News

Whose Planet? Our Planet! Whose Future? Our Future!

Published

5 years ago

November 9, 2021

Youth Committee

AS GLOBAL leaders gathered at the COP26 summit to discuss urgent action on climate change, members of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Youth Committee made a powerful statement of their own by releasing a video, summarising their views on the climate crisis and ways forward.

They hope this will be an important first step in raising awareness among their own generation, and are now looking for opportunities to engage with other young people.

The Youth Committee was founded in spring 2020, with the aim of bringing about positive change, either through working with local councils or undertaking projects to raise awareness of global issues.

Made up of likeminded and passionate young people between the ages of 14 and 25, Members of the Youth Committee were involved in the UNICEF 2020 Outright Campaign to help shed light on the effect climate change will have on children’s rights – an angle they feel is rarely taken by world leaders.

This provided the inspiration for their short film, which is now available to view, alongside their full statement, on the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority’s YouTube channel.

A Youth Committee Member said, “All children have a right to live in safety within a family environment, with access to clean water and a proper education. Climate change threatens these rights for children across the world. As the world warms and areas become hostile to life, many children will become climate refugees and may be separated from their families. Not only this, but climate change will see a rise in child poverty and as a result many children will be forced to live a life no child should have to live. Even now, it is estimated by UNICEF that environmental factors take the lives of 1.7 million children under 5 each year.

“Many children and young people in the UK do not have a clear idea of the effect climate change is having on our generation – we are keen to collaborate with local organisations to help instil an environmental passion in younger generations, giving children and young people the knowledge and skills they need to work towards living a more sustainable future. We believe it vital that all young people are taught about how every action has wider consequences.”

Determined to build on their momentum, Youth Committee Members are now hoping to take their important lesson other young people in Pembrokeshire, and will be contacting schools and youth groups over coming weeks to raise awareness of the film and make suggestions on how it could be used in schools.

Any schools or youth groups interested in getting involved should contact Tom Moses at [email protected].

The video created by the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Youth Committee can be found at:

For more information on the Youth Committee and the Youth Rangers, including how to join, visit www.pembrokeshirecoast.wales/next-generation/.

Charity

Toy Story fans fill charity toy box at Haverfordwest cinema

Published

8 hours ago

June 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Donations pour in for SNAP Specialist Play as families embrace Toy Story 5 launch

A TOY STORY-themed charity appeal at a Haverfordwest cinema has got off to a flying start, with families donating toys to support children with additional needs across Pembrokeshire.

The Palace Cinema has teamed up with local charity SNAP Specialist Play to collect new and pre-loved toys during screenings of the newly released Toy Story 5.

The appeal centres around an “Andy’s Toys” donation box, inspired by the beloved Pixar films, which has already been filled by generous filmgoers.

***Toy Story magic: The Palace Cinema foyer has been transformed with themed decorations to celebrate the film’s release***

Cinema manager Hannah Cramp said the response from the community had exceeded expectations.

Families attending opening screenings have arrived carrying bags of toys, with many children keen to share their own treasured items to help others.

The cinema has transformed its foyer into a colourful Toy Story-themed experience, complete with hand-painted decorations, character silhouettes, bunting and famous film slogans including “Reach for the Sky” and “To Infinity and Beyond”.

Many visitors have also embraced the spirit of the occasion by attending in costume as their favourite Toy Story characters.

***Specialist support: SNAP’s sensory facilities help children with additional needs learn and develop through play***

The toys are being donated to SNAP Specialist Play, a charity based within the Child Health Department at Withybush Hospital.

SNAP supports pre-school children with additional and complex needs through specialist play sessions designed to encourage communication, physical development and sensory learning.

Its facilities include sensory rooms, therapeutic play spaces and bespoke equipment used by speech and language therapists, occupational therapists and physiotherapists.

Project manager Cindy Jenkins said the charity was delighted by the partnership and grateful for the generosity shown by local families.

She said every toy donated would be put to good use, either during specialist play sessions, at family events, or through seasonal initiatives such as Christmas gift boxes for children and their siblings.

The appeal will continue until mid-July, with organisers hopeful that even more donations will be received over the coming weeks.

Anyone attending Toy Story 5 at the Palace Cinema is invited to bring along a new or good-quality pre-loved toy to support the appeal.

Cover photo:

Fancy dress fun: Palace Cinema manager Hannah Cramp helping launch the Toy Story charity appeal.

Health

Medicine shortages now ‘most severe on record’, health leaders warn

Published

8 hours ago

June 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

PATIENTS are facing some of the worst medicine shortages ever seen in the UK, with pharmacists warning the situation now poses a serious risk to safety.

The National Pharmacy Association said shortages affecting commonly used medicines are becoming more frequent, lasting longer, and causing increasing disruption for patients, GP surgeries and pharmacies.

The warning comes as Serious Shortage Protocols for Creon, used by people with pancreatic cancer and cystic fibrosis to help digest food, have been in place since May 2024 and have now been extended until July 10, 2026.

HRT treatment Estradot has also been under a Serious Shortage Protocol since December 2024, with the current extension also running until July 10.

Patients travelling between pharmacies

A survey by the National Pharmacy Association found that 98 per cent of pharmacies had encountered patients who had visited several pharmacies in one day to find a prescription.

It also found that 96 per cent of pharmacies believed the current situation posed a serious risk to patient safety, while 89 per cent said they had been unable to dispense a medicine at least once a day because of supply problems.

Some pharmacy teams have also faced anger and abuse from patients unable to obtain medication.

Olivier Picard, Chair of the National Pharmacy Association, said: “Medicine shortages are becoming more frequent, lasting longer and causing increasing disruption for patients.

“These shortages are some of most severe the UK has experienced.

“It is deeply distressing to find patients who have travelled from pharmacy to pharmacy to find the medicines they need without success.”

Calls for urgent taskforce

The NPA is calling on the government to convene an emergency taskforce involving manufacturers, wholesalers, clinicians and pharmacists.

It also wants changes to rules which currently stop pharmacists from making simple substitutions, such as changing a tablet to a capsule or a cream to an ointment, even where a safe alternative is available.

Professor Victoria Tzortziou Brown, President of the Royal College of GPs, said medicine shortages were frustrating for patients, GPs and pharmacists, and added pressure to already stretched services.

She said the College supported pharmacists being able to make limited changes to prescriptions where a medicine is unavailable and a safe alternative exists.

She added: “The most important thing is that patients are able to access the medication they need safely and without delay.”

The Cystic Fibrosis Trust and Pancreatic Cancer UK have also raised concerns about the impact of shortages of pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy, including Creon, on people who rely on the medication to digest food, maintain weight and stay well enough for treatment.