Community

Enhancing Pembrokeshire grant helps bring community together

Published

2 years ago

July 22, 2023

A UNIQUE project in Pembroke Dock ‘Tackling Loneliness’ is bringing the local community together with veterans.

An Enhancing Pembrokeshire grant of £20,000, in collaboration with the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust, has funded a Peer Mentor, who supports many people, not just veterans, at its former Catholic school site.

The funding also allowed the continuation of weekday Naafi breaks where participants can chat and enjoy the company of other veterans.

There is a focus on older veterans living in the local area, but all ages and people from all walks of life are now involved.

Peer mentor Kevin Stanley, a Royal Navy veteran, offers support in accessing digital platforms, paperwork, referrals, housing and benefits as well as a “friendly ear.”

As well as this support there are around 26 activities on offer throughout the week, ranging from knitting to IT skills.

Steph Cross, VC Gallery Project Manager, said what’s unique at the Pembroke Dock centre is how closely residents and veterans support each other, “they merge so well,” she added.

A food poverty grant has allowed for a weekly lunch to be offered, and this has been increasing in popularity, and the centre saw more than 450 people attending throughout May.

Volunteers prepare the lunch and The VC Gallery works closely with PAVS to find people willing to volunteer for activities and lunches, with around 4,000 hours given across the organisation this year.

The Enhancing Pembrokeshire grant distributes funds raised by Second Homes Tax for new projects to help address the negative impact of second homes and add value to communities.

“The VC Gallery is run as a community hub, supporting veterans and the community – it’s a big project. PATCH and Frame are use rooms here as well. We have around 1,000 engagements a month, lots of different people and these people probably wouldn’t have crossed paths necessarily,” Steph added.

Cabinet Member for Corporate Improvement and Communities Cllr Neil Prior said: “The Enhancing Pembrokeshire grants can make a real difference to communities, supporting a wide range of projects and schemes. I would encourage anyone working in their communities to find out more about what’s available.”

Armed Forces Champion Cllr Simon Hancock added: “It was inspiring to see the work being done in Pembroke Dock at The VC Gallery. The support for both veterans and residents is something to be proud of.”

More information about the Enhancing Pembrokeshire grant and its five well-being objectives is available on the Pembrokeshire County Council website. You can contact the Regeneration Team on 01437 775536 or via [email protected] to register your project and apply for an Expression of Interest form.

Armed Forces Covenant Liaison Officer, Hayley Edwards emphasised the vital work that the VC Gallery does for Veterans and the Armed Forces Community.

She added: “The VC Gallery is the cornerstone for support for our veterans in Pembrokeshire. The great work that Kevin does as the Armed Forces Peer Mentor is vital for our Veterans wellbeing quality of life.’’

More information about the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust can be found online.

(Pictured at The VC Gallery in Pembroke Dock are Steph Cross and Kevin Stanley, Cllr Simon Hancock, Hayley Edwards with Veterans and visitors to the centre)

READ THIS WEEK’S PEMBROKESHIRE HERALD HERE:

Community

Community gathers to remember Corrina Baker

Published

2 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Lanterns and balloons released in emotional acts of remembrance

FAMILY, friends and members of the local community came together to remember Corrina Baker at a series of moving events held across west Wales this week.

Corrina’s funeral took place on Monday (Dec 15), a month after her death, with a public service held at St Mary’s Church. Mourners lined the route as her coffin was carried on its final journey in an elegant horse-drawn carriage, before a private cremation later took place at Parc Gwyn crematorium in Narberth.

Later that evening, shortly after 6:00pm, friends and relatives gathered at the Quayside in Cardigan for the first of two acts of remembrance to celebrate her life. Lanterns were lit and released into the night sky above the town as some of Corrina’s favourite songs were played.

On Tuesday afternoon (Dec 16), a second tribute was held near the location where Corrina was found. Twenty-one pink balloons — one for each year of her life — were released into a clear blue sky, each carrying personal messages in her memory.

Floral tributes continue to be laid at the Netpool, while a GoFundMe appeal set up in Corrina’s memory has raised more than £2,300. She has been described by those who knew her as “funny and bright”.

Dyfed-Powys Police have confirmed that their investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ms Baker’s death is ongoing. A 29-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of murder has been released on bail while inquiries continue.

(Photos: Stuart Ladd/Herald)

Community

Six untaxed vehicles seized in Milford Haven police operation

Published

3 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

SIX untaxed and abandoned vehicles were seized during a joint roads policing operation in Milford Haven on Tuesday morning.

Officers from the Milford Haven Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Team (NPPT) worked alongside the Pembrokeshire Roads Policing Team as part of targeted enforcement across the town.

In addition to the vehicle seizures, a number of traffic offence reports were issued to drivers during the operation.

Police said the action formed part of ongoing efforts to improve road safety and tackle vehicle-related offences in the Milford Haven area.

Community

Candlelit carol service brings community together in Milford Haven

Published

3 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

ST KATHARINE and St Peter’s Church in Milford Haven hosted its annual Candlelit Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, bringing together members of the community for a traditional celebration of Christmas.

The service featured readings from the Mayor of Milford Haven, representatives of the Soroptimists, Milford Haven Amateur Operatic Society, the Headteacher and Head Prefects of Milford Haven School, Milford Haven Town Band, and NCI Wooltack Point.

Music for the evening was provided by organist Seimon Morris, Milford Haven Town Band and the Milford Haven Cluster Band, whose performances added to the atmosphere of the candlelit service.

The Friends of St Katharine and St Peter’s Church thanked all those involved and wished the community a happy Christmas.