Charity
How community-run pubs and shops revitalise west Wales

WEST WALES celebrates as community-run pubs and shops promise a new wave of employment and trading opportunities. The recent trend of communities banding together to buy beloved establishments, turning them from privately-owned entities into cooperatively-run ventures, has become a lifeline for some local favourites.
At the heart of Newport, Pembrokeshire, Havards Ironmunger’s store stands as a beacon of hope. The community has rallied behind its purchase, ensuring its doors remain open and its products accessible to the locals. However, Havards isn’t the only establishment to benefit from this community spirit.
Each establishment purchased through this community cooperative model aims not only for profit but also seeks active participation from the community to steer its future. These “social businesses” have been sprouting all over West Wales. From the Tafarn Sinc pub in Rosebush, purchased in 2017, to the White Hart Pub in St Dogmaels and the recent community buyout of Tafarn y Vale in South Ceredigion, the wave of community-driven commercial ventures is unmistakable.
Two additional Pembrokeshire projects deserve special mention: the community-driven purchases of Cross Inn, Hayscastle and Tafarn Crymych Arms pub. Each cooperative business relies on the tireless work of volunteers, all united by a common goal: to ensure local trade thrives, offering employment to local residents.
The Tafarn Crymych Arms, which remained closed for two long years, is buzzing with activity once more. The team is actively seeking local suppliers for its restaurant and recruiting fresh talent for the roles they offer. With positions such as a 3-day-a-week Grants Manager and a full-time Pub Manager available, locals have a chance to be a part of this community resurgence.
Cris Tomos, a staunch supporter of these community cooperatives and a member of community development charity PLANED, expressed his enthusiasm, “The ability for communities to own and retain local establishments is pivotal. This model paves the way for local produce and offers competitive employment opportunities.” He adds that there’s a wealth of support for such ventures, urging interested parties to visit the PLANED website for comprehensive guidance on community ownership projects.
Job seekers, take note: the deadline for positions at Crymych Arms is approaching fast, set for the 16th of September. Full details can be found at www.cpdcrymych.cymru.
In Tomos’s words, “It’s truly heartening to witness the rise of community cooperatives. These hubs – be it shops or pubs – are essential for community life, and the support they’ve garnered is nothing short of commendable.”
Charity
Water safety charity urges vigilance as Welsh drowning rate doubles UK average

Campaign targets families ahead of summer holidays
NEW data has revealed that the rate of accidental drowning in Wales is twice the UK national average, prompting urgent calls for increased awareness ahead of the summer holidays.
Figures released by the National Water Safety Forum show that in 2024, there were 18 confirmed accidental drownings in Wales, with a further 19 fatalities where the cause is still under investigation. Over the past five years, 136 people have died in accidental drownings in Welsh waters.
In response, the Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK) is calling on residents and visitors to learn the Water Safety Code during Drowning Prevention Week, which runs from 14 to 21 June 2025. The initiative features an animated video available in both English and Welsh, aimed at educating young children and families about the risks of water and how to stay safe.
Matt Croxall, Interim Charity Director at RLSS UK, said: “The high drowning rate reported in Wales emphasises just how important it is that families are aware of the importance of water safety and have the correct knowledge to be safe around water.
“Deliberately timed ahead of the summer holidays, Drowning Prevention Week equips people with the knowledge to be safe ahead of more time spent outdoors.”
The campaign is backed by Water Safety Wales, a coalition of organisations working to prevent drowning incidents across the country.
Chris Cousens, Chair of Water Safety Wales, said: “At Water Safety Wales, we believe that even one drowning is one too many, and the impact of losing someone to drowning cannot be underestimated. RLSS UK’s Drowning Prevention Week is an ideal opportunity for people to learn the Water Safety Code and how to stay safe.”
Last year, RLSS UK’s educational materials reached an estimated 1.25 million children. For 2025, the charity has launched new online resources tailored for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), ensuring inclusive access to lifesaving knowledge.
Charity
Family Fostering Partners marks 10 years with Tŷ Hafan fundraising challenge

Agency marks decade of care with ’10 for 10′ community campaign
FAMILY FOSTERING PARTNERS, an independent family-run fostering agency, is celebrating its 10th anniversary with an ambitious fundraising campaign in aid of children’s hospice Tŷ Hafan.
The initiative, titled ‘10 Challenges for 10 Years’ and promoted under the hashtag #FFP10for10, will see staff, foster carers, and supporters take on a wide range of activities to raise vital funds for children with life-shortening conditions.
From June to September, participants will tackle ten distinct challenges, including skydives, sea dips, 84-mile cycle rides, hula hoop marathons, 10k runs, charity shop takeovers, sponsored walks, and muddy assault courses — all designed to reflect the spirit and resilience that has defined the agency’s work over the past decade.
Managing Director Judith Davies said the campaign was about giving back to the wider community: “We wanted to mark our 10th year with something truly meaningful. From the outset, Family Fostering Partners has been about more than fostering — it’s about creating a compassionate and supportive network. This is our way of honouring that commitment.”
She added: “Tŷ Hafan touches the hearts of so many across Wales. Their extraordinary work with children and families during unimaginably difficult times deserves all the support we can give. Through #FFP10for10, we’re not just celebrating where we’ve come from — we’re looking ahead to the kind of community we want to help build.”
The campaign also shines a light on a stark reality: Tŷ Hafan currently has the resources to support just one in ten families in Wales who need their help. Through this initiative, Family Fostering Partners hopes to help close that gap — and make it possible for every child facing a life-shortening condition to access the care they deserve.
Charity
Volunteer receives MBE from Prince William in recognition of charity work

A LONG-SERVING volunteer and supporter of NSPCC Cymru has received an MBE from the Prince of Wales in recognition of his commitment to the charity’s fight for every childhood.
Hywel Peterson, who has served as Chairman of NSPCC Cymru’s Fundraising Board since it was launched in 2023 and was previously a member of the NSPCC Wales Appeal Board from 2016 – 2019, was made an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) for voluntary and charitable services in the King’s New Year’s Honours list.
Mr Peterson attended a ceremony at Windsor Castle on Wednesday where he was honoured by Prince William.
“It was a wonderful honour to receive my MBE from the Prince of Wales at Windsor Castle and to share the moment with my parents, who have always supported and encouraged me in everything I have done,” Mr Peterson said.
“The Prince of Wales asked about my charity work and showed a genuine interest in the NSPCC in Wales and the different ways we raise money for vulnerable children, especially given the difficult economic climate.
“There has never been a more important time to ensure we do all we can for this vital cause.”
Under Mr Peterson’s leadership, NSPCC Cymru’s fundraising board raised more than £1-million for NSPCC Cymru’s services during its first year, with Hywel overseeing new partnerships such as with taxi company Veezu and the testimonial fundraising efforts of former Glamorgan County Cricket captain Chris Cooke.
The money raised supports the vital services of the NSPCC in Wales, including Speak out Stay safe, a safeguarding programme for children aged five- to 11-years-old, and Childline, a free, confidential counselling for children and young people up to the age of 19.
Carl Harris, Assistant Director at NSPCC Cymru, said: “Hywel’s commitment to NSPCC Cymru and our mission is exceptional and, on behalf of our charity and the children in Wales who we help every day, I would like to thank him for his continuing hard work and congratulate him on this deserved honour.
“Hywel’s leadership of the NSPCC Cymru Fundraising Board, which raised £1m in its first year, is making an enormous contribution to our fight for every childhood.
“Diolch yn fawr.”
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