Community
Deputy Prime Minister visits Haverfordwest numeracy project
ADULTS participating in an innovative learning course in Haverfordwest had a visit on Wednesday (Aug 21) from Angela Rayner MP, the Deputy Prime Minister and Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government.
PATH (Pembrokeshire Action for the Homeless) have been running the Numeracy Project this year following a successful application to the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
The Numeracy Project is aimed at adults aged 19+ who want to build confidence with numbers, improve employability, gain a qualification or simply manage their finances better to support their daily living. Many of these issues are leading causes of homelessness within Pembrokeshire.
The homelessness charity also provides mental health counselling and support workers at the sessions so that the learners get a complete wraparound service. Mrs Rayner called this an “incredible extra that people get” in addition to improving their maths skills.
The Deputy Prime Minister, who herself left education with no formal qualifications, spent a lot of time talking with the learners about how the project has not only improved their numeracy skills, but also benefited their mental health, social anxiety and loneliness.
“It’s not just the numeracy, but the social interaction, the confidence… you can see firsthand the incredible work that’s going on here,” she said in a discussion with PATH Managing Director, Michael Hooper.
“You can also see some of the structural problems here that we see across the whole of the UK, for example social housing.”
Mrs Rayner said that the housing situation has got “chronically worse” since PATH started in 1979 and this is a topic she was “keen to address” with the new Labour Government now in place.
One learner, Salastina Victor, spoke to Mrs Rayner about her challenges prior to joining the Numeracy Project and how she now runs her own successful business.
“To see the lady who went from domestic violence and not having numeracy skills, to running her own business and having the confidence that you can see there… it’s incredible that you can do that. Thank you you for all the work you do together,” Mrs Rayner said to the PATH team in a discussion after meeting the learners.
In total the project has received £550,000 but funding now runs out at the end of the year. With over 75 learners how signed up the project, with a total of 100 expected to be onboard by the end of the year, gaining extra funding is vital for the project to be able to continue.
PATH is currently going through a consultation process as it applies for future funding and require as much feedback as possible. You can fill in their survey here for a chance to win a £50 Tesco voucher and help shape the future of this vital service.
Community
RWE launches hydrogen education programme to inspire future climate champions
RWE has launched its Hydrogen Education Programme, an initiative aimed at educating schoolchildren about hydrogen’s crucial role in achieving net zero and decarbonising industries.
Developed in partnership with Generation C, the programme offers interactive, curriculum-based activities that connect classroom learning to real-world applications. Students of all ages will explore hydrogen’s properties, its production, and its growing role in industries driving the clean energy transition.
Henry Tudor High School in Pembroke has already piloted the programme with secondary school students, while Golden Grove Primary School is set to begin this week. The initiative will demonstrate how hydrogen, as a clean energy source, is integral to reducing emissions in transport, manufacturing, and energy sectors.
Engaging young minds
The programme features real-world case studies highlighting RWE’s hydrogen projects and includes group challenges designed to encourage critical thinking about global climate issues.
Golden Grove Primary School headteacher, Mr A Williams, welcomed the initiative, stating: “As head of a large primary school in Pembrokeshire, which is at the forefront of green energy growth, it is imperative that we build meaningful relationships with companies like RWE. The initial lesson captivated our learners, who now fully understand the importance of green energy and the new hydrogen plant. The flexibility of the New Welsh Curriculum allows us to tailor learning to our community’s needs—building an electrolyser to produce hydrogen is just the beginning of a journey that could lead to future opportunities in collaboration with businesses.”
Williams also highlighted the programme’s potential to shape future career paths, saying: “This project could provide highly skilled jobs in our county, and we need our learners to be at the forefront of that development.”
Building a sustainable future
Louise McDonnell, RWE’s hydrogen development manager, attended the event and emphasised the programme’s impact: “Our Hydrogen Education Programme equips young people with the knowledge and inspiration to make a difference. Hydrogen is a game-changer in the fight against climate change, and through this initiative, we’re helping students see the opportunities in clean energy. Education is key to building the skills and passion needed to achieve net zero and safeguard our planet.”
RWE’s Hydrogen Education Programme is more than just an awareness initiative—it aims to inspire careers in clean energy. By sparking curiosity in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), the programme encourages students to explore future roles in the expanding hydrogen economy and renewable energy sector.
Hydrogen’s role in decarbonisation
RWE recently secured planning permission for the RWE Pembroke Green Hydrogen Project, a 100MWe electrolysis plant capable of producing approximately two metric tonnes of green hydrogen per hour. By replacing fossil fuels, the plant is expected to cut local CO2 emissions by about 93,000 tonnes annually, the equivalent of removing 18,600 cars from the road.
As the UK’s largest power producer and a leading renewable generator, RWE continues to develop hydrogen opportunities nationwide to support industrial decarbonisation and drive the transition to a cleaner energy future.
Community
New Men’s Shed opens at Milford Haven Station
TRANSPORT for Wales (TfW) has announced the opening of a new Men’s Shed at Milford Haven Station, transforming one of its stations into a valuable community hub.
Men’s Sheds are community spaces where people come together to make, repair, and repurpose items while supporting local projects. These grassroots initiatives play a crucial role in tackling social isolation and fostering a sense of community.
Research shows that Sheds offer significant health benefits, with 96% of members—known as Shedders—reporting a reduction in loneliness after joining. While traditionally associated with older men, Men’s Sheds are inclusive, welcoming people of all genders and backgrounds. Many involve women, and some operate exclusively for women.
The new Milford Haven Men’s Shed will provide a space for the community to connect, share skills, and form friendships. Shedders will have the freedom to decide how best to use the space to meet their needs.
Emma Collins, Station Manager for Milford Haven, said: “I am pleased that we are able to accommodate the Men’s Shed within the station and support this invaluable community group and the work they do.”
The Milford Haven Men’s Shed committee expressed gratitude to TfW for enabling the project, calling it a safe and welcoming space for older members of the community to build friendships and support well-being.
A spokesperson for the Shed said: “We hope to give back to the community some of the help we have received from TfW. We would also like to thank the National Lottery for the funding that made this project possible.”
They added: “Whether it’s crafting, working on projects, or simply dropping in for a cuppa and a chat, the Men’s Shed is here for the people of the town. We look forward to welcoming everyone.”
Community
Drop in sessions to help reshape Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service
MID and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service (MAWWFRS) is pleased to announce the launch of a series of community drop-in sessions designed to gather feedback from residents and stakeholders. This initiative aims to identify issues and challenges that may impact the delivery of the Community Risk Management Plan 2040 (CRMP 2040).
The CRMP 2040 outlines the Service’s commitment to addressing risks, threats, and challenges faced by communities. These drop-in sessions provide an opportunity for residents to help shape the future of fire and rescue services in Mid and West Wales, ensuring safety and well-being remain a priority.
Shaping the future together
Deputy Chief Fire Officer Iwan Cray said: “We believe the best way to serve our communities is by involving them in the planning process. These drop-in sessions are an opportunity for us to listen, learn, and collaborate with the people we serve.”
The drop-in sessions, details of which are available on the MAWWFRS website, offer a platform for open dialogue. Residents can share their insights, concerns, and suggestions, contributing to the development of a modern Fire and Rescue Service tailored to their needs.
A data-driven approach
The CRMP 2040 adopts a data-driven approach, focusing on prevention, protection, and response to reduce emergencies’ impact and enhance public safety. By tailoring services to community needs, MAWWFRS is committed to building safer and more resilient communities.
Get involved
Community members are encouraged to attend these sessions and provide their feedback. To thank participants, MAWWFRS is offering a chance to win a £100 Amazon voucher. To enter, simply attend a session and complete the survey.
For more information about the plan or the upcoming drop-in sessions, visit the MAWWFRS website or contact the team at [email protected].
About MAWWFRS
Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service is dedicated to protecting and serving the communities of Mid and West Wales. Through prevention, protection, and response, the Service works tirelessly to ensure the safety and well-being of all residents and visitors.
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