Charity

Calls to NSPCC Over Parental Alcohol and Substance Misuse Reach Six a Day

Published

9 months ago

February 12, 2024

DURING Children of Alcoholics Week, running from the 11th to the 17th of February, the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) has issued a call to action for adults concerned about children’s welfare. Figures from the Welsh Government reveal that in 2022, over 31% of children in need of care and support were in situations where a parent was struggling with alcohol or substance misuse.

The NSPCC’s dedicated helpline reported receiving an average of six contacts daily from adults across the UK, raising concerns about children affected by these issues. The charity emphasised the gravity of the situation with more than 2,000 calls recorded last year alone, underlining the importance of the awareness week initiated by the National Association for Children of Alcoholics (NACOA).

In addition to these calls, the NSPCC’s Childline service provided 338 counselling sessions for children across the nation, addressing worries related to their parent’s alcohol or substance misuse.

Kam Thandi, the NSPCC Helpline Director, highlighted the emotional turmoil children face in these environments, stating, “Living with a parent who misuses alcohol can leave children feeling isolated, confused, embarrassed, and ashamed.” Thandi urged adults to break the silence surrounding these issues to facilitate support for affected families and children.

The charity outlined several signs indicative of familial distress due to alcohol misuse, including noticeable changes in parents’ behaviour, children becoming withdrawn or acting out, and the visible neglect of children’s basic needs.

Personal testimonies shared with Childline, including one from a 15-year-old girl, reveal the profound impact of parental alcohol abuse on children’s lives. Similarly, Childline counsellor Ashley* from Wales shared his own experiences of growing up with an alcoholic parent, underscoring the importance of support services like Childline for those in similar situations.

NACOA’s Chief Executive, Hilary Henriques MBE, commented on the societal silence around the issue, stressing the aim of COA Week to break this silence and reassure affected children that they are not alone.

The NSPCC and NACOA urge anyone concerned about a child’s welfare, including issues related to parental alcohol misuse, to reach out for support. The NSPCC Helpline and NACOA offer dedicated services for children, adults, and professionals seeking help and advice.

Charity

Kurtz goes Jurassic as Pantosaurus visits Senedd NSPCC Campaign

Published

3 days ago

November 14, 2024

Richard Lewis

THIS WEEK, the NSPCC’s annual campaign to safeguard children from sexual abuse reached the steps of the Senedd.

Pantosaurus, the friendly mascot of the NSPCC’s PANTS campaign, appeared to raise awareness among Members of the Senedd and the wider public about the vital importance of child safety. The campaign encourages parents and carers to talk openly with young children about risks and protective measures.

The PANTS campaign is built around five key child protection messages:

Privates are private.
Always remember your body belongs to you.
No means no.
Talk about secrets that upset you.
Speak up; someone can help.

After meeting Pantosaurus, Samuel Kurtz MS, Member of the Senedd for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire, expressed his support for the campaign

He said: “I wholeheartedly support this important NSPCC initiative. Since its launch in 2013, it has empowered over six million families to discuss this sensitive subject.

“This issue affects communities across Wales, so promoting the five principles of PANTS is essential for everyone in Pembrokeshire and beyond.”

Charity

Milford Haven RNLI celebrates heartfelt donation from Neyland Ladies Choir

Published

4 days ago

November 13, 2024

Tom Sinclair

MILFORD HAVEN RNLI Fundraising Group received a generous donation of over £1,000 from Neyland Ladies Choir this October, marking a touching tribute to Mrs. Dorothy Beckett, one of the RNLI’s longest-standing supporters.

The Neyland Ladies Choir held a special concert at St. Mary’s Church on Waterloo Road, Hakin, to celebrate Dorothy Beckett’s 90th birthday. A lifelong supporter of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), Dorothy has played a crucial role in lifeboat fundraising in the Milford Haven area, dating back to the 1970s. She was instrumental in establishing the Hakin Point RNLI fundraising group, which has raised over £500,000 to support the RNLI’s lifesaving work.

The concert’s proceeds were presented in a moving ceremony at Bethesda Baptist Church in Neyland. Accepting the donation on behalf of the RNLI were Steve Lewis, Chairman of the fundraising group, and Thomas Kehoe, Deputy Coxswain of the Angle Lifeboat.

Adding to the evening’s celebrations, Alice Coleman, RNLI Community Manager, presented Dorothy with the Long Service Medal, recognizing her fifty years of dedication to the institution. This award, given by the RNLI, honors Dorothy’s unwavering commitment to saving lives at sea.

“Thank you, Neyland Ladies Choir and Dorothy Beckett,” said the RNLI in a heartfelt message to the community. “Your support and dedication mean the world to us.”

The Milford Haven RNLI Fundraising Group encourages supporters to share and spread the word, hoping that Dorothy’s legacy inspires continued community support.

Charity

NHS staff take on Parkrun for charity

Published

2 weeks ago

November 7, 2024

Richard Lewis

STAFF from the Frailty Unit at Withybush Hospital took part in the Haverfordwest Parkrun and raised a fantastic £1,478 for the unit.

The staff took part in the 5k Parkrun in August at the Haverfordwest cricket club, whilst others volunteered, sold refreshments and held a raffle.

Lisa Marshall, Senior Sister, said: “I am so proud of Estelle and the team for organising a successful fundraiser and helping to raise money for our unit.

“It was a great team building day and we all had lots of fun. We are as always grateful for the support and donations we receive, and we look forward to our next fundraiser!”

Katie Hancock, Pembrokeshire Fundraising Officer, said: “We’d like to say a big thank you and well done to Estelle, Lisa and the Frailty Unit team for completing their Parkrun fundraiser.

“Thank you so much for dedicating your time to once again raising funds for your amazing unit.

“The support of our local communities enables us to provide services over and above what the NHS can provide in the three counties of Hywel Dda and we are extremely grateful for every donation we receive.”

For more details about the NHS charity and how you can help support local NHS patients and staff, go to the Hywel Dda Charities website.