News

A thank you goes a long way: A message from Council Leader David Simpson

Published

3 years ago

July 13, 2021

The following is a message from Cllr David Simpson, Leader of Pembrokeshire County Council:

OVER the last two weeks we have again seen a high level of visitors to the county and this will continue as we move towards schools breaking up for the summer holidays.

It is clear that Pembrokeshire is a favourite destination for many.

It is fantastic that as a county we can once again welcome people and I want to thank all the authority’s officers that have been involved in our “unlocking plan” to ensure we are open, can welcome people back and support our communities.

Yesterday we had a special visit to our county from His Royal Highness, The Prince of Wales, where he visited St David’s, Nevern and Haverfordwest.

Understandably the visits were much more low key than they would normally be given the current circumstances but I’m pleased to say the visits were extremely well received by those invited to attend.

His Royal Highness began his day at St David’s Cathedral, his first visit to the Cathedral since 2008.

The Prince of Wales made a ‘pilgrim’s journey’ to the Shrine of St David, which was restored this year.

His Royal Highness also attended a short service to mark the Centenary of the Church in Wales before attending a reception and meeting members of the Cathedral and local community.

His Royal Highness’ visit continued to St Brynach Church in Nevern to view and hear about a major project to restore the church’s 12^th century tower and bells.

He met several members of the Tower and Bells Restoration committee and heard about the huge fundraising drive (the project cost more than £500,000) and the work that has taken place.

The number of bells has now been increased from six to 13 and during his visit, HRH heard a full peals of bells – the first to be sounded in Nevern for 120 years.

HRH also met a locally-based artist before being presented to archaeologists and other members of the Nevern Castle Committee HRH also met representatives of Nevern Show, which recently celebrated its 70^th anniversary, and George, a five-year-old shire horse!

The final visit of the day came at St Martin’s Church in Haverfordwest, which is celebrating its 901 year anniversary.

Inside the church His Royal Highness viewed the Stations of the Cross around the walls, the stone coffin lid in the Sanctuary, and the Stephen Sykes bas-relief sculpture in the Lady Chapel.

The Prince met several members of the congregation and some of the amazing people who volunteer in the organisations that form part of the local community.

He thoroughly enjoyed his visit as he chatted to representatives of the choir, the Alter Guild and Members of the Pembrokeshire Blind Society, which celebrated its 100th Anniversary last year.

I’d like to thank everyone involved who have been working on these visits for several months. Royal visits involve a huge amount of work behind the scenes and even more so during the current situation.

Continuing the theme of thanks, Last Sunday, July 4^th, we celebrated national “Thank you day”.

It is so important that we all recognise the importance of saying thank you. We all have someone to say thank you to.

I feel the last 16 months has really shown the strengths we have around Pembrokeshire, the strength of our communities, the strength of our businesses, the strength of us all working together and the strength of Team Pembrokeshire.

So I want to take this opportunity to once again say thank you to you all and also a huge thank you to my family for supporting me. Please remember a simple thank you can put a smile on someone’s face.

Thanks were also given on Monday to NHS, social care and frontline workers. It was great to hear that church bells were also ringing to celebrate 73 years of the NHS. Thank you to all our NHS, social care and frontline workers for everything you have done and continue to do.

You will, no doubt, have seen that England has announced major upcoming changes to Covid-19 restrictions.

In Wales, we await the First Minister’s announcements next week.

In the meantime, I do urge you all to keep safe and when offered a vaccination please take up the opportunity.

I would also like to support our partners in Hywel Dda University Health Board who have praised young people across Pembrokeshire who have played an important role in helping to keep our local communities safe and supported throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.

The efforts of our younger generation who have followed the rules to stay safe, protect themselves and those around them and, more recently, coming forward for vaccination.

With the number of Covid-19 cases now rising across all three counties, it is anticipated that the success of the vaccination programme will continue to result in lower hospital admissions than that seen last year.

However, the key message for younger people (or those not vaccinated) is that there continues to be a risk of contracting the virus. If you are aged between 18 and 29 years, please listen to the advice and protect yourself and others by getting vaccinated and, to safeguard your ability to enjoy day-to-day life.

In another development to tackle the recent rise in Covid, a new Covid-19 vaccination clinic will be operating in Pembroke Dock today (Friday) and tomorrow, Saturday 10th July.

The mobile vaccination clinic will be based at Western Way car park, behind Asda, and will operate from 11am to 7pm. Plus there is no need to contact the health board to book an appointment.

Going forward my updates will now move to fortnightly.

Community

Tips for coping with Mental Health challenges this Christmas

Published

33 seconds ago

December 19, 2024

Tom Sinclair

CHRISTMAS is often hailed as the “most wonderful time of the year,” but for many, it can bring stress, loneliness, or financial strain, impacting mental health in various ways. Mind Cymru has shared advice to help those struggling during the festive season.

Why Christmas Can Be Challenging

The holiday season can feel overwhelming for numerous reasons:

Stress and Expectations: The pressure to celebrate while managing personal challenges.
Difficult Memories: Reflecting on the past or worrying about the new year.
Financial Strain: Rising costs can make the season harder to navigate.

Sue O’ Leary, Director of Mind Cymru, explains:
“Christmas is a time to celebrate, but it can also magnify feelings—sometimes in a challenging way. It’s important to remember it’s okay to feel this way, and there is support available.”

Tips for Coping

Looking After Yourself

Be patient with yourself—it’s normal to find Christmas difficult.
Set boundaries and say no to unhelpful activities.
Take time out to focus on non-Christmas-related things.
Remember: the season won’t last forever.

Talking to Others

Let people know if you’re struggling and how they can help.
Access online communities like Mind’s Side by Side for support.
Communicate your preferences for festive activities.

Managing Relationships

Plan responses to uncomfortable questions in advance.
Agree on budgets or schedules beforehand to ease tensions.
Create distance if you’re with people you’d rather avoid.

Planning Ahead

Prepare items that help you feel comfortable, especially in unfamiliar settings.
Avoid triggering places or activities if possible.
Make a list of services with their Christmas opening hours.
Ensure you have enough medication to last through the holidays.
Plan something enjoyable for after Christmas to look forward to.

Where to Find Support

If you’re struggling, help is available:

Mind Helplines: Visit Mind Helplines (closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year’s Day).
Side by Side Online Community: Available 24/7 at Side by Side.
Samaritans: Call 116 123 (freephone). The Welsh language line is open 7pm–11pm daily.
SHOUT Crisis Text Service: Text SHOUT to 85258, available 24/7.
Coping with Money Worries: Visit the Mind website for advice.

Christmas doesn’t have to be perfect, and it’s okay to prioritize your well-being. Mind Cymru reminds everyone that support is always within reach.

Community

Cones now gone as Johnston gas works finally completed

Published

6 mins ago

December 19, 2024

Tom Sinclair

WALES & WEST Utilities has announced the successful completion of essential gas network upgrades in the Johnston area of Pembrokeshire.

The project aimed to ensure the continued safe and reliable supply of gas to homes and businesses, supporting the community’s needs for generations to come. In collaboration with Pembrokeshire County Council, the company implemented traffic management measures to minimize disruption during the work.

Adam Smith, who managed the project for Wales & West Utilities, expressed gratitude to local residents for their patience and highlighted the significance of the upgrades:

“We are pleased to finish this work and would like to thank the local community for bearing with us as we carried it out.

“While most of the gas network is underground and out of sight, it plays a central role in the daily lives of people across the wider area. Whether it’s heating your home, making the family dinner, or having a hot bath, we understand how important it is for your gas supply to be safe, reliable, and there when you need it.

“This work was essential to keep the gas flowing to local homes and businesses today and to make sure the gas network is ready to transport hydrogen and biomethane, so we can all play our part in a green future.”

Wales & West Utilities provides gas emergency and pipeline services to over 7.5 million people across Wales and the southwest of England. If you smell gas or suspect carbon monoxide, they urge you to call 0800 111 999 immediately for assistance at any time of day or night.

Charity

Shalom House adapts to community needs amid financial struggles

Published

14 hours ago

December 18, 2024

Tom Sinclair

A HOSPICE in St Davids is finding new ways to support the community after financial challenges forced changes to its operations. Shalom House, a well-loved facility on Nun Street, has shifted its focus in recent years, balancing healthcare provision with its founding mission.

Established in 2007, Shalom House was originally designed as a five-bed hospice offering respite and palliative care. Its creation was made possible by the donation of the property from Elizabeth de Guise, a novelist with a deep connection to Pembrokeshire. However, rising costs and funding shortfalls have led to significant changes in how the hospice operates.

In late October, the closure of St Davids Surgery prompted Shalom House to repurpose two of its rooms for use by a branch surgery. The facility is now home to a service staffed by practice nurses under Hywel Dda Health Board, ensuring local residents continue to have access to healthcare.

Balancing priorities

While the move has been welcomed by many in the area, it has come at a cost. Shalom House now operates with three respite beds instead of five, a change that has sparked concern among some supporters.

“We had to make a difficult decision,” a spokesperson for the hospice said. “Our primary goal is to serve the community, and this arrangement allows us to do so in multiple ways. The branch surgery provides vital medical care while helping us generate income to keep Shalom House open.”

The hospice continues to offer day-care services to several patients each week, with additional respite care provided as resources allow. Trustees are optimistic that full capacity can be restored in the future, depending on funding.

Community campaign brings hope

Despite the challenges, Shalom House has received overwhelming support from the Pembrokeshire community. A recent campaign, “Save Shalom,” has seen donations increase dramatically, offering a glimmer of hope for the hospice’s long-term future.

Local resident and campaign volunteer, Jenny Williams, said: “Shalom House means so much to so many people. It’s more than a building—it’s a lifeline for families across the county. We’re determined to do everything we can to keep it running.”

Looking ahead

The trustees are exploring new ways to raise funds and expand services, with plans to launch a series of community events next year. They have also expressed gratitude for the continued generosity of local residents, whose donations remain crucial.

“Shalom House has always been about Pembrokeshire’s people,” said the spokesperson. “Every penny donated helps us provide care and support to those who need it most. We’re confident that, with the community behind us, we can overcome these challenges.”

For more information about Shalom House or to make a donation, visit www.shalomstdavids.org.