Community

PATCH puts out urgent appeal as foodbank overwhelmed by so many families in need

Published

3 years ago

April 8, 2022

PEMBROKESHIRE-based food bank PATCH has asked The Herald to put out an appeal to explain they are running low of some basic essential supplies.

PATCH say they are helping around 50 people a day in the county who otherwise could not afford to eat, and they say that benefit changes, the electricity and gas price hike and increase in cost of fuel at the pump are all having an impact on local families. More and more people cannot cope.

On Facebook yesterday (Apr 7), PATCH said: “We’ve helped around 50 people a day this week. We really need your help and please. (If you can)
“Not only are we desperate for meat meals (meat balls, tinned pies, chicken in sauce, chilli etc) and soup.
“We really need tea bags, tinned spaghetti in tomato sauce, tinned tomatoes, rice pudding and tinned peas.
“Please help with anything you can. We do realise times are tough for so many, but even 1 tin would be amazing. Thank you!”

Asked if PATCH had seen an uplift in the number of people using their services, Manager Tracy Olin said: “Oh my word yes!
“It’s a 26% increase from 2021 for the first quarter and there had already been a huge increase during the two years of the pandemic.
“The client’s needs have got worse as well as the increase. The £20 a week uplift was withdrawn at the worst possible time. The cost of living has escalated at an unmanageable rate for many. Now we have the fuel standing charge increase. It’s a dire and very scary time for those that use our services.
“Just yesterday we had a client come in distressed as they just can’t cope with their income. She was so much happier when she left. She knew the family can have food and the ‘luxury’ of some chocolate too.
“They had not purchased any chocolate for months. Things that many take for granted have become luxuries for too many. We had a mum with a very young child that just couldn’t afford to put the heating on.
“By providing food they could afford heating for the weekend.

“Small business cannot afford wage increases and sadly that can mean that employees need our support. Minimum wage isn’t sufficient, yet what can small businesses do?
“Saying all this we are absolutely overwhelmed by the generosity of our supporters.
“I have learned to always have faith in our amazing community.
“As the need increases so does the amazing generosity. We’ve had times when the shelves are empty and no money to purchase food, yet we’ve never had to say sorry we have run out.
We are so incredibly grateful.”

Community

Grieving family’s aim to protect young drivers in memory of daughter

Published

6 hours ago

January 22, 2025

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL Road Safety Team have worked in partnership with the family of a young woman killed in a road traffic collision to launch an intervention for young drivers in our County and beyond.

Ella Bee’s Story aims to prevent further deaths on the road, particularly among the 17 to 25-year-old age group, and concentrates on the Fatal 5, peer pressure, driver behaviour and how to reduce the risks both as a driver and passenger.

Twenty-one year-old Ella Smith was killed in a road traffic collision on the Broad Haven road in 2021 and her family are bravely telling their story of the night it happened and the aftermath of losing Ella.

Two drivers involved in the collision were jailed for ten years each having been convicted of causing death by dangerous driving and causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

The intervention was launched recently and will be available to all schools and young peoples’ groups in the County, along with Pembrokeshire College.

The Road Safety Team worked closely with the family to put together the intervention which includes the production of two videos that can help educate all young drivers, and any adults with young drivers in the family.

Following the launch Ella’s mother Maria said: “We as a family and Ella’s best friends have worked tirelessly with Pembrokeshire County Council to produce a presentation on road safety to be delivered to schools, colleges and youth groups to educate young drivers on the devastating impact that losing Ella has had on us all.

“Ella your legacy will live on and you will forever be remembered for helping others even now.”

Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services Cllr Rhys Sinnett added: “The launch of Ella Bee’s Story was incredible moving. Ella’s family has been incredibly brave in their determination to ensure her tragic death is not in vain and this project will help other young drivers stay safe on our roads.”

For further information about how your school or youth group can access Ella Bee’s Story please email [email protected]

Community

Storm Éowyn upgraded to ‘danger to life’ amber warning for Wales

Published

8 hours ago

January 22, 2025

Tom Sinclair

THE MET OFFICE has upgraded its weather alert for Storm Éowyn to an amber warning, signifying a “danger to life” as strong winds and heavy rain approach Wales and other parts of the UK. The warning is in effect from 6:00am to 9:00pm on Friday, covering northern Wales, Northern Ireland, northern England, and southern Scotland.

Strong winds and widespread disruption

The amber alert warns of winds reaching 60-70 mph inland and up to 90 mph in exposed coastal areas and high ground. The Met Office advises that flying debris poses a risk to life, while power cuts, travel disruption, and property damage are highly likely.

Road, rail, air, and ferry services are expected to face delays and cancellations. Homes and businesses may also sustain structural damage as the storm progresses.

Areas in Wales under amber warning:

Conwy
Denbighshire
Flintshire
Gwynedd
Isle of Anglesey

Alongside the amber alert, two yellow warnings for wind cover all of Wales on Friday, lasting from midnight Thursday to midnight Friday. A separate yellow warning for rain is also in effect from midnight to 9:00am on Friday, predicting 15-25 mm of rain across much of Wales and 40-60 mm in higher elevations. The heavy rainfall may lead to surface water flooding in some areas.

A Met Office spokesperson said: “Storm Éowyn will move across the northwest of the UK on Friday, clearing northeast by Friday night. This will bring a spell of very strong west to southwesterly winds, with a brief reduction in wind strength as the storm’s centre passes over certain areas. Winds will then increase rapidly before gradually easing later on Friday.”

Residents are urged to secure loose outdoor items, avoid unnecessary travel, and monitor updates as the storm approaches.

Community

Mid and West Wales Fire Service backs Register My Appliance Week

Published

1 day ago

January 21, 2025

Tom Sinclair

MID and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service (MAWWFRS) is supporting Register My Appliance Week (January 20–26) to help households stay informed about appliance safety and product recalls.

Millions of UK households are unaware of critical safety updates for their appliances, with over 40 million large appliances still unregistered. From brand-new purchases to second-hand machines, registering appliances ensures owners are alerted to any safety issues, extending their safe usage.

In the past year, MAWWFRS responded to 163 incidents involving white goods. Home Fire Safety Manager Wayne Thomas said:

“We all value how appliances have transformed our lives, but it’s essential to register them. Doing so is quick, free, and ensures you’re informed if a safety repair is needed. Just a few minutes spent registering can help you enjoy your appliances safely.”

The Register My Appliance portal, run by AMDEA, connects users with over 70 leading brands and accepts registrations for both new and older appliances.