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Pembrokeshire young carers light up This Morning sofa

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TWO amazing young carers supported by Action for Children have appeared on the famous This Morning sofa.  Lowis (15), step-sister Nyfain (9) and mum, Kelly, along with an Anglesey counterpart, chatted to Alison Hammond and Holly Willoughby on Monday (4 Sep) about the issues affecting young carers including summer holiday loneliness and the support they receive from Action for Children.

Lowis (15),  and their step-sister Nyfain (9), help their mum along with brother Owen (17) provide round-the-clock care for their disabled step dad/dad who has Friedreich ataxia (FA) – a rare inherited disease that has caused progressive damage to his nervous system and severe movement problems.

Lowis said: ‘It was lovely to meet Holly and Alison, they were so friendly and welcoming.  It was great to talk about the issues we face every day and they were genuinely interested in the young carer experience.  It’s really important to us to make people aware of young carers and the support we receive from charities like Action for Children. To be able to tell our stories on national television on such a popular programme was brilliant and great to be part of.’

Nyfain added: ‘I really enjoyed going on This Morning with mum and Lowis.  Everyone was so nice and I liked being to talk about what we do for Dad within the family. I want people in the same position as us to know they are not on their own and that there is help, like Action for Children.’

Mum Kelly said: ‘It was wonderful to be with Lowis and Nyfain on This Morning and see yung carers get the recognition they richly deserve, I’m very proud of them and Owen.  They help so much and make what is a very challenging family life that bit easier.  We’re aware it can be hard, especially in the summer holidays when friends seem to be out all the time. It’s a big responsibility and it’s great Action for Children are there to give them a break and mix with other young people with similar experiences.’

More than eight out of ten young carers (82%) feel lonely during the summer holidays, according to research released earlier in the year by Action for Children and Carers Trust and Lisa Mansell, family support practitioner for Action for Children’s Pembrokeshire young carers, was delighted to see awareness being raised on This Morning.

She said: ‘Lowis and Nyfain are fantastic young people who provide essential support for her mother and brother Owen to their father.  It was wonderful to see such a popular TV show like This Morning recognise what young carers experience day in day out and raise awareness of their amazing contribution but also their challenges that are so different to their friends and peers.

‘We are so proud to support young carers like Lowis and Nyfain, giving them a break and helping them cope with all the additional responsibilities they face.  Summer can be particularly hard so we provide day trips and fun activities that give young carers a bit of time away from their caring role.’

Health

Calls to prioritise dementia as nearly half remain undiagnosed in Wales

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Alzheimer’s Society Cymru launches petition amid fears of rising cases and missed care

A CAMPAIGN has been launched to urge the Welsh Government to make dementia a national priority, as figures show that nearly half of those living with the condition in Wales remain undiagnosed.

Alzheimer’s Society Cymru is asking the public to back its Wales Takes on Dementia petition, which aims to send a clear message to current and future ministers that urgent action is needed. More than 50,000 people in Wales are currently living with dementia, yet around half have no formal diagnosis — meaning they may be missing out on vital treatment, care and support.

Geoff Mock, from Swansea, who lives with vascular dementia, is calling on the public to add their names. He said: “Living with vascular dementia hasn’t been easy, but it hasn’t taken away who I am. A diagnosis is the start of a new chapter — one that can still be full of purpose and dignity.”

Geoff chaired the Alzheimer’s Society Wales Dementia Conference on Tuesday (July 8), held at the Pierhead Building in Cardiff Bay. The event brought together healthcare professionals, policy experts and people with lived experience to discuss Wales’ dementia diagnosis rate — the lowest in the UK at just 56%.

Luke Fletcher MS, Chair of the Senedd Cross-Party Group on Dementia, also addressed the conference and backed calls for dementia training to be made mandatory for all social care workers.

Gemma Roberts, National Influencing Manager for Alzheimer’s Society Cymru, warned that the number of dementia cases in Wales is projected to rise by more than 37% by 2040 — to nearly 70,000. She said: “It currently costs Wales £2.3 billion annually — a figure expected to double by 2040. But beyond the financial toll, the human cost is immeasurable. Now is the time for bold, innovative leadership on dementia.”

The charity is calling for the introduction of a new Wales Dementia Action Plan and is urging all political parties to commit to making dementia care a core priority for the next Welsh Government.

To sign the petition, visit: alzheimers.org.uk/petition-wales

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Farming

Bluetongue red markets a ‘step forward’, says NFU Cymru

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New measures will support farmers under current disease restrictions

NFU CYMRU has welcomed the introduction of Bluetongue approved red markets as a “step forward” in supporting Welsh farmers affected by disease control measures.

The announcement, made on Friday (July 11) by the Welsh Government and Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca-Davies, means that from Monday (July 14), livestock can be moved from the Bluetongue Restricted Zone in England to designated red markets in Wales. From there, animals can go directly to slaughter at approved abattoirs either in Wales or within the restricted zone.

The decision follows a Bluetongue Roundtable meeting hosted by the Deputy First Minister on Tuesday (July 8), where NFU Cymru President Aled Jones was among those representing the sector.

Speaking after the announcement, Mr Jones said: “I outlined to the Deputy First Minister the serious impact current Bluetongue control policies are having on the Welsh livestock sector. Our members remain deeply concerned about the implications for trade, particularly with the breeding season approaching. It is vital we do more to protect the viability of breeding flocks and herds – and the wider sustainability of farm businesses.”

He welcomed the red market move as a practical improvement, though not without limitations. “In normal circumstances, some animals would be moved for further finishing. The requirement for direct slaughter limits options, but the flexibility this measure brings will support trade in finished stock.”

Mr Jones also raised ongoing concerns about government agency capacity to process testing and licences, and the high costs involved. “The cost of testing is prohibitive except in the case of very high-value animals,” he said. “That’s why NFU Cymru and the NFU have jointly written to the Welsh Government and Defra, calling for urgent financial assistance. That request remains unanswered.”

He urged farmers to discuss vaccination options with their private vets, noting that the Chief Veterinary Officer for Wales is considering how vaccine uptake could further ease trade restrictions.

“With the breeding sales season fast approaching, time is of the essence,” Mr Jones added. “We call on the Welsh Government to work closely with the industry to explore additional measures to increase the movement of vaccinated stock.”

NFU Cymru has also been pressing for clearer guidance for cross-border farms. The union has welcomed the publication of updated information by the Welsh Government alongside the new red market announcement.

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Farming

Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society launches search for 2026 Ambassador

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Young rural leaders invited to apply for prestigious voluntary role

THE PEMBROKESHIRE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY has launched its search for the 2026 County Show Ambassador — a voluntary role aimed at promoting the Society and celebrating rural life in the county.

The successful candidate will support Society officeholders in representing the organisation at key events, including the Pembrokeshire County Show and other activities throughout the year. As part of their development, the 2026 Ambassador will shadow the current Ambassador during this year’s show and gain hands-on experience of the Society’s work.

Last year’s Ambassador, Alys Owens, was appointed during the 2024 Show. Alys, who lives in Haverfordwest, works for Castell Howell and is an active member of Llysyfran YFC. She previously served as Club Secretary and was awarded Club Secretary of the Year at County level. A talented cornet player, Alys also performs with the Goodwick Brass Band.

Tim Johns, President of the Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society, said: “The Ambassador role is an important one. Applicants must have strong communication skills and a genuine enthusiasm for supporting the Society. Knowledge of the Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society and the County Show is desirable.”

The role is open to Pembrokeshire residents aged between 18 and 30. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview at the County Show office from 7:00pm on Tuesday, 19 August. The chosen candidate will receive a £200 allowance and complimentary Society membership for three years.

The deadline for applications is noon on Sunday, 17 August 2025. Applications must be submitted online at: Show Ambassador | Pembrokeshire County Show | Pembs Agricultural Society

Please note: Previous holders of the Ambassador role are not eligible to reapply.

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