Charity

Charity funds wellbeing projects for Hywel Dda NHS staff

Published

4 years ago

July 19, 2022

Artist Bull Taylor-Beales from People Speak Up took a drawing class at the Hywel Dda University Health Board Annual Nursing Conference

HYWEL DDA Health Charities is funding six major projects to support the health and wellbeing of the 12,000-plus NHS staff working across the Hywel Dda University Health Board area.

This has been possible thanks to a £242,000 grant from the NHS Charities Together COVID-19 Urgent Appeal which raised more than £130 million to help with the impact of the pandemic on NHS staff thanks to the kindness and generosity of the British public.

The projects are providing a range of opportunities and support including ecotherapy retreats, Wellbeing Champions, bereavement support and training, staff rest areas, a lifelong learning fund, and arts in health and wellbeing activities.

And more than 2,700 Hywel Dda University Health Board staff across Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire have already benefited from the projects.

One ecotherapy retreat for staff has already been held, with four more planned for 2022 and five for 2023.

The retreats have been specially designed for Hywel Dda staff and are aimed at those who are experiencing high levels of stress or who are at risk of burnout. They give an opportunity to slow down and reflect and experience restoration in nature and staff taking part have already talked of healing and nature becoming an ally.

Pictured are Julie Brennan, Bereavement Support Services Manager (left) and Katie Barrett, Senior Co-ordinator Bereavement Support Services (right) with the specialist trainers working on the project – Amanda Cardell and Sandra Edwards

More than 130 staff have registered to become Wellbeing Champions and 65 have already completed the induction programme. The aim is to have 100 champions in place by September this year, promoting health and wellbeing in the workplace.

Local initiatives that have already been developed by the champions include lunchtime Tai Chi classes, ward-based wellbeing libraries, and programmes supporting hydration, exercise and relaxation.

Two Specialist Bereavement Staff Support Trainers have been appointed on a job-share basis to provide education for staff relating to death, dying and bereavement. They have established a bereavement support and training project, working with senior nursing teams and operational managers.

Workshops are being held for staff focusing on grief, loss and bereavement, including the effects of working through the pandemic and self-care. Participants to date have included senior nurses, staff nurses, family liaison officers, health care support workers, occupational therapists and physiotherapists. They have reported that the workshops have been of huge benefit in supporting patients and families with symptoms of grief.

The grant funding will also enable new staff rest areas to be created as well as improvements to be made to existing rest areas, following engagement with staff. These indoor and outdoor rest areas will enable staff across the health board to benefit from fresh air and relaxation time as well as more comfortable surroundings for breaks.

The Lifelong Learning Fund has also been launched, which offers staff the chance to apply for funding to learn new skills to help them recover from the experience of the pandemic.

Arts in health and wellbeing activities are also being provided for staff. The Hywel Dda Arts in Health Coordinators have piloted a programme of creative activities, including live music performances, creative writing sessions, online singing activities and arts and culture events.

Lisa Gostling, the health board’s Director of Workforce & Organisation Development, said: “We consulted with staff to understand their experiences of working during the pandemic and, in understanding the huge impact the pandemic had on our staff’s wellbeing, we wanted to invest in programmes and initiatives that provided mechanisms for reflection and Recovery.

Jess Cox who took part in a jewellery-making workshop

“Some of our staff worked in extremely challenging circumstances and we have been able to invest in programmes that will all help to support the well-being of our staff at work. We are so grateful for the opportunity to provide these much-needed facilities and programmes for the staff at Hywel Dda. In supporting the wellbeing of our staff we can continue to support our patients and public to the best of our ability.”

Mandy Rayani, Director of Nursing, Quality and Patient Experience for the health board, said: “During the pandemic, our staff have gone above and beyond and have worked to ensure that appropriate 24/7 care has been available to meet patient needs across our three counties.

“We are so proud of our staff and one of our priorities now is to support their rest, recovery and the restoration of their wellbeing. These six new projects to support staff wellbeing and recovery in the longer term have been well received by our teams and we are very grateful for the support of NHS Charities Together and the public through their donations.”

Charity

Ashmole & Co to support Alzheimer’s Society with year of fundraising

Published

4 hours ago

May 17, 2026

Tom Sinclair

WEST Wales accountancy firm Ashmole & Co has chosen Alzheimer’s Society as its charity of the year.

The firm, which has thirteen offices across west, mid and south Wales, has raised more than £60,000 for good causes in recent years, including Wales Air Ambulance, Cardiac Risk in the Young, Tenovus Cancer Care and the DPJ Foundation.

Staff will now spend the next 12 months raising money for Alzheimer’s Society through collections, events, dress-down Fridays, cake bakes, running challenges and a sponsored walk later in the year.

The charity supports people affected by dementia, campaigns for better services and funds research into the condition.

Ashmole & Co said staff were keen to support a cause which affects thousands of families across Wales.

Laura Craddock, Ashmole & Co Partner in the Ammanford office, said: “Many of our staff are already aware of the great work done by Alzheimer’s Society and were keen to help raise funds for this worthwhile charity over the next 12 months.

“We hope our clients and friends will help us raise as much money as possible through collections and events for this extremely worthy cause.”

Alzheimer’s Society says around one million people in the UK are currently living with dementia, with that figure expected to rise to 1.4 million by 2040.

In Wales, around 51,000 people are living with dementia, with many still undiagnosed.

The charity says dementia is the UK’s biggest killer and costs the UK economy an estimated £42 billion a year, a figure expected to rise sharply in the coming years.

Dan Gee, Regional Fundraiser for Alzheimer’s Society, said: “We are very grateful to Ashmole & Co for choosing to help raise funds for Alzheimer’s Society over the next 12 months.

“There are currently 51,000 people living with dementia in Wales, half of those without a diagnosis. It is the UK’s biggest killer; it affects us all, and it devastates lives.

“Only together can we beat dementia – by giving vital support to those who need it, funding groundbreaking research, and campaigning to make dementia the priority it should be.

“It will take a society to beat dementia, and we thank you for your support.”

Ashmole & Co Chartered and Certified Accountants was established in 1897 and is one of the largest accountancy and auditing practices in Wales, with offices including Swansea, Carmarthen, Haverfordwest and Tenby.

Donations to support the firm’s fundraising can be made through its JustGiving page or directly at any Ashmole & Co office.

Photo caption: Ashmole & Co partners with Dan Gee, Alzheimer’s Society Regional Fundraiser. Pictured from left are Will Hughes and Ian Badham, Partners in the Haverfordwest and Tenby offices; Laura Craddock, Partner in the Ammanford office; Dan Gee from Alzheimer’s Society; Chris Daultrey, Partner in the Swansea office; Ceri Llwyd, Partner in the Llandeilo and Llandovery offices; and Sharon George, Partner in the Carmarthen office.

Charity

Former Fishguard RNLI stalwart Roy Williams dies

Published

2 days ago

May 15, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Lifeboat station pays tribute to ‘a true man of the community’

FISHGUARD RNLI has paid tribute to former volunteer Roy Williams following his death, describing him as a dedicated lifeboatman and respected figure within the local community.

The station announced the sad news on Friday (May 15), saying Roy had given many years of service to the RNLI in Fishguard, spanning several decades.

Roy served as a crew member and Second Mechanic at Fishguard Lifeboat Station from the 1950s through to the 1970s, helping to protect lives at sea during a period of significant change for the service.

In 1979, he took on the role of Honorary Secretary — a position now known as Lifeboat Operations Manager — and continued in the role beyond the naming ceremony of Fishguard’s current all-weather lifeboat, Blue Peter VII.

A 1972 County Echo feature, preserved by Fishguard and Goodwick local history group Hanes Abergwaun, described Cllr Roy Williams, of Commercial House, Goodwick, as the oldest serving member of the crew at that time, with nearly 20 years’ service.

The article said he was a native of Pencaer, an agricultural engineer by profession, Second Mechanic and radio operator on the lifeboat, and also active with the Wales Tourist Board, Fishguard and Goodwick Swimming Club, and Harmony Chapel, Pencaer.

Paying tribute, Fishguard RNLI said Roy had made an important contribution not only to the lifeboat station but to the wider community.

A spokesperson said: “Over the years as a councillor, lifeboat crew and other local clubs he truly was a man of the community.

“Our thoughts are with his family and friends during this time.”

As a mark of respect, the flag at Fishguard Lifeboat Station is being flown at half mast.

Roy is remembered as one of the dedicated volunteers whose commitment helped shape the RNLI presence in north Pembrokeshire over many years.

Charity

Exciting new £15,000 playground scheme earmarked for local primary school

Published

4 days ago

May 13, 2026

Sarah Jane Absalom

Ysgol Gynradd Abertieifi has launched a major fund raising initiative in a bid to develop what they have described as ‘an exciting new adventure playground’ for Cardigan primary schoolchildren.

The project is aimed at providing children with a safe and engaging space in which they can climb, build and explore with confidence. As well as supporting the children’s physical development, the playground will also boost their creativity, friendship and wellbeing.

The co-ordinators are now aiming to raise £15,000 to make their vision a reality.

“Every contribution, no matter how big or small, will bring us one step close to giving the children a space they’ll be able to enjoy for years to come,” said Alahna Kindred, the associate communications manager.

“Together, I know we can create something truly special for our school community.”

Donations to the new Ysgol Gynradd Aberteifi playground can be made via the gofund me page.