Charity

St John Ambulance Cymru urges people of Wales to have first aid skills

Published

5 months ago

July 29, 2024

SAINT John Ambulance Cymru has launched a new campaign to illustrate the importance of first aid skills ‘just in case’ an emergency happens.

Through the campaign, the charity is urging the people of Wales to donate, volunteer or learn life-saving skills to support its mission of making first aid for everyone – anytime, anywhere.

As the first aid charity for Wales, St John Ambulance Cymru relies on volunteers giving up their time and donations from the people of Wales to carry out its lifesaving work.

With the charity’s volunteers donating over 60,000 hours each year to provide first aid cover for over 1,400 large and community led events across Wales, including the Principality Stadium’s raft of recent concerts, the ‘just in case’ campaign is a stark reminder that the charity is always there to keep the people of Wales safe, should an emergency happen.

As almost a million adults in Wales have not learnt CPR and 80% of cardiac arrests take place at home, the campaign also encourages the people of Wales to learn lifesaving first aid skills, either through a workplace training course or community training event.

Learning CPR with St John Ambulance Cymru can be the difference between a life lost and a life saved as 60-year-old Elaine Cooper from Treherbert is testament to, after saving her husband’s life using CPR just two days after completing a first aid course.

“I wouldn’t have been able to do it without the first aid skills I learnt” Elaine said, “I was sceptical about doing the first aid course and I was thinking about missing it, but I’m so thankful I did attend now. The whole experience was so scary, I never thought I’d have to do CPR on anyone, let alone a member of my family.”

While St John Ambulance Cymru is known for providing first aid treatment and training, it also provides ambulance transport, making over 28,000 patient journeys each year, and runs programmes for children and young people from the age of 5, helping to train the next generation of life savers.

One such young person is nine-year old Harley Metz, a member of St John Ambulance Cymru’s Aberdare and Foundry Town Badger programme, who saved his mother’s life when she suffered a diabetic coma at home.

His mum Dana Metz said: “First aid is extremely important for kids to learn, because look what happened. If Harley didn’t go to Badgers he wouldn’t have the knowledge he has. He has been a Badger for a few years now and he absolutely loves it.”

Nichola Couceiro, Head of Communications, Fundraising & Engagement at St John Ambulance Cymru, said: “We’re delighted to launch our new campaign to remind the people of Wales that St John Ambulance Cymru is there ‘just in case’ there is an emergency. First aid saves lives so the work we do is crucial in keeping the people of Wales safe.

“As a charity, we rely on volunteers, workplace courses, fundraising and donations to keep communities in Wales safe ‘just in case’ they need our support and would encourage the people of Wales to visit our website to find out more.”

To find out more visit www.sjacymru.org.uk

Charity

Angle RNLI assist in multi-agency search

Published

2 hours ago

December 23, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ANGLE Lifeboat was requested to launch at 7:59pm on Friday, December 20 to assist with an ongoing incident at Westfield Pill bridge, Neyland.

The lifeboat made best speed to Neyland Marina, and with a flooding tide was able to access straight through into the upper basin of the marina.

The lifeboat’s inflatable Y boat was deployed with two crew members onboard to commence a search of the shallower water within Westfield Pill up to the weir. The All-Weather Lifeboat began searching around the bridge, before covering all of the accessible marina pontoons.

Also searching were officers from Dyfed Powys Police, including their drone unit, and Coastguard Rescue Teams from Dale, Broad Haven and St Govan’s.

Following nearly two hours of searching, the crew were stood down with nothing found, while the police continued their enquiries.

The lifeboat was back alongside her berth and readied for further service by 10:30pm.

***Lifeboat in action at Neyland Marina (Image: Rob Conway/Facebook)***

Charity

Set a New Year Challenge and explore Pembrokeshire for animals in 2025

Published

11 hours ago

December 23, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ANIMAL lovers in Pembrokeshire looking to set an exciting goal for 2025 can now sign up for the RSPCA’s fundraising challenges, including the iconic Tour of Pembrokeshire on 24 May 2025.

From scenic bike rides to adrenaline-fueled adventures, the RSPCA is encouraging participants to embrace a challenge that not only benefits their health but also helps animals in need.

Abi Mustard, Events Manager at the RSPCA, said: “If you’re looking for a unique challenge for the New Year, the Tour of Pembrokeshire offers a perfect blend of stunning coastal views, physical endurance, and the chance to make a meaningful impact on animal welfare.”

The Tour of Pembrokeshire is renowned for showcasing some of the most breathtaking routes in Wales, attracting cyclists of all abilities. Participants will navigate challenging climbs, rolling hills, and picturesque landscapes, all while raising crucial funds for the RSPCA’s work in rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming animals across Wales.

Abi added: “Every mile cycled and every pound raised makes a difference. You’ll not only experience the beauty of Pembrokeshire but also become part of a dedicated team working to stop animal cruelty and neglect.”

Why Join the RSPCA Tour of Pembrokeshire Challenge?

Personalised support from the RSPCA events team
RSPCA branded cycling jersey once fundraising reaches £50
Access to a dedicated events Facebook group for tips and encouragement
Cheering packs for family and friends on event day

More RSPCA Challenges Across Wales in 2025

Chepstow Half Marathon: 26 January
ABP Newport Wales Marathon: 13 April
Gower Peninsula Challenge: 19–20 July
Snowdon Triple: 18–19 August
Cardiff Half Marathon: 5 October

Whether you’re an experienced cyclist or a first-time fundraiser, the Tour of Pembrokeshire offers an unforgettable experience with a purpose.

To sign up or request a fundraising pack, visit the RSPCA website today and start your journey towards making a difference—for yourself and for animals in need.

Together, let’s make 2025 a year of action, compassion, and achievement.

Charity

NatWest Cymru encourages customers in Wales to spread Christmas cheer

Published

11 hours ago

December 23, 2024

Tom Sinclair

NATWEST has introduced a new way for its customers to support Social Bite in the fight against homelessness this festive season.

Through its mobile app based MyRewards programme, customers can now easily donate their available Rewards (over £5) to buy someone experiencing homelessness a Christmas dinner with Social Bite. NatWest has also pledged to match all donations to any of its 16 MyRewards charities, including Social Bite, up to the value of £50 until 31st December, up to a total of £150,000.

The initiative comes as part of Social Bite’s ‘Festival of Kindness’ – an annual mission that aims to provide 300,000 meals, gifts, and essential items to people who are homeless and vulnerable this Christmas.

NatWest has previously worked with the Scottish charity to open a coffee outlet for colleagues and visitors in its Royal Bank HQ in the capital Edinburgh, as well as launching a public coffee shop at its site at 440 Strand, London.

Since the launch of Festival of Kindness in 2020, Social Bite has successfully distributed 1.1 million meals, gifts, and essentials to people who are homeless during the festive period.

Jessica Shipman, Chair, NatWest Cymru Regional Board, said: “Social Bite makes a positive difference to some of the most vulnerable people in our communities. The festive season often brings into focus the hardship so many face every day.

“We know that people want to help but don’t know how. We’re excited to support Social Bite’s inspiring ‘Festival of Kindness’ initiative, giving our customers a way to gift a homeless person a warm meal.

“We encourage everyone to join in and help make the festive season a little brighter for the most vulnerable in our society.”

Josh Littlejohn MBE, Founder of Social Bite, added: “Social Bite is proud to have had the support of NatWest for a number of years, and together, we’ve made great strides to help people break the cycle of homelessness.

“For many of us, Christmas is a period where we look forward to spending time with friends, family and loved ones. However, the reality is very different for people without a place to call home over the festive season. With homelessness rising across the UK, it’s more important than ever that we do what we can to help people affected by homelessness and food poverty.

“A big thank you to all the wonderful NatWest customers who chose to donate their rewards to Social Bite. Your contribution will make a real difference to someone in need, including a hot meal with all the trimmings in loving company on Christmas Day.”

To find out more about NatWest’s MyRewards and the other charities which are being supported, please visit: https://personal.secure1.natwest.com/app/MyRewards