Charity
PATCH Celebrates 15 Years of Helping People in Pembrokeshire
SATURDAY, 3rd June 2013, marks the 15th anniversary of PATCH, a remarkable milestone in the organization’s journey of aiding individuals in overcoming hardship. Tracy Olin, the general manager, established PATCH with humble beginnings, and it has since flourished into a well-established institution. In 2022 alone, over 30,000 food parcels were distributed, illustrating the tremendous impact of their efforts. However, this year has posed new challenges, with a surge of approximately 30% in the demand for food parcels, and donations failing to meet the levels of the previous year. Dave Golding, the acting general manager, emphasizes the constant battle to ensure an adequate food supply.
The majority of the food distributed by PATCH is sourced from public donations. Individuals can either deliver contributions directly to our headquarters on Robert Street or place them in conveniently located collection baskets at local supermarkets. In addition to public support, PATCH also receives significant assistance from prominent local businesses, including Valero, Ascona, Milford Haven Port Authority, and various others, for which we are immensely grateful. Moreover, ordinary members of the public, who have experienced firsthand the challenges of putting food on the table, offer vital support. Previously, Pembrokeshire County Council has also provided financial aid.
Despite purchasing large quantities of food using financial grants, the demand for sustenance remains insatiable. This year, we are compelled to purchase food to maintain the support we provide, highlighting the urgency of our cause.
In addition to year-round food parcel distribution, PATCH organizes an annual Toy Appeal during the Christmas season. Once again, the success of this initiative hinges on the generosity of the public and local businesses, including Valero, Milford Haven Port Authority, Stena, and several supermarkets. The Toy Appeal aims to provide each referred child with at least five age-appropriate toys, along with the necessary wrapping paper, tags, and sellotape, all kindly delivered by our partner organization, FRAME. We are immensely grateful for their invaluable assistance, as well as the support of every individual who stands by our cause.
During the pandemic, PATCH was compelled to close all its outreach posts and shifted its focus to delivering food parcels with the aid of a dedicated team of volunteer drivers. While this approach was necessary at the time, it has become evident that it is not financially sustainable. Consequently, PATCH has recently made the decision to reopen its outreach posts, making it more convenient for referring agents and service users to collect food parcels. Currently, we have outreach Food Banks situated in “The Old Chapel” on Lower Frog Street, Tenby (open Tuesday to Saturday), and at The VC Gallery in Pembroke Dock, located in the old St Mary’s School near the Fire Station in Pembroke Dock (open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 am to 2 pm). Additionally, we have plans to open a Food Bank in “The Hive” on Goshawk Road, Haverfordwest, with the official date to be announced soon.
In addition to the Food Banks, we also operate a Charity Shop that opened its doors in September 2022. Once again, the success of this venture heavily relies on the generous contributions from the public. We are overwhelmed by the support we receive in the form of donated goods that we are able to sell, generating valuable income for the Food Bank.
Apart from relying on food and item donations for the shop, we are immensely grateful for the assistance of our volunteers. These dedicated individuals not only help prepare the food parcels but also contribute to the smooth operation of the shop. If you are reading this article and are able to spare a few hours to volunteer at one of our Food Banks or in the Shop (either on the shop floor or in the back room for sorting), please do not hesitate to contact us.
PATCH has come a long way since its inception, but the journey is far from over. As we celebrate 15 years of dedicated service to the community, we remain committed to our mission of supporting those in need. Together, with the collective efforts of Tracy Olin, Dave Golding, our partners, volunteers, and the kind-hearted members of the public, we strive to make a tangible difference in the lives of individuals facing adversity.
Charity
Insurer warns of growing risks for Pembrokeshire charities in 2025
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.
Charity
Clean sweep for Pembrokeshire pupils as FUW announce Christmas card winners
TWO SCHOOL pupils from Pembrokeshire came out on top as the Farmers’ Union of Wales (FUW) has revealed the winning designs for its Christmas card design competition.
Children from primary schools across Wales had been invited to submit a farming themed Christmas card design in aid of Wales Air Ambulance, the FUW’s current Presidential charity.
The competition was split into two categories – English and Welsh designs. The English category was won by Will Smith, 10 years old, from Roch Community School, Haverfordwest. The Welsh category was won by Keira Lewis, 9 years old, from Narberth CP School, Pembrokeshire.
FUW President Ian Rickman said: “The competition was a roaring success once again and has attracted hundreds of entries from across Wales. The standard was very high and presented the judges with a tough task when it came to choosing the winners.
“I would like to thank every single child who entered the competition and to tell them that without their participation the contest would not have been such a success. I would also like to express my gratitude to the staff at the schools up and down the country that assisted the FUW in the running of the competition.
“It gave children in urban and rural areas of Wales an opportunity to connect with the farming industry and express their thoughts in a creative and colourful way. I believe it is vital that we as farmers maintain a strong link with young people so that they understand the way that food is produced in this country.”
The cards can be purchased either from the FUW’s head office by calling 01970 820820 or from respective FUW county offices.
Charity
Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society donate £1,400 to all-Wales charity
WALES AIR AMBULANCE has continued to benefit from being the chosen charity of Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society’s president Adam Thorne.
Throughout the year the society has come together to raise much-needed funds for the Wales Air Ambulance.
Adam chose the Wales Air Ambulance Charity because of how valuable the service is to the rural and farming community in West Wales.
Following a successful harvest festival service and pre-Pembrokeshire County Show service, donations were made towards the charity of £1,400.
Wales Air Ambulance is consultant-led, taking hospital-standard treatments to the patient and, if required, transferring them directly to the most appropriate hospital for their illness or injury. For the patient, this can mean hours saved when compared to standard care and is proven to greatly improve survival and early recovery.
This advanced critical care includes the ability to administer anaesthesia, deliver blood transfusions and conduct minor operations, all at the scene of an incident.
As a pan-Wales service, its dedicated crews, regardless of where they are based, will travel the length and breadth of the country to deliver emergency lifesaving care.
The Wales Air Ambulance needs to raise £11.2 million every ensure to keep its helicopters in the air and its rapid response vehicles on the road.
Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society’s fundraising journey will continue, with a carol concert on 16 December and a luncheon in February.
Mike May, the Charity’s Regional Fundraising Manager for West Wales said: “Firstly a huge thank you to President Adam Thorne for picking our Charity as Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society’s Charity of the Year. Thank you to everyone who has helped to raise the funds and will continue to assist with fundraising events for Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society.
“The Charity relies on donations, like these to be able to continue to provide our lifesaving service for the people of Wales. We hope the up and coming concert and luncheon is just as successful as their previous fundraisers.”
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