News

Rape victims to be offered new support

Published

12 years ago

July 22, 2014

VICTIMS of sexual assault and rape are to receive support at two new specialist facilities in rural Wales.

Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Commissioner Christopher Salmon has secured £121,000 in Government funding to create the rape crisis centres. They are due to open in Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, and Newtown, Powys before next summer. Mr Salmon said: “Victims of rape and sexual assault are highly vulnerable; I am committed to providing improved facilities and care to support them. “These facilities will ensure that victims of these horrific crimes will not have to travel excessive distances to receive the support they need. “I’m delighted that we’ve secured this grant from the Ministry of Justice PCC Competed Fund.” The Dyfed-Powys Police force area, covering more than half of Wales, has one specialist Sexual Assault Referral Centre. Based in Carmarthen, it services the whole of the region. Mr Salmon, in partnership with Wales-based charity New Pathways, will use the grant to refurbish two premises used by Dyfed-Powys Police to create the Rural Satellite Rape Crisis Centres. Based at Newtown Police Station and a property in Bow Street, Aberystwyth, they will ensure that victims in Ceredigion and Powys have access to a local facility. Currently some victims can face a round journey of up to five hours. The centres will have a medical examination room and be supported by a New Pathways crisis worker. Mr Salmon said: “Victims will be able to access immediate specialist help. The services will have a significant effect on the psychological and physical wellbeing of victims. “Each person will have a full assessment of their needs, and the on-going support provided by New Pathways and Dyfed Powys Police will be tailored to the individual.” Dyfed-Powys Temporary Assistant Chief Constable Pam Kelly said: “Victims of rape and sexual assault deserve the very best service and support. This funding will make an enormous difference to victims living in our rural communities. Specialist support for victims of rape and sexual assault will also assist us in bringing offenders to justice.” New Pathways Chief Executive Jackie Stamp said: “We’re delighted this funding has been granted to the Commissioner. “It’s vital these services are provided locally where they’re so badly needed. We’ll work with Dyfed Powys Police and Mr Salmon to ensure that people affected by rape or sexual abuse get the support they deserve.”

Community

Milford Haven Sea Cadets celebrate offshore voyage success

Published

3 hours ago

June 8, 2026

Tom Sinclair

SIX CADETS from Milford Haven Sea Cadets and Royal Marines Cadets have completed a challenging week-long offshore voyage aboard T.S. John Jerwood.

The cadets took to the water for a demanding but enjoyable week, gaining a number of qualifications despite difficult weather conditions.

The unit congratulated all six cadets on their achievements and thanked the Sea Cadet Offshore team for making the voyage possible.

A spokesperson said: “Voyages like this are only made possible by the brilliant Sea Cadet Offshore team. Thank you for the amazing work you do to allow this amazing opportunity to be possible.

“BZ all!”

The Milford Haven unit also thanked West Wales District Sea Cadets, South West Area Sea Cadets, Sea Cadets Offshore, South West Area Senior Staff Officer, and RFCA for Wales for their support.

News

Nearly 100 attend Big Green Service at St Davids Cathedral

Published

5 hours ago

June 8, 2026

Tom Sinclair

COMMUNITY EVENT CELEBRATES FAITH, NATURE AND ACTION ON CLIMATE CHANGE

NEARLY 100 people gathered at St Davids Cathedral for the Big Green Service, a celebration of faith, community action and care for the natural world.

The service brought together worshippers, local churches and chapels, members of the Cathedral congregation, and visitors from across the world.

Those taking part included EcoDewi, Erw Dewi, Hope Worship Band, the Cathedral Choristers, Canon Sheridan, Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi, Mamgu Welshcakes, the refreshments team, Cathedral staff and volunteers.

Visitors also attended from California, Philadelphia, Belgium, Malaysia and Patagonia.

Organisers said the event was a reminder to be grateful for the planet and to continue working together to protect it for future generations.

Community

Tenby 10k raises more than £20,000 for Paul Sartori

Published

6 hours ago

June 8, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A POPULAR Tenby road race has raised more than £20,000 for Paul Sartori Hospice at Home.

Runners and sponsors taking part in last year’s Tenby 10k raised £20,559.07 for the Pembrokeshire charity, which provides hospice care to people in their own homes.

The race, organised by Waterfront Community Runners, took place in October 2025 and was well supported by locals and visitors, who lined the route through the town to cheer on competitors.

Laura Hugman, Chief Executive of Paul Sartori, has now received the cheque, presented by a selection of those who took part in the event.

This year’s Tenby 10k will take place on Sunday, October 25, 2026, on a closed-road, two-lap course through the centre of Tenby.

More than 400 runners have already signed up, with entries now past 40 per cent capacity and organisers expecting the event to sell out again.

Anyone wishing to take part can enter at www.waterfrontcommunityrunners.co.uk.

All proceeds from this year’s race will again be donated to the Paul Sartori Foundation.

Caption: