelle G
Coaches’ Players: Lacey N and Ellie M

Miss Griffiths expressed her pride in the team’s achievements and her excitement for their future development: “It’s been fantastic to watch the team grow today, and I can’t wait to see how they progress.”

Thanks were also extended to Evans Coaches for sponsoring the team’s kit and ensuring safe travel throughout the competition.

News

St Katharine Church launches ‘Come and Make Angels’ challenge

Published

2 hours ago

November 12, 2024

Tom Sinclair

As part of an ambitious “Come and Make Angels” challenge, the church has set a target to fill its sacred space with over 6,500 angels. Community members of all ages and backgrounds are encouraged to participate by making and decorating their own angels. These creations will contribute to a record-breaking display that celebrates hope, unity, and the joy of the Advent season.

Workshops are being held every Saturday from 10:00am to 2:00pm at the St Katharine’s Church Hall, where participants can come together for a “creative Christmas cuppa” and join in this festive project. Free activities and refreshments will be provided, making it a wonderful opportunity for families and friends to create lasting holiday memories. Those under 14 are asked to attend with an adult or older sibling.

For those wanting to take part from home, the church has provided angel templates, along with simple instructions to cut, decorate, and assemble. Once completed, these angels can be brought to the church and added to the display, which will officially be unveiled on December 14.

The community is invited to visit and witness the spectacle of thousands of angels “flying” within the church, symbolising peace and goodwill.

In addition to the angel-making challenge, the Advent and Christmas calendar at St Katharine and St Peter’s is packed with events designed to bring joy and reflection during the festive season. All are welcome to attend and share in the warmth and spirit of Christmas.

For more information about the “Come and Make Angels” challenge, or other Advent and Christmas activities at the church, please visit the Roose Local Ministry Area Facebook page or contact Rev. Nicola Davies at 07508 915 432.

The church is also preparing to light up the Christmas season with its much-loved Annual Candlelit Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, set to take place on Sunday, December 15, at 7:00pm.

And of course, the event promises to be even more magical this year, with a unique display of thousands of handmade angels crafted by members of the community.

Community

Bishop Joins Street Pastors on Pembroke Outreach

Published

3 hours ago

November 12, 2024

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKE’S Street Pastors received a visit from Bishop Dorrien over the weekend as he joined their outreach efforts to witness their work within the local community.

The Street Pastors, active in both Pembroke and Haverfordwest, provide pastoral and practical support to people using the town’s pubs and clubs. Their assistance ranges from offering water to the dehydrated, tissues to those in distress, and even flat shoes to help patrons make a safe journey home. Most importantly, they offer a compassionate ear, comfort, and prayers to those in need.

Supported by a dedicated prayer team, the Street Pastors take breaks to pray and gather strength, reflecting on their encounters with the community. Bishop Dorrien praised their work, describing it as a witness to Christ’s command to love our neighbours.

The Bishop noted the warm reception the team received during their rounds and the affection the community holds for their ministry. He blessed their ongoing service, acknowledging its positive impact on the lives of many.