Charity

Pessimism among Welsh youth: A generation fearing a dim future

Published

9 months ago

March 1, 2024

IN A REVEALING survey conducted by Barnardo’s Cymru and YouGov, a staggering 58% of Welsh teenagers have voiced concerns that their futures will be bleaker than those of their parents. The study, which engaged with 225 youths aged between 14 and 17, unveiled a distressing outlook on their life prospects at the age of 30, with over a third worrying about the fate of their future offspring.

Amid escalating concerns over financial instability, environmental crises, and job scarcity, the sentiment among the surveyed cohort is grim. A respondent encapsulated the prevailing anxiety, highlighting personal and familial struggles despite academic accomplishments. This echoes a broader apprehension about achieving a comfortable standard of living, with 22% of the participants doubtful about their financial future.

The data further exposes a sense of helplessness among the youth, with 12% feeling powerless to alter their destined paths. The narrative of hard work not equating to job security is a recurring theme, adding to the disillusionment.

Sarah Crawley, Director of Barnardo’s Cymru, expressed her dismay at the findings, questioning the future we are carving for our children. She criticized the insurmountable barriers faced by the youth, a generation seemingly condemned to a deteriorating quality of life, devoid of the opportunities that previous generations had.

The survey coincides with Barnardo’s recent report, “Changing Childhoods, Changing Lives,” which paints a stark picture of the challenges faced by UK children in 2024. The document details the compounded effects of the cost of living crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic, and environmental concerns on child wellbeing, predicting a dire future marked by declining mental health, increased online exploitation, and more children entering care.

Dylan Thomas, a 20-year-old from Newport, who has benefited from Barnardo’s Newport Young Carers service, shared his perspective on the tough realities faced by his peers. He lamented a society increasingly divided by wealth, where young people are judged superficially, and the essence of community and collective values are being eroded.

Dylan, whose education suffered due to his caring responsibilities, underscores the importance of support systems for young carers. He now works at Cardiff and Vale College, a role that has provided him with much-needed stability and a sense of purpose, highlighting the challenges young people face in gaining employment without prior experience.

In response to these pressing issues, Barnardo’s has announced a new three-year strategy aimed at addressing the crisis. The charity is rebranding to resonate more with the youth and is calling on the Welsh Government for collaboration to mitigate the long-term impacts of current challenges.

Last year, Barnardo’s supported over 373,000 individuals across the UK, demonstrating a significant effort to improve the lives of children and young people. With its deep-rooted presence in Welsh communities, Barnardo’s Cymru is committed to ensuring that the voices of the young are heard and that they are given the opportunities to thrive amidst adversity.

Charity

Kurtz goes Jurassic as Pantosaurus visits Senedd NSPCC Campaign

Published

4 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.