Community

Tackling child abuse with NSPCC’s bilingual workshops

Published

2 years ago

March 15, 2024

NEARLY one-third of adults in Wales have been troubled by suspicions of child abuse or neglect within their communities.

This alarming statistic underscores a pressing need for awareness and action—a need the NSPCC is addressing head-on with its innovative, bilingual workshops.

A YouGov survey, canvassing 3,999 adults across the UK with 181 respondents from Wales, exposes a disturbing inertia: 20% of UK adults hesitated to act on their concerns about child abuse. In Wales alone, 29% of adults have encountered potential cases of mistreatment, spotlighting a critical gap in intervention.

Participants cited significant hurdles to action, including uncertainty (‘I wasn’t sure it was abuse’), fear of exacerbating the situation (‘I worried I might make things worse’), and a lack of tangible evidence (‘I couldn’t prove abuse was happening’).

The NSPCC’s ‘Listen Up, Speak Up’ initiative is not just another campaign; it’s a clarion call for community involvement. With its roots in a successful pilot in Newport, this campaign now offers comprehensive, bilingual resources aimed at equipping Welsh and English speakers alike with the tools to support vulnerable children.

Diving deeper, the survey reveals the private struggles of Welsh parents: over half grapple with challenges they feel ill-equipped to manage alone. A significant number fear judgment, yet many express openness to unsolicited support, indicating a community ready to embrace help.

The power of community intervention is vividly illustrated in the story of Gareth*, a Welsh resident whose early life was transformed by the kindness of neighbors. This personal account not only humanises the statistics but also exemplifies the profound impact of community action.

Sir Peter Wanless, NSPCC CEO, emphasises the universal nature of this challenge: “Every day, we cross paths with children—each encounter an opportunity to make a difference. With 73% of UK adults feeling unprepared to address child welfare concerns, our ‘Listen Up, Speak Up’ program offers essential, accessible training for everyone.”

The journey to safer communities begins with awareness and education. The NSPCC invites individuals and organisations alike to join the ‘Listen Up, Speak Up’ movement. Whether through hosting a workshop or signing up for digital training, every effort counts towards protecting our children. To learn more, visit the NSPCC website or contact their local campaigns team.

Through workshops and online training, ‘Listen Up, Speak Up’ aims to inspire adults across the UK to play their part in keeping children safe, by taking action to support children and families. The campaign, now fully bilingual and including workshops and online resources in Welsh, recognises the challenges of parenting and the benefits of communal support.

The ‘Listen Up, Speak Up’ workshops, led by the NSPCC and available to schools, businesses, organisations, and community groups, advise on recognising signs of risk, approaching difficult conversations, and where to turn when concerned about a child or their family.

Lili Dunn, Local Campaigns Manager for Wales, emphasises the collective responsibility: “We believe everyone can play a part in keeping children safe, equipped with the knowledge of what to do when concerned a child is at risk.”

A series of follow-up emails to the online training will share more advice on how to listen to and support children and families, introducing helpful services and resources, including advice on everyday challenges families may face.

So far, more than 25,000 people have signed up to ‘Listen Up, Speak Up’ digital training. The charity aims to reach one million people and organisations across the UK over the next 10 years, inspiring them to take actions in their community.

Gareth’s testimony and the NSPCC’s efforts underscore the critical role of individual and collective action in safeguarding children’s well-being. By raising awareness, offering practical tools, and encouraging community engagement, the ‘Listen Up, Speak Up’ campaign seeks to make a lasting difference in the lives of children across Wales and beyond.

Community

Weather presenter spotted filming in Pembrokeshire

Published

3 hours ago

March 22, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A WELL-KNOWN Welsh weather presenter was spotted in Pembrokeshire as he filmed scenes for a new series celebrating the county’s coastline.

Derek Brockway, who has been a familiar face on BBC Wales since 1995, was in St Davids recently working on another instalment of his popular walking series along the Pembrokeshire Coast.

Local resident Thomas Tudor said it was “lovely” to meet the broadcaster during filming, posing for a photograph alongside his mother, Beryl Tudor, and sister, Bethan Thomas Price.

Brockway, who is based at BBC Cymru Wales in Cardiff, is widely known not only for his weather forecasts across television, radio and online, but also for his programmes showcasing Wales’ landscapes and coastal paths.

The latest filming in St Davids is expected to form part of an upcoming series highlighting the natural beauty and walking routes of Pembrokeshire, an area long regarded as one of the jewels in Wales’ tourism crown.

Community

Broad Haven volunteers secure ‘national asset’ status for nature reserve

Published

3 hours ago

March 22, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A SMALL stretch of woodland and former opencast coal mine has been transformed into a nationally recognised biodiversity site, in a major first for Wales.

The Slash Pond Community Nature Reserve has been awarded ‘Naturfa’ status, becoming the first community-managed site in Wales to receive the designation.

The recognition, confirmed by Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca-Davies, classifies the reserve as an “Other Effective Area-based Conservation Measure” (OECM). This means the volunteer-led work of the Support the Boardwalk group will now contribute directly to Wales’ 30×30 target – the global commitment to protect 30% of land, freshwater and sea for nature by 2030.

In a further boost, the site has also been included in the National Forest for Wales, recognising its role in strengthening a connected network of woodlands and habitats across the country.

Once a simple local walkway, the Slash Pond has developed into a thriving wildlife haven. The reserve now supports a wide range of species, including critically endangered European eels, otters, ten species of bat, and more than fifty species of birds, alongside diverse aquatic plants and insects.

Huw Irranca-Davies said: “These special places are a testament to the care and dedication of people working on the ground – securing a legacy for future generations. Nature can only thrive where habitats are resilient, protected and effectively managed.”

The new status is expected to unlock future funding opportunities, supporting long-term plans for maintaining the boardwalk, monitoring biodiversity and water quality, installing new signage, and expanding environmental education work with Broad Haven Primary School and the wider Havens community.

Andy Drumm, a volunteer with Support the Boardwalk, said: “We’ve always known how special the Slash Pond is, but this recognition puts it firmly on the map as a national asset. It’s a tribute to years of hard work and shows that local communities can lead the way in tackling the nature crisis.”

To mark the achievement, a Spring Family Fun Day will take place on Friday (May 9) from 1:00pm to 4:00pm at the Slash Pond car park.

The event will feature guided nature walks, pond dipping, a wildlife treasure trail, live music, and family activities including crafts and face painting. The official unveiling of the Naturfa certificate and new reserve branding will also take place, alongside the launch of a new book, From Culm to Calm: A History of the Slash Pond by local author David Meanwell.

Karen Riggs, a long-time volunteer, said: “This achievement belongs to everyone in Broad Haven who has supported the site over the years. We’re not just celebrating a new title – we’re celebrating what our community has built together.”

The day will also see the installation of new benches at the observation decks and the launch of a floating island habitat to support wildfowl and other bird species. Visitors will also be invited to share feedback on plans for an improved picnic area designed to withstand local flooding.

Naturfa is a Welsh Government initiative recognising areas outside traditional protected sites, such as SSSIs, that are managed in ways which deliver long-term benefits for biodiversity.

The Slash Pond Community Nature Reserve is managed by the Support the Boardwalk group in partnership with The Havens Community Council, and is maintained entirely by volunteers.

Further information and updates are available via the Support the Boardwalk Facebook page.

Community

Milford Haven salon named national awards finalist

Published

11 hours ago

March 22, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A local beauty therapist earns recognition in prestigious UK competition

A MILFORD HAVEN beauty therapist has been shortlisted for a major national award celebrating excellence in the hair and beauty industry.

Charlotte Mitchell-Johns, of The Attic Hair & Beauty, has been named a finalist in the Hair Extensions Specialist category at the UK Hair and Beauty Awards 2026.

Ms Mitchell-Johns, who is a Level four beauty therapist, also works as a hair extensions specialist and beauty educator with HB Training.

Speaking about the recognition, she said she was “truly honoured” to be named among the finalists.

She added that she believes the industry thrives on collaboration rather than competition, and that supporting others is key to long-term success.

Ms Mitchell-Johns has been recognised for her technical skill, commitment to clients, and efforts to maintain high standards within the beauty sector.

The UK Hair and Beauty Awards highlight leading professionals from across the country, celebrating talent, creativity and dedication within the industry.