PEMBROKESHIRE foster carers have spoken about the small but powerful moments that show children in their care are beginning to feel safe, supported and able to trust again.

The comments have been shared as part of Foster Care Fortnight, the UK’s largest annual campaign to raise awareness of fostering, which runs from Monday, May 11 to Sunday, May 24.

This year’s theme, This is Fostering, focuses on the real experiences of foster carers and the vital role they play in helping children recover from trauma.

For many children who enter care, trauma can lead to anxiety, emotional shutdown, intense reactions, difficulties with boundaries, or problems following rules.

A national survey commissioned by Foster Wales found that around 80% of carers questioned had supported children showing behaviour of this kind.

However, half of those surveyed said they had seen a meaningful breakthrough within the first six months.

These moments can be simple, such as a child laughing, talking about their day, asking to watch a film, or opening up about something that has happened to them.

But for foster carers, they can mean much more. They are often signs that a child is beginning to feel safe, loved and supported.

Almost all carers questioned, 93%, said that with experience, support and professional guidance, they now feel confident responding to trauma-related behaviour.

Pembrokeshire foster carer Lynda, who has been fostering for just over a year, said: “In the beginning, I struggled with my confidence. The child pushed boundaries constantly, fought every option and often wasn’t living in reality. It was difficult to know whether what I was doing was making any difference at all.

“I made it clear through my actions that no matter what happened, I would always be there for them. I praised positive behaviour, set clear boundaries and stuck to them, always explaining why those boundaries were there, particularly around safety. I learned to wait until we were both calm before talking things through.

“The moment that really showed me things were beginning to change was when she opened up about her past and the trauma she had been through. We cried together and hugged. That was the moment I knew she felt safe enough to trust me.

“When you realise you’ve made that connection, it’s the best feeling in the world. Every child wants to feel loved and safe, and once that starts to happen, the rewards are huge.”

Pembrokeshire County Council’s Head of Children’s Services, Chris Frey-Davies said: “Foster carers across Pembrokeshire provide stability, care and understanding to children who have often experienced difficult and traumatic circumstances.

“This survey highlights the importance of local support, training and guidance in helping carers respond confidently to children’s needs over time. The breakthrough moments described by carers, while often small, show that children are beginning to feel safe and supported.

“At Foster Wales Pembrokeshire, we remain committed to supporting our foster carers throughout their fostering journey, ensuring they have access to the help they need to make a lasting difference.”

In Wales, there are 7,200 children in care. Of these, 4,884 live with foster families, supported by 3,538 foster carers.

Foster Wales is the national network of not-for-profit local authority fostering services in Wales.

Anyone interested in becoming a foster carer can find out more at fosterwales.gov.wales.

This Foster Care Fortnight, the local Foster Wales team will be at Tenby Leisure Centre on May 11 from 11:00am to 5:00pm; Haverfordwest Leisure Centre on May 12 from 10:30am to 1:00pm; Haverfordwest Library on May 12 from 3:00pm to 4:30pm; Milford Haven Library on May 14 from 10:00am to 1:00pm; Milford Haven Leisure Centre on May 14 from 3:00pm to 6:00pm; Tenby Leisure Centre on May 18 from 11:00am to 5:00pm; Haverfordwest Leisure Centre on May 21 from 10:30am to 2:00pm; and Fun in the Park at Pembroke Dock Memorial Park from 11:00am to 7:00pm.

Miniature pig euthanised aged 11 after health decline as park celebrates arrival of ‘David Alpacanborough’

FOLLY FARM in Pembrokeshire has announced the sad passing of one of its much-loved miniature pigs, Sylvester, while also celebrating the arrival of a new baby alpaca.

Sylvester, who was 11 years old, had been living with a number of health issues in recent years, including arthritis. Folly Farm said his condition had been well managed by the farm team alongside its on-site veterinary partners, who visit the attraction each week.

However, following a recent decline in his health, the difficult decision was made to euthanise him at the end of last week.

In a statement, Folly Farm described Sylvester as a well-known and much-loved character, who arrived at the park as a piglet with his long-time companion and “partner in crime”, Arnie.

The farm said Sylvester was the quieter of the two, often happy to let Arnie take centre stage during meet-and-greet sessions in the Jolly Barn.

Last year, the pair retired to the Piggery and paddocks over the road, where Arnie can still be seen alongside other pigs.

Two new miniature piglets, Wilbur and Rufus, joined Folly Farm late last year and are now based in the Jolly Barn.

Folly Farm said its thoughts were with the farm team and added: “We’ll miss you Sylvester.”

Jury hears evidence over alleged failure to seek treatment for tumour

A MILFORD HAVEN woman has denied causing unnecessary suffering to her cat by allegedly failing to seek treatment for a cancerous tumour.

Maria Jane Hicks, 61, of Willow End, appeared before Swansea Crown Court accused of causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal, namely a cat called Max.

The prosecution alleges that between May 6 and May 17, 2023, Hicks failed to obtain veterinary treatment for a tumour on the cat’s nose, resulting in unnecessary suffering.

Hicks previously appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court, where she entered a not guilty plea and elected for trial at Crown Court. She repeated her plea when the case came before Swansea Crown Court.

The trial was heard on Tuesday (May 6).

During proceedings, Hicks was asked to retake the oath after the judge said it had not been given correctly the first time, reminding her to state “the whole truth and nothing but the absolute truth.”

The jury heard evidence from Ellie West, an animal rescue officer, who told the court she attended a welfare check after Max had been staying with one of Hicks’ neighbours, Mrs Jarvis.

West said the cat had dried blood around his nose and alleged Hicks had advised Mrs Jarvis to apply a homemade mixture containing frankincense, turmeric, coconut oil and myrrh.

Veterinary surgeon Jonathan Fitzmorris told the court Max had a body condition score of two out of nine and was approximately 10 per cent underweight. He said the cat was also suffering from severe dental disease, fleas, weeping eyes and an ulcerating wound to the nose.

Asked why he prescribed pain relief, Mr Fitzmorris said ulcerating wounds would be “extremely painful” and added that it should have been obvious veterinary treatment was required.

The court also heard from RSPCA inspector Gemma Cooper, who said the charity had offered to take over Max’s care, but Hicks declined. However, Cooper said Hicks agreed to allow the RSPCA to board the cat and pay for treatment.

While giving evidence, Hicks became emotional and accused Inspector Cooper of lying. She claimed Cooper had threatened to take Max away and have him put down.

Hicks told the jury she did believe in traditional veterinary treatment, but added that she felt “everything will happen in its own time.”

The trial continues.