News

Pembrokeshire Libraries scoop Silver award for commitment to unpaid carers

Published

3 years ago

January 25, 2023

PEMBROKESHIRE’S Libraries have been recognised for their commitment to and support for unpaid carers and their families.

All of the libraries and associated services have achieved their Investors in Carers Silver Level award; a scheme which is delivered by Hywel Dda University Health Board and supported by its local authority and third sector partners in Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire.

The Investors in Carers scheme was originally designed to help health facilities such as GP practices, areas within hospitals and other organisations focus on and improve their carer awareness and enhance the help and support they give unpaid carers of all ages.

Pembrokeshire Library’s submission was assessed against the six themes within the scheme: Carer Lead, Staff training, Identification, Information and Support for carers and Evaluation.

The assessor said that the content of the submission included some excellent work across all sites and was easy to follow.

Pembrokeshire County Council Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services, Cllr Rhys Sinnett, said: “This Award process has involved a lot of hard work and effort from Library Service staff and it is fantastic to see those efforts being rewarded.

It could not be more apt that this award is presented at a time when the role of carers is even more important than ever, given the pressures we currently see on our health services.

“Our libraries are always warm and welcoming spaces and we hope that this award underlines our commitment to identify, engage with and support carers in Pembrokeshire. I would also like to thank the carers themselves who work so hard, often behind the scenes, to care for loved ones. Please know that you are valued and we recognise your amazing work every day.”

Libraries Manager Anita Thomas, said “Pembrokeshire Libraries are very proud to have achieved the Silver award. The library staff have worked very hard and shown great enthusiasm in identifying unpaid carers within all of our libraries.

“I would like to say a huge thank you to all involved. It has raised awareness of the value and importance of unpaid carers within the community. We all have a responsibility in identifying and supporting them. We often don’t realise how just taking time to listen, offering a kind word or the smallest action can have the greatest impact.

The libraries also collected certificates from the Dementia Supportive Communities Development Officer of the Alzheimer’s Society Cymru working to become Dementia Friendly.

Crime

Four deny murder of Caerphilly teenager

Published

9 minutes ago

March 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

FOUR people have pleaded not guilty to the murder of a 17-year-old boy.

Ricardo Elliot, aged 27, Connor Palfrey, aged 24, Elexi Manny, aged 24, and Georgie Mears, aged 18, appeared before Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court on Friday (March 20), where each denied killing Tristan Shae Kerr.

Emergency services were called to a property in Abertridwr, Caerphilly, at around 5:45pm on Wednesday (Feb 5) following reports that a teenage boy had suffered serious injuries. Despite efforts, Tristan was pronounced dead at the scene.

The court heard that the teenager is alleged to have been attacked with a so-called “zombie knife” measuring approximately nine to ten inches in length.

During the hearing, the four defendants spoke only to confirm their personal details and enter their pleas.

A trial is due to begin on August 3 and is expected to last around six weeks. A further pre-trial review has been scheduled for July 24.

All four defendants were remanded in custody.

Paying tribute after his death, Tristan’s family described him as a “deeply loved son, grandson, nephew, cousin and friend.”

They said he was quick-witted, with a love for motorbikes and adventure, adding that he had a natural energy that lit up every room and drew people towards him.

Crime

Broad Haven man remanded in custody over sexual harm prevention order breach

Published

19 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Court Reporter

Defendant admitted using Xbox without informing police as required under court order

ANTHONY COOMBES, aged 26, of Sand Banks, Broad Haven, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Mar 20) charged with breaching a sexual harm prevention order.

The court heard that between February 26 and March 19, 2026, at Haverfordwest, Coombes repeatedly breached the order by using an Xbox device without informing police within three days, as required.

The offences relate to a sexual harm prevention order imposed at Swansea Crown Court on October 20, 2021.

Coombes indicated guilty pleas to the offences at the first hearing.

Magistrates committed the case to Swansea Crown Court for sentence.

He was remanded in custody ahead of the next hearing, which is due to take place at 9:00am on Friday, April 3, at Swansea Crown Court.

The court refused bail on the grounds that he was likely to offend, citing the nature and seriousness of the offences and his previous record and character.

A pre-sentence report was ordered.