Community
Great turnout for PATH’s Stakeholder Engagement Event
PEMBROKESHIRE ACTION FOR THE HOMELESS (PATH) said they were were delighted that nearly 40 attendees joined them on Tuesday (March 19) at The County Hotel in Haverfordwest for their Stakeholder Engagement Event.
The aim of the event, The Herald has been told, was primarily to provide an update on the progress of our UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UK SPF) projects – being delivered by Pathway Counselling and our Numeracy team – but it was also a chance for us to update our partners on other areas of the organisation as well.
The UK SPF projects are being funded by the UK Government’s Multiply initiative, through Pembrokeshire County Council.
Michael Hooper, Managing Director of PATH, opened the event with a summary of the changes which have impacted the organisation since PATH were successful in our bid for nearly £1m of funding from the UK SPF.
This extra funding, which has resulted in rapid growth of the organisation, has allowed us to help more people than ever with over 2,500 people now contacting us every year for help.
However, a growing homelessness problem, the shortage of housing, and uncertain funding for other areas of the organisation due pose challenges for the future.
The future is positive though, as he outlined our plans to be more sustainable, expand strategic partnerships to amplify our impact, empower teams to develop a future focused business plan, and ultimately help more people and prevent homelessness whenever possible.
Dean Flood, Senior Tutor on the Numeracy Project, was joined by Sally Berry, Tutor on the Numeracy Project, to outline how this innovative new service has started months ahead of schedule.
The project is available to anyone aged 19+ and living in Pembrokeshire, with guidelines recently changing to allow even those with a level 2 qualification in maths to participate.
Originally teaching was meant to start in April 2024, however PATH started in January 2024 with two pilot groups at The VC Gallery in Pembroke Dock and The Mount Community Centre in Milford Haven.
So far PATH has engaged 797 PATH clients, with 68 hours of teaching delivered, with 18 venues identified as suitable locations across Pembrokeshire.
Jonathan Clarke, Senior Coordinator at Pathway Lettings, then updated our partners about the big changes at our social lettings agency in recent months.
Using powerful new software – Alto – PATH says it can now place people into accommodation quicker than ever, and a digital hub where tenants can view their documents and files makes managing a tenancy much simpler.
Pathway Lettings is operating in a difficult market, with inflation and the rising cost of living making it harder than ever to provide affordable housing options. However, PATH are working, they say, with landlords to keep rent as low as possible.
Jonathan also outlined our plans to find more landlords and add new properties to our portfolio, so that PAT can continue to provide affordable options across Pembrokeshire.
Currently, Pathway Lettings manages more than 170 properties.
Julie Ashley-Jones and Helen Hillary provided an update on the huge amount of support that Pathway Counselling has provided with the addition of their UK SPF funding.
The team has seen a huge demand for our free counselling services – available to anyone aged 16+ in Pembrokeshire – and has now grown to 30 counsellors. This comprises of 15 qualified counsellors and 15 trainee counsellors.
At the team’s permanent base at 19 Market St in Haverfordwest, drop-in sessions are now taking place on Monday and Thursday every week (12pm – 3pm) and wellbeing workshops are also being held there.
Since September, over 300 referrals for counselling have been received by the team from 30 different sources (crisis teams, social media, partner organisations, etc) with an estimated 1500 hours of counselling delivered.
Several members of the audience were quick to voice their experiences of referring to Pathway Counselling and their positive experiences of rapid support being provided to their clients.
John Harris, one of our trustees, closed the event before everyone tucked into the buffet by thanking everyone for their attendance and reiterated the point that PATH are looking for future funding options to ensure the long term viability of these projects and our future plans.
Community
Welsh National Scooter Rally gears up for a revival in Tenby
SCOOTER enthusiasts from across the country are set to descend on Tenby for the eagerly anticipated return of the Welsh National Scooter Rally this May Bank Holiday weekend. This marks the event’s grand return to the popular seaside destination for the first time since 2022, promising a vibrant celebration of scooter culture.
Organised by the Scooter Collective South Wales, the rally is expected to draw hundreds to Pembrokeshire’s “jewel in the crown.” Attendees can look forward to a colourful array of scooters lining the historic Tenby High Street, adding a splash of retro charm to the town’s picturesque scenery.
The weekend’s schedule is packed with activities, starting with a scenic ‘ride-out’ from Tenby United RFC on Heywood Lane on Saturday afternoon. This event promises to be a visual spectacle, with a parade of beautifully maintained and creatively decorated scooters cruising through the local area.
Music lovers have plenty to get excited about as well. The Specials Limited, a renowned two-tone tribute band, will be performing at the De Valence Pavilion on Friday night, supported by DJ Steve Foster. Concurrently, the Ex-Servicemen’s Club and Tenby Rugby Club will host rooms dedicated to Northern Soul and Reggae soul, respectively, ensuring that there’s something to suit all musical tastes.
Saturday’s festivities will also feature a customs show and traders fair at the Rugby Ground. This event provides a perfect opportunity for enthusiasts to showcase their scooters and exchange tips and accessories with fellow aficionados.
As the rally winds down, the weekend will conclude with a grand end-of-rally party at the Rugby Club, where participants can celebrate their shared passion for scooters and music, reflecting on a weekend full of fun and camaraderie.
For those planning to attend, the Welsh National Scooter Rally not only offers a chance to revel in scooter culture but also to explore the enchanting town of Tenby.
With its rich history and stunning coastal views, Tenby provides the perfect backdrop for an event that celebrates classic style and community spirit.
Community
Barley Saturday makes a grand return to Cardigan
ON SATURDAY (Apr 27), the historic town of Cardigan in West Wales is abuzz with excitement as it hosts its largest annual event, Barley Saturday. This significant day marks not just a local festival but a vital link to the agricultural roots of the region, attracting spectators from across the country to witness a spectacular parade of livestock and vintage vehicles.
At 2 PM, the main streets of Cardigan transformed into a vibrant parade route featuring the best of rural life—from the supreme stallion, admired by an enthusiastic crowd, to the meticulously prepared parade participants. This parade not only showcases the beauty and strength of these animals but also the care and tradition that continue to thrive in Cardigan.
The event kicked off early with an impressive lineup of agricultural workhorses displayed on the show field. The anticipation built up throughout the day as crowds gathered, lining the streets, eager to catch a glimpse of the gleaming vintage vehicles and the majestic livestock. According to Tudor Harries, the show secretary, “Barley Saturday helps restore the lost link between our community and its agricultural heritage.”
With such a large turnout, local authorities implemented strategic road closures and diversions to manage the flow of traffic effectively. Between 1:30 PM and 4 PM, several main roads were closed, ensuring the parade route remains clear and safe for both participants and spectators. Traffic around the town was slow-moving, indicating the high volume of attendees this year.
Beyond the festivities, Barley Saturday is a day of community and giving. Volunteers play a crucial role in marshaling the event, and bucket collections are conducted throughout the day, with all proceeds going to local charities. This spirit of community service is a testament to the values that underpin Barley Saturday.
Barley Saturday is more than just an event; it’s a celebration of Cardigan’s heritage and a vital part of its cultural calendar. It offers a day filled with joy, community spirit, and a deep appreciation for the rural traditions that are so often overlooked in modern times. As the town enjoys today’s festivities, it also renews its connection to the past, ensuring that these traditions will not be forgotten.
Community
Train disruption expected due to essential works at Clarbeston Road
PASSENGERS are being asked to check before they travel between Carmarthen and Milford Haven/Fishguard Harbour next week when Network Rail will be carrying out essential work on the platforms at Clarbeston Road station.
Buses will replace trains at all stops between Carmarthen and Milford Haven/Fishguard Harbour on the West Wales lines from Saturday to Tuesday 27-30 April inclusive.
Network Rail engineers will be working at Clarbeston Road station, preparing the platforms to be able to accommodate new Class 197 trains.
The work will include lowering the platforms by removing the coping stones on the platform edge, altering walls, installing new coping stones, and finally laying new tarmac surfacing.
Nick Millington, Network Rail Wales and Borders route director, said: “These essential works will prepare Clarbeston Road station to accommodate the new Class 197 trains our colleagues at TfW are introducing.
“We’re grateful to passengers and local residents living near Clarbeston Road station for their patience and understanding while we carry out this important work.”
The line between Carmarthen and Milford Haven will also be shut all day on Sunday 12 May and Sunday 19 May, when buses will again replace trains, as Network Rail engineers carry out essential track renewals on a 100-metre stretch of track near Haverfordwest station.
-
News4 days ago
Police and air ambulances at ‘serious incident’ at West Wales school
-
Business1 day ago
Largest Welsh port appoints communications and marketing director
-
Crime3 days ago
Pembrokeshire pensioner accused of 17 sexual offences against children
-
Crime3 days ago
All three school stabbing victims discharged from hospital, police confirm
-
Community5 days ago
County Hall to offer space for community banking
-
Crime6 days ago
Brian Davis: Wanted on suspicion of commercial burglary
-
Education7 days ago
Target of 1m Welsh speakers by 2050 is “almost impossible”
-
Sport5 days ago
Swifts eyes on double.