Community

Concern over ageing dads

Published

11 years ago

November 19, 2014

PEOPLE across Great Britain with older parents have spoken out about their fears for their lonely Dads after new research revealed that 63 per cent believe their Dad is lonely even though 30 per cent say they don’t think their Dad would admit to it. Half (50 per cent) of people with an older Dad (over 75) who lives alone said that they don’t think their Dad enjoys his hobbies as much as he used to.

The reasons for older men letting go of their hobbies include a lack of motivation (35 per cent), having no one to enjoy them with (19 per cent) and 10 per cent said a lack of transport was a reason for letting hobbies go. The research is released to coincide with the launch of Royal Voluntary Service’s ‘Let’s Tackle Loneliness’ campaign which aims to recruit more male volunteers. The initiative will help the charity to rekindle dwindling social lives of older men who live alone. A host of high profile rugby clubs have pledged support and the charity is calling on more to come forward now to help raise awareness of the issue and encourage their supporters to become volunteers.

‘Let’s Tackle Loneliness’ clubs including Cardiff Blues, Leicester Tigers, Castleford Tigers and Harlequins, and rugby legends including Dan Cole and JPR Williams, are pledging their support by joining the charity’s virtual Silver Squad (#tackleloneliness), calling on men across Great Britain to share their skills and hobbies and a small amount of time to help local older men stay connected. David McCullough, Chief Executive at Royal Voluntary Service, said: “Supporting your local or national sports team gives a feeling of belonging and comradery for many men and women.

Our research shows that on average men spend 3.3 hours a week chatting about sport with their friends and family. So it also provides an excellent common ground to grow new friendships. “Through the Let’s Tackle Loneliness campaign we want to minimise the barriers to continuing with hobbies and interests. Our volunteers can provide companionship, give a lift where it is needed or buddy-up go to the local rugby game.”

JPR Williams, Welsh rugby legend is supporting the Let’s Tackle Loneliness campaign: “It’s hard to imagine what life will be like when we are older when we are in peak physical fitness but it is important to realise that everyone has something to offer. We all have different skills and interests, whether that’s supporting your local or national team, playing golf, popping to the pub for a pint or going for a drive, those skills and hobbies can easily be shared with someone local to you.

As part of the Let’s Tackle Loneliness campaign I encourage you to register to volunteer for as little as an hour a week to share your skills and interests with an older man who may be suffering from loneliness in silence.” Launched in 1938 as the Women’s Voluntary Services, the charity’s founder, Lady Reading, attracted over one million female volunteers to lend their support on the home front during the war.

Now called Royal Voluntary Service, the charity supports older people and wants more men to volunteer. The charity currently has an army of over 35,000 volunteers but less than a fifth of its cohort are men. Royal Voluntary Service helps over 100,000 older people with services such as Good Neighbours (companionship), Meals-on-Wheels and Books-on-Wheels that help alleviate loneliness. Royal Voluntary Service also provides practical support for older people who have been in hospital through its On Ward Befriending and Home from Hospital services. To volunteer or find out more about Royal Voluntary Service or to sign up as a volunteer call 0845 608 0122 or visit www.royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk

Community

Police intervene after post raises fears of planned Pembroke Dock fight

Published

4 hours ago

April 9, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Extra patrols launched after social media alert in aftermath of Tenby stabbings

POLICE intervened after an online warning raised fears of a planned fight involving young people in Pembroke Dock.

The development came in the immediate aftermath of the shocking stabbings of four youths at Tenby railway station on Tuesday night, which have caused serious concern across Pembrokeshire.

Pembroke Dock and Pembroke Police said they were made aware of social media posts suggesting a fight had been arranged for Friday afternoon (Apr 10), and that the reports were treated with “the utmost seriousness”.

The Herald understands concerns were flagged directly to Dyfed-Powys Police after troubling material was seen online, including a post warning parents about an alleged planned fight in Memorial Park, Pembroke Dock.

The post urged parents to check their children’s phones and referred to claims that children as young as nine could be involved, with allegations that knives were being discussed in group chats on social media.

In a statement, BCU Commander for Pembrokeshire, Superintendent Louise Harries said: “These reports have been treated with the utmost seriousness, and our priority is to ensure the safety of residents in this area, as well as disrupting any kind of violent or anti-social behaviour that occurs.

“Today, our officers have taken proactive measures to identify those involved in the planned activity, and have spoken to each young person, along with their parents and guardians.

“I’d like to thank the young people involved for co-operating with our officers and for their understanding of the potential dangers and risks posed by planning such an event.

“To provide further reassurance, officers and Neighbourhood Policing Teams will carry out patrols of the area and will be happy to speak with any members of the community about any concerns they may have.

“As we come to the end of the Easter holidays, I continue to urge parents, carers, and guardians to be aware of their children’s whereabouts.”

Police said neighbourhood officers would carry out extra patrols in the area to provide reassurance and deter any further anti-social or violent behaviour.

The latest development is likely to deepen fears of further youth disorder following the serious violence in Tenby earlier this week.

Anyone with concerns or information is asked to contact Dyfed-Powys Police via 101 or online. In an emergency, always dial 999.

Community

PCSO clocks in after villagers raise speeding fears

Published

11 hours ago

April 9, 2026

Tom Sinclair

HERBRANDSTON residents flagged fast-moving traffic as a key concern, prompting police to carry out speed checks in the village.

Concern over speeding in Herbrandston has prompted a local police response, with PCSO Adam out in the village carrying out speed checks after residents raised the issue through DPP Connect.

Milford Haven and Neyland Police said the concerns emerged after officers signed local people up to the messaging service, which allows residents to share feedback and receive updates from police.

Many of those who responded said speeding through the village was one of their main worries.

In response, PCSO Adam was deployed to monitor traffic and check vehicle speeds.

The move is likely to be welcomed by residents who have grown tired of motorists treating the village like a racetrack.

Community

Walk the Path for Wellbeing to span three counties in 2026

Published

1 day ago

April 8, 2026

Tom Sinclair

THE PEMBROKESHIRE COAST NATIONAL PARK AUTHORITY is inviting communities, workplaces, families and friends to take part in the 2026 Walk the Path for Wellbeing challenge, with this year’s event expanding across three counties for the first time.

Taking place on Sunday, May 10 and Monday, May 11, the challenge will bring people together to celebrate the spectacular West Wales coastline through walking and other forms of active travel, while highlighting the strong links between nature, movement and wellbeing. A reserve weekend of May 17 and 18 has also been set aside in the event of severe weather.

Building on feedback from last year, the event will now take place over two days rather than one, giving more people the opportunity to get involved and creating a longer window for celebration, storytelling and community spirit.

While last year’s challenge focused on the 186-mile Pembrokeshire Coast, this year’s event will also include sections of Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion, bringing even more communities into the shared coastal celebration.

The two-day event will feature self-led sections for group entry. With the focus firmly on enjoyment, there is no pressure to complete every stage, and participants are encouraged to do only as much as they feel comfortable with. Together, those individual efforts will contribute to a shared goal of covering the full 313 miles of coastline.

Angela Robinson, Health and Wellbeing Officer at the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority, said: “The coast has an extraordinary ability to lift people, connect communities and create lasting memories. By extending the event across two days and into neighbouring counties, we’re opening the door to even more people to celebrate that connection together and share their experiences on social media.”