News
PM visits the Royal Welsh Show

THIS WEEK saw the Royal Welsh Show take place in Llanelwedd, North Wales. The four-day agricultural event broke all records for the third year in a row as it specifically commemorated the World War 1 and D-Day anniversaries. Show Director, Harry Fetherstonhaugh said: “We are very proud to be part of Wales’ single, biggest cultural event. When you put it into a sporting perspective, we have the same sort of crowds as they do at Aintree on Grand National Day and at Cheltenham on Gold Cup day. On our big days we have a crowd of 70,000. This demonstrates the support we get from across Wales and much further afield – it is people’s annual holiday really.” This year saw the show boast a very special guest; the Prime Minister. As the first serving British Prime Minister ever to visit the show, Mr Cameron was greeted by the Show Director and other dignitaries before being taken on a guided tour of the showground. Whilst at the show, Mr Cameron announced a potential £400m of new business for the British food industry as part of a Government plan aimed at supporting British businesses. With Environment Secretary Elizabeth Truss, Mr Cameron explained how from 2017, all of Central Government would commit to buying fresh and locallysourced seasonal food. This would be made possible by a new food and drink buying standard, called The Plan for Public Procurement, which is targeted at helping thousands of British farmers, small businesses, rural economies and the British public. Attending the event was new Welsh Secretary, Stephen Crabb, who said: “As the new Welsh Secretary I’m absolutely clear that providing support to local communities in rural Wales is critical. That’s why this Government is backing businesses and hardworking families across Wales by reducing energy costs, lowering job taxes and freezing fuel duty to encourage job creation, boost growth and raise living standards in the Welsh rural economy. Of course there’s still more to do. But only by sticking to our long term economic plan will we build a more resilient economy across all parts of Wales and the UK.” Before attending the event AM Paul Davies told The Herald: “I’m delighted to be attending the Royal Welsh Show this year where the goods and foods on display will showcase the very best of Wales once again. The Show provides an excellent opportunity not only to celebrate Welsh food and produce, but also engage with the farming and food industry to better understand some of the challenges facing the sector. “Sadly, agriculture and rural affairs have been demoted to a junior position around Welsh Government’s cabinet table, which clearly demonstrates their attitude towards the industry. I hope to use my time at the Royal Welsh Show to engage as much as possible with farmers and food producers, establishing what some of their challenges are and listening to how we can best support the industry.”
Charity
Contacts to NSPCC Helpline about domestic abuse reach record levels

THE NSPCC Helpline handled a record 7,825 contacts from adults concerned about domestic abuse affecting children last year, marking a 14% increase from the previous year.
Figures released by the charity show this is the highest annual number since the Helpline began specifically tracking domestic abuse concerns in 2021/22. On average, 21 adults contacted the service daily between April 1, 2024, and March 31, 2025, highlighting the alarming scale of the issue.
Notably, there was a significant 29% rise in concerns relating to coercive and controlling behaviour compared to the previous year, alongside a 24% increase in reports of emotional abuse.
A third of these contacts resulted in referrals to local agencies, including police and children’s social services, ensuring immediate intervention and support for affected children.
Adults who contacted the NSPCC expressed worries about various forms of domestic abuse, including physical violence, coercive control, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, stalking, and financial abuse.
One grandparent who reached out to the Helpline described deep concerns for her grandchildren’s safety due to their step-father’s aggressive and threatening behaviour, reflecting the complex nature of domestic abuse situations.
Jess, from Wales, who experienced years of domestic abuse from her biological father, emphasised the severe, long-term impact such abuse can have on mental health and wellbeing. She urged individuals to speak up and seek help early, stating, “Contacting the Helpline could be the first step in helping turn a young person’s life around.”
Paddi Vint, Development and Quality Manager at NSPCC’s Domestic Abuse Practice Advisor Team, said: “The surge in contacts to our Helpline about domestic abuse is alarming, particularly as we’ve recorded the highest annual total since tracking began. It is crucial everyone recognises the signs of domestic abuse, particularly coercive control, which is increasingly common. Quick action and collective vigilance can significantly help protect children at risk.”
Anyone concerned about a child’s welfare can contact the NSPCC Helpline on 0808 800 5000 or email [email protected]. Children experiencing issues can reach Childline on 0800 1111 or visit childline.org.uk.
Crime
Domestic abuse a ‘public health emergency’, say campaigners

Report finds NHS training ‘inconsistent’ as victims fall through the cracks
DOMESTIC abuse should be treated as a public health emergency, a leading charity has warned, after a new report exposed widespread failings by the NHS in identifying and supporting victims.
According to the latest Office for National Statistics figures, more than 12 million people in England and Wales—around one in four adults—have experienced domestic abuse. The charity Standing Together Against Domestic Abuse (Stada) says that, despite frequent contact with both victims and perpetrators, NHS staff are often ill-equipped to intervene.
Stada reviewed domestic homicide and suicide cases published during 2024 and found that in 9 out of 10 cases, the NHS had failed in its safeguarding duties. The most common failing was a lack of proper training for staff on recognising signs of abuse.
Although national guidance recommends mandatory training for frontline NHS staff, the report found that provision remains patchy and inconsistent across services. Failures to record risk properly, share information between agencies, and link victims with mental health or alcohol support services were also highlighted.
The warning comes as a separate study in The Lancet found that more than one in four women who died by suicide and were under secondary mental health care had previously suffered domestic abuse.
Cherryl Henry-Leach, chief executive of Stada, said: “Treating domestic abuse purely as a criminal justice issue costs lives. The NHS is uniquely placed to help, but it must be properly resourced and trained to do so.”
The report urges the government to fund standardised training and improve data sharing. Without urgent reforms, Stada warns that the government’s stated aim of halving violence against women and girls by 2034 will not be met.
Tim Woodhouse, a suicide prevention expert, said as many as 1,800 suicides a year may be linked to domestic abuse, calling it “a national scandal”.
Andrea Simon, from the End Violence Against Women Coalition, said healthcare workers are often the only professionals victims may encounter: “They must be trained to spot the signs and know what to do. Inaction can lead to serious harm or even death.”
Professor Kamila Hawthorne, chair of the Royal College of General Practitioners, added: “Given the trusted relationships GPs have with patients, it is deeply worrying that chances to help might be missed.”
In response, an NHS spokesperson said: “All NHS staff must complete safeguarding training which includes domestic abuse, and this training is currently being reviewed and updated.”
A UK Government spokesperson said a new strategy to prevent domestic abuse is due later this year. “We remain committed to protecting victims, holding perpetrators accountable, and ensuring healthcare professionals have the tools to support survivors,” they said.
Help is available for domestic abuse victims in Pembrokeshire
Support services offer confidential advice, refuge and counselling
Anyone experiencing domestic abuse in Pembrokeshire is urged to seek help. Support is available 24 hours a day, and no one should suffer in silence.
If you are in immediate danger, call 999.
There are several local and national organisations offering confidential support, practical advice and emergency accommodation:
Key Helplines
- Live Fear Free Helpline (24/7, confidential):
📞 0808 80 10 800
📱 Text: 07860 077333
📧 Email: [email protected] - Victim Support (for anyone affected by crime):
📞 0808 16 89 111 - Refuge National Helpline (for women and children):
📞 0808 2000 247
Local Services in Pembrokeshire
- Pembrokeshire Domestic Abuse Services (PDAS)
Offers outreach, one-to-one support, refuge, counselling, and children’s programmes.
📞 01554 752 422 - Stori (formerly Hafan Cymru)
Provides housing support, drop-in advice and specialist help for women, men and families.
📍 8 High Street, Haverfordwest, SA61 2DA
🕘 Open Monday to Friday, 9:00am – 5:00pm
📞 01437 768 761
📧 Email: [email protected] - Welsh Women’s Aid
A national organisation working with local providers to ensure survivors get the help they need.
Contact via the Live Fear Free Helpline above.
You are not alone.
Whether you need immediate safety, someone to talk to, or long-term support, these services are here to help. All calls are confidential and support is available for women, men and children.
Business
Mayor welcomes Eyemazy to Tenby with official opening

TENBY Mayor Cllr Dai Morgan officially welcomed a unique new business to the town on Sunday (June 23) with the opening of Eyemazy, a creative studio specialising in transforming photographs of the human iris into striking pieces of personalised art.
Speaking at the launch, the Mayor said: “Tenby has always been a place of breathtaking beauty, creativity, and warm community spirit. Today, we celebrate something new that captures all of that—and more.”
Eyemazy, which offers cutting-edge imaging and custom artwork services, allows visitors to turn a close-up image of their eye into a one-of-a-kind visual display. The studio adds to Tenby’s growing reputation as a hub of artistic innovation and tourism.
“This innovative studio transforms something truly personal—your iris—into a unique work of art,” added the Mayor. “It’s a celebration of individuality, creativity, and the beauty within each of us. Eyemazy not only brings artistic flair to Tenby but also strengthens our local economy and continues our proud tradition of blending creativity with commerce.”
Cllr Morgan concluded by offering a warm welcome to the Eyemazy team and said he looked forward to the studio becoming a popular destination for both residents and tourists.
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