News

The Welsh Government launches Basic Income pilot scheme

Published

2 years ago

June 28, 2022

FROM 1 July 2022, more than 500 people leaving care in Wales will be offered £1600 each month (before tax) for two years to support them as they make the transition to adult life.

Launched by First Minister Mark Drakeford, it is hoped the pilot will set care leavers on a path to live healthy, happy and fulfilling lives.

The radical approach has trust, autonomy and respect at its centre. It will provide independence and security to people who have faced immense challenges during their childhood, giving them greater control and empowering them to make decisions about their future.

The £20 million pilot, which will run for three years, will be evaluated to carefully examine its effect on the lives of those involved

Social Justice Minister Jane Hutt said the scheme is a direct investment in the lives and futures of some of Wales’ most vulnerable young people.

Those taking part in the pilot will also receive individual advice and support to help them manage their finances and develop their financial and budgeting skills.

Local authorities will play a key role in supporting them throughout the pilot. Voices from Care Cymru will also work with the young people to give them advice on wellbeing, education, employment and help them plan their future after the pilot.

To launch the scheme, First Minister Mark Drakeford, Social Justice Minister Jane Hutt and Deputy Minister for Social Services Julie Morgan met with people taking part in the pilot, and young people who themselves have been in care, to talk about the impact this support will have on peoples’ lives.

They discussed how they hope the financial stability will give people the opportunity to make positive life choices as they leave care and provide a more solid foundation from which to build their adult lives.

First Minister Mark Drakeford said:

“We want all our young people to have the best possible chance in life and fulfil their full potential. The state is the guardian of people leaving care and so has a real obligation to support them as they start their adult life.

“Our focus will be on opening up their world to all its possibilities and create an independence from services as their lives develop.

“Many of those involved in this pilot don’t have the support lots of people – myself included – have been lucky enough to enjoy as we started out on our path to adulthood.

“Our radical initiative will not only improve the lives of those taking part in the pilot, but will reap rewards for the rest of Welsh society. If we succeed in what we are attempting today this will be just the first step in what could be a journey that benefits generations to come.”

Minister for Social Justice Jane Hutt said:

“We’re in the midst of a cost-of-living crisis like no other and we therefore need new ways of supporting people who are most in need.

“Our Basic Income pilot is an incredibly exciting project giving financial stability to a generation of young people. Too many people leaving care face huge barriers to achieving their hopes and ambitions; such as problems with getting a safe and stable home, to securing a job and building a fulfilling career. This scheme will help people live a life free of such barriers and limitations.

“We will carefully evaluate the lessons learnt from the pilot. Listening to everyone who takes part will be crucial in determining the success of this globally ambitious project. We will examine whether Basic Income is an efficient way to support society’s most vulnerable and not only benefit the individual, but wider society too.”

Tiff Evans of Voices from Care Cymru, speaking on behalf of young people who have experienced care, said:

“This is a brilliant opportunity for care leavers in Wales. It is good to see that care leavers in Wales are being thought of and Welsh Government are providing this opportunity for them as young people to become responsible, control some parts of their lives and have a chance to thrive and be financially independent.

“We thank Welsh Government for investing in them and their future and we look forward to other changes and developments for care experienced young people in Wales in order for them to reach life aspirations.”

News

Milford Haven School celebrates U14 Pembrokeshire Hockey Championship victory

Published

12 hours ago

November 12, 2024

Tom Sinclair

MILFORD HAVEN SCHOOL’S Under-14 girls’ hockey team has been crowned Pembrokeshire Champions, delivering an outstanding performance and securing their title after a series of intense matches.

The team, consisting of 14 talented players, demonstrated impressive skill, resilience, and teamwork throughout the competition. Under the guidance of Miss Griffiths, they evolved their strategy and showcased their capabilities with each game.

A Day of Victories

The team’s first game against YBP was a close battle, with Milford Haven securing a narrow 1-0 win.

Goal Scorer: Lola P
Players’ Player: Annabelle G
Coaches’ Player: Lilly J

In their second match, they faced Haverfordwest High and dominated with a strong midfield play and clinical finishes, achieving a 6-0 victory.

Goals Scored: Olivia D (3), Ruby D, Lola P, Ameila C
Players’ Player: Olivia D
Coaches’ Player: Ruby D

After a brief interval, Milford Haven went on to face YHT, focusing on using the field’s width, which led them to a 4-0 win.

Goals Scored: Lola P (2), Annabelle G, Olivia D
Players’ Player: Annabelle G
Coaches’ Players: Lola P and Macy B

In their final game of the day, the team played YGB, finishing with a decisive 7-0 win and showing relentless energy.

Goals Scored: Ellie M (2), Olivia D (2), Annabelle G, Lilly J, Ruby D
Players’ Player: Annabelle G
Coaches’ Players: Lacey N and Ellie M

Miss Griffiths expressed her pride in the team’s achievements and her excitement for their future development: “It’s been fantastic to watch the team grow today, and I can’t wait to see how they progress.”

Thanks were also extended to Evans Coaches for sponsoring the team’s kit and ensuring safe travel throughout the competition.

News

St Katharine Church launches ‘Come and Make Angels’ challenge

Published

12 hours ago

November 12, 2024

Tom Sinclair

As part of an ambitious “Come and Make Angels” challenge, the church has set a target to fill its sacred space with over 6,500 angels. Community members of all ages and backgrounds are encouraged to participate by making and decorating their own angels. These creations will contribute to a record-breaking display that celebrates hope, unity, and the joy of the Advent season.

Workshops are being held every Saturday from 10:00am to 2:00pm at the St Katharine’s Church Hall, where participants can come together for a “creative Christmas cuppa” and join in this festive project. Free activities and refreshments will be provided, making it a wonderful opportunity for families and friends to create lasting holiday memories. Those under 14 are asked to attend with an adult or older sibling.

For those wanting to take part from home, the church has provided angel templates, along with simple instructions to cut, decorate, and assemble. Once completed, these angels can be brought to the church and added to the display, which will officially be unveiled on December 14.

The community is invited to visit and witness the spectacle of thousands of angels “flying” within the church, symbolising peace and goodwill.

In addition to the angel-making challenge, the Advent and Christmas calendar at St Katharine and St Peter’s is packed with events designed to bring joy and reflection during the festive season. All are welcome to attend and share in the warmth and spirit of Christmas.

For more information about the “Come and Make Angels” challenge, or other Advent and Christmas activities at the church, please visit the Roose Local Ministry Area Facebook page or contact Rev. Nicola Davies at 07508 915 432.

The church is also preparing to light up the Christmas season with its much-loved Annual Candlelit Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, set to take place on Sunday, December 15, at 7:00pm.

And of course, the event promises to be even more magical this year, with a unique display of thousands of handmade angels crafted by members of the community.

Community

Bishop Joins Street Pastors on Pembroke Outreach

Published

13 hours ago

November 12, 2024

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKE’S Street Pastors received a visit from Bishop Dorrien over the weekend as he joined their outreach efforts to witness their work within the local community.

The Street Pastors, active in both Pembroke and Haverfordwest, provide pastoral and practical support to people using the town’s pubs and clubs. Their assistance ranges from offering water to the dehydrated, tissues to those in distress, and even flat shoes to help patrons make a safe journey home. Most importantly, they offer a compassionate ear, comfort, and prayers to those in need.

Supported by a dedicated prayer team, the Street Pastors take breaks to pray and gather strength, reflecting on their encounters with the community. Bishop Dorrien praised their work, describing it as a witness to Christ’s command to love our neighbours.

The Bishop noted the warm reception the team received during their rounds and the affection the community holds for their ministry. He blessed their ongoing service, acknowledging its positive impact on the lives of many.