News

PCC Dafydd Llywelyn stands in support of White Ribbon Day

Published

3 years ago

November 27, 2023

POLICE and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn and his Office, along with Dyfed-Powys Police, are proudly supporting White Ribbon Day Campaign, which marks the start of 16 days of activism against men’s violence against women and girls.

Both PCC Dafydd Llywelyn and Dyfed-Powys Police Chief Constable Richard Lewis are committed to tackling domestic abuse and violence against women and girls.

PCC Llywelyn in his Police and Crime Plan has committed to commission specialist support for victims of domestic and sexual violence, while one of Chief Constable Richard Lewis’s three priorities is to eradicate domestic abuse.

In recent weeks, PCC Dafydd Llywelyn has been involved in several key events and activities on Domestic Abuse leading up to White Ribbon Day, including speaking at an online event raising awareness of CPA (Child to Parent Abuse) and attending a conference in London to raise awareness and to provide insight for employers on CPA and the impact on employees.

Child to Parent Abuse is a particular nuance of domestic abuse, and there is lack of awareness of this type of abuse according to PCC Dafydd Llywelyn, which is something that he has been keen to address since being re-elected.

In 2021, along with partners within the Dyfed Powys area, PCC Llywelyn’s Office has worked with an organisation called PEGS (Parents Education Growth Support), to inform and develop a regional policy and guidance document regarding child to parent abuse.

In addition to this, a comprehensive training package has been delivered to practitioners, including police officers, commissioned services and partners through PEGS.

The training includes awareness of an assessment tool that is being used by Dyfed-Powys Police to identify the presence of child to parent abuse, and to inform the operational response.

Once it is identified, PCC Llywelyn has previously used the Home Office Domestic Abuse Perpetrator Fund to provide training sessions and a whole family programme under the banner Break for Change, that works with parent and child together. This training is now being delivered through a unique project called Ar Trac, which is funded through a Welsh Government Sustainable Social Services grant, and is the first project of its kind in Wales.

PCC Llywelyn has lately also signed the Child to Parent Abuse Covenant and is encouraging other organisations in the Dyfed-Powys to sign.

The Covenant gives employers across the UK the opportunity to recognise Child to Parent Abuse as a key type of domestic abuse, and begin offering support to their staff, volunteers, and any service-users or members of the public they come into contact with. Organisations can sign the Covenant whether they have existing policies and staff training in place, or whether they are completely new to their journey of discovering what CPA is and how it affects families.

Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn said: “White Ribbon Day serves as a poignant reminder that we must unite against all forms of violence towards women and girls.

“As we embark on these 16 days of activism, both myself and my Office are proud to stand with Dyfed-Powys Police in our commitment to tackling domestic abuse.

“Child to Parent Abuse is an often overlooked aspect of this issue, and it is our duty to raise awareness.

“Our efforts, including the unique training we are providing within this area and signing the Child to Parent Abuse Covenant, are steps toward a safer and more informed community. By working together, we can create lasting change and support those affected by these forms of abuse”.

Local Government

Milford Haven civic service marks start of mayoral year

Published

4 hours ago

June 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Mayor’s charities named as civic leaders gather at St Katharine and St Peter’s Church

THE CIVIC SERVICE of the Mayor of Milford Haven, Cllr Mark Woodward, took place at St Katharine and St Peter’s Church on Saturday (June 20).

The service marked Cllr Woodward’s election as Mayor and First Citizen of Milford Haven.

It was conducted by Rev Dr Adrian Furse and Canon John Cecil, with music from church organist Richard Stephens, Gelliswick Community Choir and Milford Haven Town Band.

Guides and Brownies, Milford Haven Sea Cadets and Royal Marines Cadets were also among those taking part, with councillors Colin Sharp and Yvonne Southwell acting as ushers.

Refreshments followed at Milford Haven Bowling Club.

Local MS Paul Davies was among those attending the service and wished the new mayor all the best for his term in office.

Cllr Woodward’s chosen charities for the year are Patch Charity and Greenacres Rescue.

Photo caption:

Civic guests attended the Mayor of Milford Haven’s service at St Katharine and St Peter’s Church on Saturday (Pic: Supplied)

Charity

Toy Story fans fill charity toy box at Haverfordwest cinema

Published

14 hours ago

June 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Donations pour in for SNAP Specialist Play as families embrace Toy Story 5 launch

A TOY STORY-themed charity appeal at a Haverfordwest cinema has got off to a flying start, with families donating toys to support children with additional needs across Pembrokeshire.

The Palace Cinema has teamed up with local charity SNAP Specialist Play to collect new and pre-loved toys during screenings of the newly released Toy Story 5.

The appeal centres around an “Andy’s Toys” donation box, inspired by the beloved Pixar films, which has already been filled by generous filmgoers.

***Toy Story magic: The Palace Cinema foyer has been transformed with themed decorations to celebrate the film’s release***

Cinema manager Hannah Cramp said the response from the community had exceeded expectations.

Families attending opening screenings have arrived carrying bags of toys, with many children keen to share their own treasured items to help others.

The cinema has transformed its foyer into a colourful Toy Story-themed experience, complete with hand-painted decorations, character silhouettes, bunting and famous film slogans including “Reach for the Sky” and “To Infinity and Beyond”.

Many visitors have also embraced the spirit of the occasion by attending in costume as their favourite Toy Story characters.

***Specialist support: SNAP’s sensory facilities help children with additional needs learn and develop through play***

The toys are being donated to SNAP Specialist Play, a charity based within the Child Health Department at Withybush Hospital.

SNAP supports pre-school children with additional and complex needs through specialist play sessions designed to encourage communication, physical development and sensory learning.

Its facilities include sensory rooms, therapeutic play spaces and bespoke equipment used by speech and language therapists, occupational therapists and physiotherapists.

Project manager Cindy Jenkins said the charity was delighted by the partnership and grateful for the generosity shown by local families.

She said every toy donated would be put to good use, either during specialist play sessions, at family events, or through seasonal initiatives such as Christmas gift boxes for children and their siblings.

The appeal will continue until mid-July, with organisers hopeful that even more donations will be received over the coming weeks.

Anyone attending Toy Story 5 at the Palace Cinema is invited to bring along a new or good-quality pre-loved toy to support the appeal.

Cover photo:

Fancy dress fun: Palace Cinema manager Hannah Cramp helping launch the Toy Story charity appeal.

Health

Medicine shortages now ‘most severe on record’, health leaders warn

Published

14 hours ago

June 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

PATIENTS are facing some of the worst medicine shortages ever seen in the UK, with pharmacists warning the situation now poses a serious risk to safety.

The National Pharmacy Association said shortages affecting commonly used medicines are becoming more frequent, lasting longer, and causing increasing disruption for patients, GP surgeries and pharmacies.

The warning comes as Serious Shortage Protocols for Creon, used by people with pancreatic cancer and cystic fibrosis to help digest food, have been in place since May 2024 and have now been extended until July 10, 2026.

HRT treatment Estradot has also been under a Serious Shortage Protocol since December 2024, with the current extension also running until July 10.

Patients travelling between pharmacies

A survey by the National Pharmacy Association found that 98 per cent of pharmacies had encountered patients who had visited several pharmacies in one day to find a prescription.

It also found that 96 per cent of pharmacies believed the current situation posed a serious risk to patient safety, while 89 per cent said they had been unable to dispense a medicine at least once a day because of supply problems.

Some pharmacy teams have also faced anger and abuse from patients unable to obtain medication.

Olivier Picard, Chair of the National Pharmacy Association, said: “Medicine shortages are becoming more frequent, lasting longer and causing increasing disruption for patients.

“These shortages are some of most severe the UK has experienced.

“It is deeply distressing to find patients who have travelled from pharmacy to pharmacy to find the medicines they need without success.”

Calls for urgent taskforce

The NPA is calling on the government to convene an emergency taskforce involving manufacturers, wholesalers, clinicians and pharmacists.

It also wants changes to rules which currently stop pharmacists from making simple substitutions, such as changing a tablet to a capsule or a cream to an ointment, even where a safe alternative is available.

Professor Victoria Tzortziou Brown, President of the Royal College of GPs, said medicine shortages were frustrating for patients, GPs and pharmacists, and added pressure to already stretched services.

She said the College supported pharmacists being able to make limited changes to prescriptions where a medicine is unavailable and a safe alternative exists.

She added: “The most important thing is that patients are able to access the medication they need safely and without delay.”

The Cystic Fibrosis Trust and Pancreatic Cancer UK have also raised concerns about the impact of shortages of pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy, including Creon, on people who rely on the medication to digest food, maintain weight and stay well enough for treatment.