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Community

NHS pay must be put right says UNISON

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HEALTH workers facing unprecedented pressures just to feed their families deserve an inflation-busting pay rise, says UNISON Cymru/Wales.

Public sector staff across Wales including many thousands working in health are being forced to deal with a toxic mix of a decade of cuts combined with low wages and sky-high fuel and energy bills.

UNISON, which is the largest union representing health workers in Wales, has heard from some who say a lack of decent pay and the rising cost of living means they are now looking for work outside of the health service.

One worker on 30 hours a week had considered going full time but extra travel and childcare costs meant even an increase in her hours still wouldn’t pay the bills.

She said: “I love my job and I would hate to have to leave my job based on costs, but unfortunately it has turned into a domino effect of other rising costs and salaries and expenses are not rising to meet this.”

UNISON has set out key priorities to ensure those providing such vital services are given the pay and conditions they deserve.

On Friday (April 1) the union is officially launching its Put NHS Pay Right campaign with events at health boards across Wales.

UNISON is calling for an above-inflation pay rise, a complete overhaul of job description reviews within the health service and for health staff to be paid for all the hours they work.

Hugh McDyer, UNISON Cymru/Wales health lead, said: “We have the real living wage supplement in NHS Wales yet we are still seeing health workers struggle to make ends meet and pay the ever-increasing bills.

“By standing together we can build the case to get additional hours recognised and paid, to get jobs graded properly, and ensure everyone is paid correctly for the work they do.

“Experts predict overall costs to households will go up by at least £1,200 in 2022.

“A pay rise is only a real rise if it goes up by more than living costs – a pay rise below inflation is a pay cut.

“NHS pay has lost value compared to pay rates in 2010, once you take inflation into account.” 

Community

Easter holiday help for families – Kids eat free or for a pound at these local eateries

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WITH the cost of living still putting pressure on many Pembrokeshire families, it’s good to see some local businesses stepping up this Easter to make eating out a little easier.

From cafes to pubs, a number of places across Mid and South Pembrokeshire are offering free or discounted meals for children during the school holidays. Here’s our Herald guide to where kids can eat free – or for just £1 – this Easter break:

MORRISONS CAFÉ – HAVERFORDWEST
Offer: One free kids’ meal with every adult meal purchased for £4.49 or more.
Availability: All day, every day, including during the Easter holidays.
Bonus: Free Kellogg’s breakfast (cereal, milk, fruit) when you ask for a “Kellogg’s Breakfast” at the counter.

TESCO CAFÉ – HAVERFORDWEST, PEMBROKE DOCK, MILFORD HAVEN
Offer: Kids eat free with any adult purchase during the Easter holidays.
Highlight: Pick ‘N’ Mix lunch deal includes a sandwich, fruit, two snacks, and a drink.

TRAVELODGE – PEMBROKE DOCK
Offer: Up to two children (15 or under) eat breakfast for free with every paying adult.
Availability: Every day, including Easter.

PREMIER INN – HAVERFORDWEST AND ST DAVIDS
Offer: Up to two children (15 or under) eat breakfast for free with every paying adult.
Availability: Every day, including Easter.

SA BRAINS PUBS
Offer: Kids eat for £1 with the purchase of an adult main meal.
Availability: All day every Wednesday.
Pembrokeshire Locations: Check your local Brains pub for participation.

NAUTICO’S RESTAURANT – MILFORD WATERFRONT
Offer: Kids eat for just £1 with every paying adult this Easter.
Availability: Throughout the Easter holidays.
Details: Enjoy a family meal by the coast – booking recommended. Call 01646 278060.

CAFÉ VINCENT – VINCENT DAVIES, HAVERFORDWEST

Offer: Kids eat free from the Little Pantry Children’s Menu with every adult main meal.
When: Monday to Friday, 12:00pm to 3:00pm, until Friday 25th April.
Note: Excludes breakfast items and sides.

WALDO LOUNGE – HAVERFORDWEST


Offer: Free healthy breakfast for children including cereal, fresh fruit and juice.
When: Easter holidays, daily from 9:00am to 10:30am.
Details: A relaxed morning offering for “little loungers” to start their day the healthy way.

Know of more local offers? Let us know and we’ll add them. Message us on Facebook.

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Welsh Water warns against dangers of unauthorised swimming in reservoirs

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WELSH WATER warns against dangers of unauthorised swimming in reservoirs: Llys y fran-36
With the Easter holidays upon us, Welsh Water is warning people not to risk their lives by unauthorised swimming in its reservoirs.

Every year in Wales, hundreds of individuals and families visit reservoirs and take to the water to swim, paddle, or use inflatables, putting their lives and the lives of others at risk, but unauthorised access to the water at reservoirs can kill and is never allowed.

Statistics show there is an average of 45 water related fatalities in Wales every year and the rate of accidental drowning in Wales is almost double that of the UK as a whole.

Reservoirs can be full of hidden dangers, including automatic machinery in the water that can operate at any time, and incredibly strong currents, that can pull under even the strongest swimmers. That’s why it’s best to only swim at the permitted reservoir sites.

The water also has freezing temperatures which can send swimmers into cold-water shock and there is a reduced chance of rescue in some areas due to the remote location of many reservoirs, often with little or no mobile reception.

The last few weeks have seen dry weather with plenty of spring sunshine, conditions that tempt some to take the plunge at reservoirs without realising the dangers involved.

Welsh Water’s Rangers patrol the company’s reservoirs, ensuring everyone is safe and dissuading unauthorised swimming in the water.

Maddy Rawlings, Head Ranger at Llandegfedd said: “We want everyone to enjoy the reservoir safely – which is why it’s important that any access to the reservoir only takes place during planned and life guarded activities or swim sessions. During my time as a Ranger at Llandegfedd, I have had countless encounters and incidents in which I have had to ask members of the public to leave the water due to the dangers involved, many of which they are unaware of. We aren’t here to spoil anyone having fun – we’re here to keep the public safe.’’

Private security companies have also been hired to help with this work.

Welsh Water do offer safe, supervised, and accredited open water swimming sessions at some Visitor Attraction sites across Wales. It also offers water sports, including paddle boarding and kayaking.

Jack Bailey, Activity Manager at Lisvane & Llanishen Reservoirs in Cardiff said: “We know that open water swimming has great benefits for physical and mental wellbeing – but unauthorised swimming can pose serious risks. Always prioritise safety over spontaneity and book an organised open water swimming or cold water dipping session at one of our Welsh Water visitor attractions sites. We provide a safe way to enjoy the water, nature and the benefits they can bring.”

Welsh Water is part of Water Safety Wales, a group made up of organisations committed to working on water safety and drowning prevention in Wales.

Chris Cousens, Chair of Water Safety Wales said: “With the lovely weather we’ve been seeing, we know how tempting it can be to cool off in beautiful reservoirs. But even the strongest of swimmers can go into cold water shock and this can lead to drowning. We’re asking everyone to stay safe this summer by keeping out of the reservoirs. If you are in difficulty in the water, Float To Live – this means to relax and float on your back with your ears submerged in the water until the effects of cold water shock pass. You can them swim to safety or shout for help.

“If you see someone else in difficulty in the water in a reservoir, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Fire Service, tell the person in the water to Float To Live and throw them something that floats. Never go into the water to attempt a rescue yourself.”

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Princess of Wales shares ‘spiritual’ connection with nature

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Royal tells Scouts the outdoors brings her calm in a hectic world

THE PRINCESS OF WALES returned to the Lake District this week, joining Chief Scout Dwayne Fields and a group of young Scouts for a day of adventure and reflection in the great outdoors.

In a film shared on social media, Her Royal Highness is seen leading nine Scouts and Explorer Scouts on a hike through woodland at the Scout Adventures Centre, Great Tower, before making their way to the shores of Lake Windermere.

The outing was organised to promote the wellbeing benefits of nature and encourage more people to volunteer with the Scout movement, which currently has over 100,000 young people waiting to join.

During the day, the young participants planned their walking route with the Princess and explored the local landscape, learning about the area’s plants and wildlife. At the end of the activity, Her Royal Highness awarded each Scout their Naturalist badge, recognising their new knowledge of the natural world.

The group included four Explorer Scouts from the 1st Buddha’s Light Scout Group in Stretford, Greater Manchester, and five Scouts from the 1st Ulverston Scout Group in Cumbria.

‘Reconnection and peace’

Speaking during the film, the Princess said: “I find it a very spiritual and very intense emotional reconnection, I suppose, in these environments. Not everyone has the same relationship with nature, but for me, it’s a place to find balance, peace, and a sense of calm in what is otherwise a very busy world.”

The visit marked a return to familiar ground for the Princess, who completed her Scout volunteer training at the same Great Tower centre in 2013 while living in Anglesey. She has remained a committed supporter of the organisation ever since and became Joint President of the Scouts in 2020.

This was also her first public engagement with Dwayne Fields, who was appointed the 11th Chief Scout in September 2024. In a message to him following his appointment, the Princess said: “The Scouts is such an incredible organisation, teaching #SkillsForLife and making a huge difference to young people across the country. Looking forward to working with you! C.”

Encouraging volunteers

Speaking after the hike, Dwayne Fields said: “It was an absolute honour to be joined by our Joint President, The Princess of Wales, at Great Tower. Our walk with Scouts and Explorers was a powerful reminder that we are at our best in the outdoors. Spending time in nature improves our physical and mental wellbeing, and the positivity shown by everyone was genuinely inspiring.

“But these kinds of experiences are only possible if we have enough local volunteers. We want to welcome more young people into Scouts, and adults can get involved flexibly—gaining new skills, boosting their wellbeing, and making new friends in the process.”

Carl Hankinson, UK Chief Volunteer, added: “We’re incredibly grateful to the Princess for supporting us and encouraging young people to discover the outdoors. She and the Chief Scout showed what Scouts is all about—building confidence, learning skills for life, and creating opportunities for everyone, no matter their background.”

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