Community

New guide for older people on accessing GP practices in Wales

Published

2 years ago

July 22, 2024

THE OLDER People’s Commissioner for Wales has launched a new guide to help older people and their families better understand their rights when accessing their GP practice, and the kinds of services and support that should be available.

The Commissioner has published the guide after research she undertook earlier this year found that changes to the way services are delivered, and the changing roles of health professionals working with GP practices, have left many older people struggling to find suitable appointments.

The guide includes information on a range of topics, from communicating with your practice, to finding the right service and professional, to the support that should be offered to help meet your needs, to what you can do if you’re not happy with the service you are receiving. The guide also includes contact details for organisations that can provide help and support to older people and their families, including the Commissioner’s own Advice and Assistance Service.

The guide was developed with support from older people, as well as health professionals and other key stakeholders, and is being distributed to every GP practice in Wales, as well as to older people via community-based organisations.

Versions of the guide are available in BSL, Audio and Easy Read formats, alongside summaries in other languages.

Older People’s Commissioner for Wales, Heléna Herklots CBE, said: “As we get older, accessing GP practices often becomes a more prominent part of our lives and can play an important role in helping us to stay healthy and independent.

“One of the key findings from my recent ‘Access to GP Practices’ report was that many older people are unsure about what services are available from their GP practice and what they are entitled to.

“That’s why I have produced this guide, to empower older people and their families, and help them better understand their rights when accessing GP practices.

“This will help people feel more confident when making appointments and engaging with their GP practice, better understand the services and support they are entitled to, and feel more empowered to raise issues or concerns.”

Alongside launching her information guide, the Commissioner has also published a progress report3, which provides an update on the action taken in response to her ‘Access to GP Practices’ report since its publication in March.

The progress report highlights the ways that the Welsh Government and health boards are using the Commissioner’s findings to shape policy and practice, as well as the commitments made by other key organisations to deliver action to improve older people’s experiences.

The Commissioner added: “I was pleased to see the positive response to my ‘Access to GP Practices’ report and welcome the action that’s already underway.

“It is now essential that policy- and decision-makers build on this and deliver further action against my recommendations, something my team will be pressing for and closely monitoring as we move forward.”

Community

Loose horse sparks police response in Pembroke

Published

5 hours ago

March 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Animal seen galloping through residential streets and towards main road

POLICE are reportedly tracking a loose horse which strayed into a residential area of Pembroke.

The animal was first spotted in Gatehouse View before making its way onto a nearby main road.

A post on the Pembroke and Pembroke Dock Citizens’ Forum said the horse had left Gatehouse View and was seen heading towards the road by Pembroke Leisure Centre.

The resident wrote: “Anyone recognise it? Police following it.”

The horse was later reported to be galloping down Buttermilk Lane in the direction of Martha’s.

Stray horses are not uncommon in the area. In January, several animals were reported loose around Pembroke and along the A477, particularly near Buttermilk Close and the Cleddau Bridge.

Those incidents created a hazard for motorists, prompting Pembrokeshire County Council to step in and return the animals. Drivers were advised to take extra care and avoid startling them.

Community

Charlie the ventriloquist doll returns to Pembroke Dock after 100 years

Published

13 hours ago

March 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Beloved character to greet visitors as Heritage Centre reopens for new season

CHARLIE the 100-year-old ventriloquist’s doll is coming out of retirement — and back to where it all began.

Visitors to Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre will be greeted by the much-loved character when the attraction reopens for the new season on Monday (March 30).

It marks a nostalgic return for Charlie, who once performed in the very same building — then the Royal Dockyard Chapel — alongside his original owner, Ernie James, a Pembroke Dock bus company proprietor. Over the years, the duo became a familiar and popular act on the Pembrokeshire variety circuit.

Today, Charlie is cared for by Paul Elliott, of Llanreath, who inherited the doll from his father, Fred Elliott — better known locally as magician ‘Mr E’, whose shows delighted audiences for decades.

Charlie has also recently enjoyed a brush with national attention, appearing alongside Paul at a BBC Antiques Roadshow event in Swansea.

The Heritage Centre will offer free entry on opening day, with Charlie and Paul on hand to meet visitors and share stories from a century of entertainment.

Community

First person of colour to be elected mayor of Haverfordwest

Published

22 hours ago

March 21, 2026

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A PEMBROKESHIRE town council will soon have its first-ever person of colour as mayor, and its youngest mayor in a century.

Haverfordwest Town Councillor Randell Iziah Thomas-Turner, aged 37, is to become mayor this May.

Cllr Turner said: “Tonight [March 19], I had the honour of accepting the nomination as mayor-elect — a moment that will forever stay with me.

“In doing so, I am humbled to be making history as the first mayor of colour in Haverfordwest and the youngest mayor in a century. This is not just my achievement, it belongs to every person who believes in progress, representation, and the power of community. This is a new chapter for our town — one built on unity, opportunity, and hope.

“My mayor-making will take place this May, and I cannot wait to officially step into the role and begin serving the people of Haverfordwest with pride, passion, and purpose. Haverfordwest is the best in the West — and together, we are just getting started.

“Diversity is not a challenge to overcome, but a strength to embrace. When people from different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives come together with respect and openness, we unlock new ideas, stronger solutions, and deeper understanding.”

It’s a double celebration for the Thomas-Turner family.

Wife, and fellow town councillor, Dani, has been voted as sheriff of the town for the second-year-running, the first woman to serve as sheriff for two consecutive years.

“The coming civic year will be one to watch as my husband Councillor Randell Izaiah Thomas-Turner is becoming the first mayor of colour in Haverfordwest’s history,” said Cllr Dani Thomas-Turner, adding: “It’s going to be a year of history and memory making for sure.”