BARCUD Group has launched a new Older People’s Strategy aimed at improving homes, services and support for older residents across mid and west Wales.

The three-year strategy sets out how the group will help older people maintain stable and suitable homes, while also supporting health, wellbeing, independence and stronger community connections.

Barcud, which works across Ceredigion and Powys, said the strategy has been developed in response to Wales’ ageing population and the changing needs of older tenants and communities.

The group includes Barcud Housing Association, Care and Repair in Powys, The Care Society and EOM.

Sara Woodall, Barcud’s Director of Communities, said: “Barcud Group has a significant role to play in the communities in which it works, in Ceredigion and Powys, as evidence shows an increasingly ageing demographic.

“It is of vital importance that we plan now for how we want to deliver homes and services that meet current and anticipated needs of our older communities.

“In doing this we understand that whilst this is Barcud Group Strategy, we will have to work in partnership with others to deliver on the Strategy’s aims.”

The strategy was developed with input from Barcud tenants, board members and external partners. It deliberately does not define the word “older”, recognising that older people are not one single group and may include several generations with very different needs and aspirations.

Following tenant feedback, Barcud will also rename sheltered accommodation as independent living schemes.

The strategy focuses on four key themes: health, wellbeing and social connection; digital inclusion and accessible communication; affordability and financial inclusion; and ensuring facilities and services are fit for purpose.

This will include work to tackle loneliness and isolation, improve accessible communication, support tenants with fuel poverty and financial pressures, and assess Barcud’s current independent living schemes with a view to upgrading facilities.

Sara Woodall added: “Future-proofing Barcud Group’s homes and services in the context of the ageing demographic of Wales is fundamental to delivering Barcud’s strategic objectives.

“This ensures Barcud remains an effective, forward-looking group. By strengthening and widening our service offering we can also enhance efficiency and respond more effectively to the needs of our tenants and communities as they grow older.”

DEDICATED fire service worker Helen Rees is celebrating 25 years with Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service.

Helen, who works in procurement, joined the Service in 2001 as a Water Assistant. Since then, she has helped build what was once a non-existent procurement function into a high-performing, award-winning team.

Her achievements include being named Individual of the Year at the More Than Just Fires Awards in 2022, receiving high commendations at the GO Wales Procurement Awards, and being awarded Fellowship of the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply in 2024.

Helen said one of her earliest memories was being called to the Chief Fire Officer’s office just days after starting, fearing something was wrong, only to find that CFO Ronnie King personally welcomed every new starter.

She has since worked from a portacabin at Uncheldir, moved to House No. 3 at Lime Grove, and later became one of the first members of staff to move into the Service’s new headquarters.

Helen said: “There have been many moments that have made me feel really proud working for MAWWFRS – both from my own individual achievements, but even more so the achievements of my amazing procurement team. We’re small but perfectly formed!”

Assistant Chief Officer Mydrian Harries said: “Helen’s unwavering devotion to her role has seen her grow into a respected and influential leader within the public procurement profession.

“Her achievements stand as a testament to a lifetime of dedication, something we are all proud of. Yet beyond her accomplishments, there is also the Helen we know personally, a trusted friend and someone who will always hold a special place within our Service’s family.”

The Service said Helen’s story was a reminder that its people, their dedication, humour, growth and pride, have helped shape its 30-year journey.

PARC AGAINST DARC has submitted an official request asking the new Welsh Government to call in the planning application for the proposed DARC radar array in Pembrokeshire.

The campaign group, which was set up in 2024 to oppose the US military-linked Deep Space Advanced Radar Capability project, says the decision is too significant to be left to Pembrokeshire County Council alone.

Campaigners say the development, proposed for Cawdor Barracks near Brawdy, would have national implications for Wales, the environment, tourism, the local economy and military strategy.

The request follows the appointment of Rhun ap Iorwerth as Wales’ new First Minister and the naming of Siân Gwenllian as Cabinet Secretary for Local Government, Housing and Planning.

PARC said the election of a Plaid Cymru-led Welsh Government marked “an extremely promising step forward” for the campaign, citing Plaid’s previous opposition to the scheme.

Planning decision

The Ministry of Defence submitted the planning application for the radar array to Pembrokeshire County Council in April.

The application is currently open for public comments, with the publicity period running until Wednesday (May 20).

The DARC project would involve the construction of 27 radar dishes close to the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.

Campaigners have described the proposal as a “military monstrosity” and claim it would allow the United States to project military power into space from Welsh soil.

They also dispute claims that the scheme would bring major local employment benefits, saying the MOD’s own environmental information describes the number of jobs as “low” and “not significant”.

PARC argues that any limited job creation would be outweighed by the removal of hundreds of personnel from Cawdor Barracks.

‘Call it in’

The campaign says the Welsh Government should take over the decision because of the scale and significance of the proposal.

In its request, PARC argues that DARC is “clearly a nationally significant development” and should be considered in the wider context of Wales’ national priorities.

The group is urging members of the public to use its online tool to ask Welsh ministers to call in the application.

PARC said: “We are thrilled that Plaid Cymru, an anti-DARC government, has taken the reins in Cardiff.

“The election of the new Welsh Government is a huge and seismic development from our perspective.

“Today, as we submit our official call-in request to the newly formed Welsh administration, we know that as we fight to save our precious St Davids peninsula from being turned into a massive military target, we do so in the knowledge that the party in control of Wales has a proud and strong history of standing up for the people of Wales and standing for peace.”

Public opposition

PARC says public opposition remains overwhelming.

The campaign claims that an updated MOD consultation summary shows 498 public responses were received, with 401 using PARC’s template objection email and the remaining summarised comments also appearing to oppose the scheme.

The group says it is preparing a 150,000-word planning objection, covering visual, economic, military, strategic and consultation concerns.

Campaigners also point to protests, widespread media coverage and a petition with around 19,000 signatures opposing the project.

Plaid Cymru figures have previously spoken against DARC.

In April 2024, Cefin Campbell tabled a statement of opinion in the Senedd opposing the proposal, while Plaid Westminster leader Liz Saville-Roberts later submitted an Early Day Motion at Westminster.

Mr Campbell said at the time: “Plaid Cymru has a long and honourable history of promoting peace around the globe and opposing militarism at every level.

“We cannot therefore support the construction of DARC and give space to American militarism on our land.”

PARC said the campaign was “still far from won” but had taken “a huge step change in the right direction” following the election result.