News

Loneliness crisis among Welsh parents: highlighted by new survey

Published

4 months ago

September 24, 2024

A NEW survey commissioned by Home-Start UK, a leading family support charity, has revealed the alarming scale of loneliness experienced by parents in Wales. According to the findings, nearly four out of five parents (77%) report feeling lonely or isolated, highlighting an urgent need for support to address the issue.

The survey, conducted by YouGov as part of a UK-wide study, sheds light on the isolation many parents and carers face during crucial stages of their children’s development. The data indicates that social isolation is having a profound impact on parents, with consequences for both their mental health and their children’s wellbeing.

Key findings

One of the survey’s most striking findings is the prevalence of isolation among parents. Almost one in five (18%) say they rarely or never have meaningful contact with another adult outside their household, underscoring the extent of their isolation. Young parents are particularly vulnerable, with 28% of those aged 18-24 admitting they always or often feel lonely, compared to just 16% of parents aged 45-54.

Employment also plays a key role in shaping experiences of loneliness. The survey found that unemployed parents are three times more likely to experience loneliness than those in work (48% vs. 16%). Even among those who are not formally employed, such as stay-at-home parents, the rate of loneliness remains worryingly high at 36%.

The findings challenge common assumptions that men are less affected by loneliness. Fathers are just as likely as mothers to say they lack meaningful adult interactions (17% vs. 19%) and report experiencing frequent feelings of loneliness (18% vs. 20%).

Financial strains are compounding the issue, with families on lower incomes being disproportionately affected. Nearly a quarter (24%) of those from lower-income households report feeling lonely, compared to 15% from higher-income groups. The rising cost of living, cited by 48% of respondents, was the leading factor contributing to feelings of isolation, followed by mental health concerns at 43%.

Home-Start Cymru calls for action

In response to the survey’s findings, Home-Start Cymru, which provides vital support to families across Wales, is calling for increased volunteer numbers and donations. The charity is also urging parents to seek help, as they strive to expand their services to meet the growing demand.

Jayne Drummond, CEO of Home-Start Cymru, highlighted the charity’s success in supporting 1,250 families and 2,000 children over the past year, an increase of 4%. She noted that while stress levels remained steady, Home-Start Cymru’s interventions ensured families were able to maintain their resilience, despite the rising pressures of everyday life.

“We’ve seen an 8% rise in children’s mental health struggles, yet thanks to our support, these families have not seen a decline in their ability to cope. This underscores our vital role in helping them through these difficult times,” Drummond said.

Peter Grigg, Chief Executive of Home-Start UK, echoed these sentiments. “This survey paints a painful picture of a loneliness crisis in parenthood. Despite being more digitally connected than ever, too many parents are missing meaningful connections with other adults,” he said. Grigg stressed the importance of emotional support for parents, stating, “Parents and carers are the most important factor in a child’s development, so it’s crucial we provide compassionate communities of support during the critical early years.”

Impact of isolation and financial pressures

The survey also delved into the impact of financial pressures on family life. As inflation drives up the cost of essentials, many parents are forced to cut back on social activities, exacerbating their isolation. This issue is particularly severe for families with younger children, where distance from extended family and friends is often cited as a contributing factor to feelings of loneliness.

In response, Home-Start Cymru has joined a new national campaign titled “We answer the cries you don’t hear.” The initiative aims to raise awareness of the challenges parents face, from maternal mental health to the impact of the cost of living. As part of the campaign, three short films have been released to highlight these issues and encourage communities to offer more support to struggling families.

One poignant example of the charity’s impact comes from Zainab, a mother who fled Afghanistan and settled in Swansea after escaping the Taliban. Isolated as a new mother, Zainab’s situation improved dramatically after being referred to Home-Start Cymru by a health visitor. With the help of a volunteer, she learned English, gained confidence, and became more integrated into her local community. Zainab was so inspired by the support she received that she later became a volunteer herself, helping other families in need.

Her story is just one example of how Home-Start Cymru is making a tangible difference in the lives of families across Wales, offering not just practical assistance but a lifeline of human connection in a time of crisis.

As the cost of living continues to rise and mental health challenges mount, the charity’s call for greater community involvement and government support has never been more urgent. With more volunteers and donations, Home-Start Cymru hopes to continue its vital work, ensuring no parent has to face the loneliness of parenthood alone.

Community

Grieving family’s aim to protect young drivers in memory of daughter

Published

10 hours ago

January 22, 2025

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL Road Safety Team have worked in partnership with the family of a young woman killed in a road traffic collision to launch an intervention for young drivers in our County and beyond.

Ella Bee’s Story aims to prevent further deaths on the road, particularly among the 17 to 25-year-old age group, and concentrates on the Fatal 5, peer pressure, driver behaviour and how to reduce the risks both as a driver and passenger.

Twenty-one year-old Ella Smith was killed in a road traffic collision on the Broad Haven road in 2021 and her family are bravely telling their story of the night it happened and the aftermath of losing Ella.

Two drivers involved in the collision were jailed for ten years each having been convicted of causing death by dangerous driving and causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

The intervention was launched recently and will be available to all schools and young peoples’ groups in the County, along with Pembrokeshire College.

The Road Safety Team worked closely with the family to put together the intervention which includes the production of two videos that can help educate all young drivers, and any adults with young drivers in the family.

Following the launch Ella’s mother Maria said: “We as a family and Ella’s best friends have worked tirelessly with Pembrokeshire County Council to produce a presentation on road safety to be delivered to schools, colleges and youth groups to educate young drivers on the devastating impact that losing Ella has had on us all.

“Ella your legacy will live on and you will forever be remembered for helping others even now.”

Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services Cllr Rhys Sinnett added: “The launch of Ella Bee’s Story was incredible moving. Ella’s family has been incredibly brave in their determination to ensure her tragic death is not in vain and this project will help other young drivers stay safe on our roads.”

For further information about how your school or youth group can access Ella Bee’s Story please email [email protected]

Community

Storm Éowyn upgraded to ‘danger to life’ amber warning for Wales

Published

12 hours ago

January 22, 2025

Tom Sinclair

THE MET OFFICE has upgraded its weather alert for Storm Éowyn to an amber warning, signifying a “danger to life” as strong winds and heavy rain approach Wales and other parts of the UK. The warning is in effect from 6:00am to 9:00pm on Friday, covering northern Wales, Northern Ireland, northern England, and southern Scotland.

Strong winds and widespread disruption

The amber alert warns of winds reaching 60-70 mph inland and up to 90 mph in exposed coastal areas and high ground. The Met Office advises that flying debris poses a risk to life, while power cuts, travel disruption, and property damage are highly likely.

Road, rail, air, and ferry services are expected to face delays and cancellations. Homes and businesses may also sustain structural damage as the storm progresses.

Areas in Wales under amber warning:

Conwy
Denbighshire
Flintshire
Gwynedd
Isle of Anglesey

Alongside the amber alert, two yellow warnings for wind cover all of Wales on Friday, lasting from midnight Thursday to midnight Friday. A separate yellow warning for rain is also in effect from midnight to 9:00am on Friday, predicting 15-25 mm of rain across much of Wales and 40-60 mm in higher elevations. The heavy rainfall may lead to surface water flooding in some areas.

A Met Office spokesperson said: “Storm Éowyn will move across the northwest of the UK on Friday, clearing northeast by Friday night. This will bring a spell of very strong west to southwesterly winds, with a brief reduction in wind strength as the storm’s centre passes over certain areas. Winds will then increase rapidly before gradually easing later on Friday.”

Residents are urged to secure loose outdoor items, avoid unnecessary travel, and monitor updates as the storm approaches.

Crime

Only 3% of sexual offences reported to Dyfed-Powys Police result in a charge

Published

15 hours ago

January 22, 2025

Tom Sinclair

MORE than 1,600 rape and sexual offences have been reported to Dyfed-Powys Police in the last year, but just three per cent resulted in a charge or summons.

New data obtained by Sexual Abuse Compensation Advice (SACA) has revealed that between September 2023 and 2024, a total of 1,686 offences were reported to the force but just 47 resulted in a charge or summons.

Sexual Abuse Claims Specialist, Ellie Lamey says it is “staggeringly low” and “it is important victims know that support is available.”

In the last year, there were 1,141 sexual offences reported to Dyfed-Powys Police as well as further 545 rapes.

Of those, just 47 resulted in a charge with 552 offences still under investigation.

According to the force, the majority of rape and sexual offence victims and alleged perpetrators were between the ages of 0-17.

Sexual Abuse Compensation Advice also obtained new data from the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) – which is a government-backed organisation that can offer compensation to victims of sexual abuse.

In the last year, the CICA received 13,313 applications from alleged victims of sexual assault or abuse.

Of those, 1,763 received compensation – that’s just 13 per cent.

CICA Specialist at SACA, Ellie Lamey said: “The number of sexual assault/abuse victims who have applied for CIC is staggeringly low compared to the number of offences being reported to police forces across the UK.”

This, along with mammoth delays in the court system and the early release of prisoners is, of course, hugely concerning for victims.

SACA’s investigation revealed the main reasons why victims are rejected by the CICA. They include: the incident was not a ‘crime of violence’, the application was made outside the relevant time limit, failure to co-operate with bringing the assailant to justice and failure to co-operate with the CICA.

In the last year, the organisation paid out compensation totalling £18,463,509.85 to victims of sexual abuse.

Specialist Ellie Lamey added: “It is so important that victims know there is support available for them and not to be deterred or fearful of rejection.

“Victims should be aware that they can report historical periods of abuse/assaults to the police, regardless of the amount of time that has passed.

“Victims can avoid rejections by ensuring they fully cooperate with the police in bringing the assailant to justice as well as seeking appropriate medical attention regarding any physical or psychological injuries sustained from the assault they are a victim of.

“CICA data from 2020-2022 shows that 18 per cent of applications are submitted outside of the two-year time limit, and of these 61 per cent went on to receive an award.

“With relevant evidence, we can provide exceptional circumstances that have contributed to the delay in a victim submitting an application.”

Dyfed-Powys Police responded to the data saying that it had the second highest conviction rate for rape offences in England and Wales at 72.7% in the year to date.

However, the force said it recognises that there is still a lot more to do to ensure that all victims-survivors get the justice they deserve.

One of the force’s priorities is to provide a compassionate response to victims of rape and serious sexual assault and the relentless pursuit of offenders

The force joined Operation Sorteria Bluestone in 2022, the aim of which was to transform the policing response to rape and serious sexual offences (RASSO).

A spokesperson said: “We are committed to supporting victims-survivors of rape and sexual assault and all detectives are fully trained in the College of Policing Rape and Serious Sexual Offences Investigative Skills Development Programme (RISDP).

“We’ve revolutionised our response to rape victims-survivors by providing an option of speaking to an officer via video call utilising specialist software. This has enabled victims-survivors to have access to specialist support in an environment which is comfortable for them.

“Rape and sexual offences investigations can be complex and due to their very nature can take longer than 12 months to investigate thoroughly.

“The Government’s review also acknowledged that not all victims-survivors who report incidents to the police want to proceed with a criminal justice outcome.

“As such, measuring charge rates within a 12-month period against the volume of crime reported can be sometimes misleading.”

The police spokesperson added: “We would urge anyone who has been a victim-survivor of a sexual offence to please come forward and get the support they rightly deserve.

“Whether a victim-survivor chooses to involve the police or not, support is available to everyone. New Pathways is the largest sexual violence support provider in Wales, with extensive experience of delivering specialist support to adults and children affected by the trauma of rape, sexual assault or sexual abuse.

“We would also encourage victims-survivors of sexual assault to seek help through sexual assault referral centres (SARCs). SARCs provide a safe space and dedicated care for people who have been raped, sexually assaulted or abused, and are here for everyone.”

Visit New Pathways on www.newpathways.org.uk, or to find a SARC go to collaborative.nhs.wales/SARCs
For details of support services and how to report a sexual offence, including non-recent incidents, visit https://bit.ly/reportsexualoffences
If you have been a victim of a crime, report it to Dyfed-Powys Police, either online at: https://bit.ly/DPPContactOnline, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101. If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech impaired text the non-emergency number on 07811 311 908.
Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555111, or visiting www.crimestoppers-uk.org

Sexual Abuse Compensation Advice (SACA) also offers a specialist service for anyone looking for support and advice after being affected by rape or sexual assault.

They operate a 24-hour helpline and live chat service which you can access on their website.