News

Welsh government asks Wales to make a stand

Published

11 years ago

July 22, 2014

IN THE WEEK when the Gender-Based Violence, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence (Wales) Bill goes before the National Assembly, the Welsh Government has launched an awareness campaign asking people to make a stand against all forms of such violence and abuse.

The Welsh Government is asking the people of Wales to openly declare their intolerance of these types of abuse by posting photographs of themselves linking arms on Facebook and Twitter and using the hashtag #makingastandwales. The photos will mirror an advertising campaign which began on Monday, June 30, on poster sites and LCD panels around Welsh railway stations, showing groups of figures linking arms. The year-long campaign will pose the question ‘What will you do?’ and will raise awareness of the support services available to those experiencing domestic abuse, violence against women and sexual violence. More information will also be made available to the public on what to do if they suspect someone may be a victim or perpetrator. In Jenny’s case she was 19-years-old when she was referred to Community Services by her social worker. Eighteen months prior to the referral Jenny fell pregnant, at which point the abuse from her then partner became physical and financial. At first, Jenny failed to engage with the support, missing appointments and making excuses. She also hid the truth from her social worker. After four months of failed attempts to engage, there was a final incident which made Jenny realise she needed help to keep herself and her son safe. Jenny said: “One day I was driving home with my son in the babyseat when I became aware of my ex-partner in his car directly behind us. He had obviously followed us and was driving like a maniac. He was furious about something and bumped the back of my car several times. He had never been violent towards our baby before. Knowing that he wanted to harm me even though he could harm our son in the process made me realise that I needed help. I was still terrified, but at that point I knew I had to do something to protect my son – no matter what. After ten months of support all of the goals Community Services had set with Jenny had been achieved. A risk assessment was completed and the risk was considerably reduced. There was still a chance the perpetrator could come to the house but a safety plan was in place and Jenny has since chosen to end support, safe in the knowledge that she can ring the emergency number she has been given at any time. All those in need of help or further information will be signposted to the Live Fear Free website – livefearfree.org. uk and the All Wales Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Helpline – 0808 8010800. The Minister for Local Government and Government Business, Lesley Griffiths AM, said: “Colleagues, f r i e n d s , neighbours and even family members may be afraid of acting on their s u s p i c i o n s of abuse for fear they are mistaken, interfering or even making the victim’s situation worse. With this campaign, we aim to empower people with information to act in the right way if they suspect abuse may be taking place. “We want people to openly declare they are united against these types of abuse. So we are appealing to groups of friends, neighbours, office, shop or factory workers, and social groups from book clubs to sports teams to publicly make a stand and begin to help us break this taboo.” The Welsh Government’s funding in this area totals £4m which supports third sector organisations delivering direct services to victims and education on healthy relationships in schools. The funding also supports domestic abuse co-ordinators and independent domestic violence advisers across Wales, as well as the 24 hour All- Wales domestic abuse helpline to provide help, advice and emergency support. If you are experiencing domestic abuse or suspect that someone you know is, call the All Wales Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Helpline on 0808 80 10 800 or visit www. l i v e f e a r f r e e . org.uk

Community

Craig Flannery appointed as new Chief Fire Officer

Published

4 hours ago

December 19, 2025

Tom Sinclair

MID AND WEST WALES FIRE SERVICE LEADERSHIP CHANGE

MID and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service has announced the appointment of Craig Flannery as its new Chief Fire Officer, with effect from Monday, December 15, 2025.

Mr Flannery has served with the Service for more than twenty years, progressing through a wide range of middle management and senior leadership roles across both operational and non-operational departments.

During his career, he has been closely involved in strengthening operational delivery, risk management and organisational development. His work has included leading innovation in learning and development, overseeing the Service’s On-Call Improvement Programme, and driving investment in key enabling functions such as workforce development and information and communication technology.

The appointment followed a rigorous, multi-stage recruitment process led by Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Authority. Candidates were assessed through structured interviews, strategic leadership exercises and scenario-based assessments designed to test operational judgement, organisational vision and the ability to lead a modern fire and rescue service.

External professional assessors were also engaged to provide independent scrutiny, ensuring the process met high standards of fairness, transparency and challenge.

Mr Flannery emerged as the strongest candidate, demonstrating clear strategic leadership capability, detailed organisational knowledge and a strong commitment to community safety and service improvement.

Councillor John Davies, Chair of Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Authority, said: “Craig brings a deep understanding of our Service and a clear vision for its future. His appointment will strengthen our ability to innovate, support our workforce and deliver high-quality protection for the communities we serve.

“As we navigate a rapidly changing landscape, Craig’s experience in driving innovation and organisational development will be invaluable in helping us adapt and transform for the future.”

Commenting on his appointment, Mr Flannery said: “It is a privilege to lead this outstanding Service. I am committed to supporting our people, strengthening partnerships and building on the strong foundations already in place.

“As the challenges facing fire and rescue services continue to evolve, we must modernise and innovate, ensuring we have the skills, technology and capability needed to meet the needs of our communities. I look forward to working with colleagues and partners across Mid and West Wales to deliver a resilient, progressive Service that keeps people safe and places our staff at the heart of everything we do.”

Health

Resident doctors in Wales vote to accept new contract

Published

10 hours ago

December 18, 2025

Tom Sinclair

RESIDENT doctors across Wales have voted to accept a new contract, with 83% of those who took part in a referendum backing the agreement, according to BMA Cymru Wales.

The contract includes a four per cent additional investment in the resident doctor workforce and introduces a range of reforms aimed at improving training conditions, wellbeing and long-term workforce sustainability within NHS Wales. The BMA says the deal also supports progress towards pay restoration, which remains a central issue for doctors.

Key changes include new safeguards to limit the most fatiguing working patterns, measures intended to address medical unemployment and career progression concerns, and reforms to study budgets and study leave to improve access to training opportunities.

Negotiations between the BMA’s Welsh Resident Doctors Committee, NHS Wales Employers and the Welsh Government concluded earlier this year. Following a consultation period, a referendum of resident doctors and final-year medical students in Wales was held, resulting in a clear majority in favour of the proposals.

Welsh Resident Doctors Committee chair Dr Oba Babs Osibodu said the agreement marked a significant step forward for doctors working in Wales.

He said: “We’re proud to have negotiated this contract, which offers our colleagues and the future generation of doctors safer terms of service, fairer pay, and better prospects so that they can grow and develop their careers in Wales.

“This contract will help to retain the doctors already in training, and also attract more doctors to work in Wales, where they can offer their expertise and benefit patients.”

Dr Osibodu added that the BMA remains committed to achieving full pay restoration and acknowledged that challenges remain for some doctors.

“Whilst this contract sets the foundations for a brighter future for resident doctors in Wales, we recognise that there are still doctors who are struggling to develop their careers and secure permanent work,” he said. “We need to work with the Welsh Government and NHS employers to address training bottlenecks and underemployment.”

The Welsh Government has previously said it recognises the pressures facing resident doctors and the importance of improving recruitment and retention across NHS Wales, while also highlighting the need to balance pay agreements with wider NHS funding pressures and patient demand.

The new contract is expected to be phased in from August 2026. It will initially apply to doctors in foundation programmes, those in specialty training with unbanded rotas, and new starters, before being rolled out to all resident doctors across Wales.

Crime

Swansea man jailed for online child sex offence dies in prison

Published

10 hours ago

December 18, 2025

Tom Sinclair

A SWANSEA man who was jailed earlier this year for attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child has died while in custody.

Gareth Davies, aged 59, of the Maritime Quarter, was serving an 18-month prison sentence after being convicted in May of sending sexually explicit messages to what he believed was a 14-year-old girl. The account was in fact a decoy used as part of an online safeguarding operation.

The court heard that Davies began communicating with the decoy between November and December 2024 and persistently pursued the individual, later attempting to arrange a face-to-face meeting. He was arrested after being confronted by the decoy operators.

Davies had pleaded not guilty but was convicted following a trial. At the time of sentencing, police described the messages as extremely concerning and said his imprisonment was necessary to protect children.

It has now been confirmed that Davies died at HMP Parc on Wednesday (Nov 27) while serving his sentence.

The Prisons and Probation Ombudsman has launched an independent investigation into the death, which is standard procedure in all cases where someone dies in custody. No cause of death has been released at this stage.

A coroner will determine the circumstances in due course.