THIS WEEKEND, Wales will be hit by Storm Darragh and the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) is asking those near the coast to be aware of the dangers the stormy weather will bring.

Amber and yellow weather warnings have been issued for wind and rain from late on Friday, covering the whole of Wales, with gusts of up to 70-80mph expected on the west coast.

Yellow weather warnings are in force for rain until early Sunday morning, and amber warnings for wind start early on Saturday morning until late evening.

For those who plan to visit the coast, the strong gusts pose a significant risk to safety and the lifesaving charity is urging the public to exercise extreme caution, particularly along exposed cliffs, seafronts and piers.

Chris Cousens, Regional Water Safety Lead said: ‘We know the predicted weather this week could lead to dangerous and uncertain conditions.

‘If you plan on visiting the coast, the RNLI advises that you stay a safe distance from the water as conditions could knock you off your feet or wash you into the sea. It is not worth risking your life.

‘If you find yourself in trouble unexpectedly in the water, remember to Float to Live; lie back in the water, extend your arms and legs and try to relax as best as you can until you get control of your breathing.

‘If you see someone else in danger in the water, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard. If you have something that floats that they can hold on to, throw it to them. Don’t go in the water yourself – you may end up in difficulty too.’

The RNLI’s safety advice is:

• Stay well back from stormy, wintery seas and cliff edges
• Check the weather forecast and tide times before you go
• Take a phone with you
• In an emergency, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.

PANELS installed at Paul Sartori Foundation’s Head Office highlight and celebrate Father Paul Sartori’s legacy and community impact.

Known as Paul Sartori Hospice at Home, the Pembrokeshire-based charity is proud to highlight the installation of a series of information panels at Paul Sartori House, its Head Office. These panels are dedicated to the memory and work of Father Paul Sartori, the inspiration for the charity.

They offer visitors a visual and educational journey through the life of Father Sartori and the extraordinary legacy he left in Pembrokeshire. The installation is part of the charity’s commitment of preserving and sharing the history of Father Sartori’s inspiring work. They were part of the ‘Voices from the Community: Father Paul Sartori’s story from Priest to Hospice Care’ project, funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund. This project recorded personal memories and stories from those who knew him, ensuring that his vision and impact on the community were preserved for future generations.

Sandra Dade, the Charity Manager at Paul Sartori, commented, “We are thrilled to have these panels in place at Paul Sartori House. They serve as a powerful reminder of Father Sartori’s enduring influence, and they beautifully complement the work of the project. We hope that both the panels, the resources on The People’s Collection Wales website and the documentation safeguarded at Pembrokeshire Archives allow visitors to have a deeper understanding of Father Sartori’s life and the profound impact he had in Pembrokeshire.”

The panels showcase key moments in Father Sartori’s life, from his early life, education, his ministry background and time as a Parish Priest in Haverfordwest. They mention Father Sartori’s untimely death on 16^th April 1980. The legacy he left and also explain his recognition of how Pembrokeshire lacked any form of hospice care and his vision for hospice care in Pembrokeshire. A vision that led to the creation of the charity, Paul Sartori Foundation. The panels also highlight his character, and how his compassion and leadership was loved by many in the community.

The ‘Voices from the Community…’ project, recorded 64 interviews with people who knew Father Sartori, and was a remarkable success. The interviews are accessible via The People’s Collection Wales website (https://www.peoplescollection.wales/users/108536). Photographs and other materials are available to view at Pembrokeshire Archives. This and the panels all ensure that the rich history of Father Sartori’s work is preserved for future generations to explore.

David Evans, Chair of Trustees for Paul Sartori Hospice at Home, said, “Father Sartori’s dream of providing hospice care in Pembrokeshire lives on in the incredible work our charity continues to do today. These panels at Paul Sartori House are an important way of honouring that legacy, and we are deeply grateful to everyone who has contributed to the success of this project.”

Father Sartori’s vision has inspired many thousands of people over the years, with the charity currently supporting around 400 people annually in Pembrokeshire. The new panels, along with the ongoing preservation of Father Sartori’s personal possessions and documents, will ensure that his story remains a source of inspiration for generations to come.

The panels are now on permanent display at Paul Sartori House, and the charity invites the public to visit and learn more about the life and legacy of Father Paul Sartori.

Paul Sartori Hospice at Home provide a range of services to Pembrokeshire people living in the final stages of any life-limiting illness, including home nursing care, equipment loan, complementary therapy, bereavement and counselling support, physiotherapy, future care planning and training.

The services provided by the charity enable people in the later stages of any life-limiting illness to be cared for and to die at home with dignity, independence, pain free and surrounded by those they hold most dear, if that is their wish.

All of the services are free of charge and are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, thanks to the generosity of the Pembrokeshire Community.

Further information on the charity and its services can be obtained by visiting their website www.paulsartori.org, or by phoning 01437 763223.

CHARITIES in Pembrokeshire face a challenging year ahead, as new data from the Charity Commission highlights a steep decline in donations. In 2023, just 47% of people contributed to charity, down sharply from 62% in 2020. Rising operational costs and increasing demand for services are compounding the pressures on local organisations.

Ansvar Insurance, a specialist provider for the charity, not-for-profit, faith, and care sectors, has identified five major risks that charities may face in 2025. Alongside these risks, the insurer offers practical steps to help organisations navigate the challenges.

Mounting pressures for local charities
Adam Tier, Head of Underwriting at Ansvar, said:
“In 2025, charities will face higher operational costs, greater service demand, and ongoing financial pressures due to the cost-of-living crisis. Smaller, local charities are particularly vulnerable as resources are already stretched.”

Top five risks for 2025

1. Financial instability
Declining donations and increased costs, including rising utility bills and the living wage increase to £12.21 per hour, present significant challenges. Ansvar advises charities to adopt robust financial planning and explore alternative funding sources, such as corporate partnerships and grants.

2. Increased demand for services
Organisations supporting foodbanks, hospices, and mental health services are reporting heightened demand. While government funding for social care and healthcare may provide some relief, local charities should collaborate with councils and other groups to manage this strain.

3. Declining income from donations
Changes to Inheritance Tax and Capital Gains Tax could encourage legacy giving. To counteract falling donation levels, Ansvar recommends enhancing donor engagement strategies to build sustainable support networks.

4. Cybersecurity threats
Cybercrime continues to target charities, with a third of respondents in the Government’s 2024 Cyber Security Breaches Survey reporting attacks. Ansvar urges charities to implement robust cybersecurity measures, provide staff training on safe practices, and ensure their insurance policies cover cyber threats.

5. Regulatory and compliance challenges
New charity tax regulations, set to take effect in April 2026, and stricter data protection rules under the Data Protection and Digital Information Bill (DPDI), will increase compliance requirements. Charities should regularly review their strategies to avoid financial and reputational damage.

Proactive steps for resilience
Adam Tier emphasised the importance of forward planning:
“It’s vital that charities take proactive steps to ensure their resilience, from reviewing financial strategies to securing adequate insurance cover. These actions are essential for protecting against emerging risks and continuing to make a difference in their communities.”

Ansvar, part of the Benefact Group, is committed to supporting charities through expert advice and tailored financial services. The Benefact Group is the UK’s third-largest corporate donor, further showcasing its dedication to empowering charitable organisations.