Campaign targets families ahead of summer holidays

NEW data has revealed that the rate of accidental drowning in Wales is twice the UK national average, prompting urgent calls for increased awareness ahead of the summer holidays.

Figures released by the National Water Safety Forum show that in 2024, there were 18 confirmed accidental drownings in Wales, with a further 19 fatalities where the cause is still under investigation. Over the past five years, 136 people have died in accidental drownings in Welsh waters.

In response, the Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK) is calling on residents and visitors to learn the Water Safety Code during Drowning Prevention Week, which runs from 14 to 21 June 2025. The initiative features an animated video available in both English and Welsh, aimed at educating young children and families about the risks of water and how to stay safe.

Matt Croxall, Interim Charity Director at RLSS UK, said: “The high drowning rate reported in Wales emphasises just how important it is that families are aware of the importance of water safety and have the correct knowledge to be safe around water.

“Deliberately timed ahead of the summer holidays, Drowning Prevention Week equips people with the knowledge to be safe ahead of more time spent outdoors.”

The campaign is backed by Water Safety Wales, a coalition of organisations working to prevent drowning incidents across the country.

Chris Cousens, Chair of Water Safety Wales, said: “At Water Safety Wales, we believe that even one drowning is one too many, and the impact of losing someone to drowning cannot be underestimated. RLSS UK’s Drowning Prevention Week is an ideal opportunity for people to learn the Water Safety Code and how to stay safe.”

Last year, RLSS UK’s educational materials reached an estimated 1.25 million children. For 2025, the charity has launched new online resources tailored for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), ensuring inclusive access to lifesaving knowledge.

Agency marks decade of care with ’10 for 10′ community campaign

FAMILY FOSTERING PARTNERS, an independent family-run fostering agency, is celebrating its 10th anniversary with an ambitious fundraising campaign in aid of children’s hospice Tŷ Hafan.

The initiative, titled ‘10 Challenges for 10 Years’ and promoted under the hashtag #FFP10for10, will see staff, foster carers, and supporters take on a wide range of activities to raise vital funds for children with life-shortening conditions.

From June to September, participants will tackle ten distinct challenges, including skydives, sea dips, 84-mile cycle rides, hula hoop marathons, 10k runs, charity shop takeovers, sponsored walks, and muddy assault courses — all designed to reflect the spirit and resilience that has defined the agency’s work over the past decade.

Managing Director Judith Davies said the campaign was about giving back to the wider community: “We wanted to mark our 10th year with something truly meaningful. From the outset, Family Fostering Partners has been about more than fostering — it’s about creating a compassionate and supportive network. This is our way of honouring that commitment.”

She added: “Tŷ Hafan touches the hearts of so many across Wales. Their extraordinary work with children and families during unimaginably difficult times deserves all the support we can give. Through #FFP10for10, we’re not just celebrating where we’ve come from — we’re looking ahead to the kind of community we want to help build.”

The campaign also shines a light on a stark reality: Tŷ Hafan currently has the resources to support just one in ten families in Wales who need their help. Through this initiative, Family Fostering Partners hopes to help close that gap — and make it possible for every child facing a life-shortening condition to access the care they deserve.

A LONG-SERVING volunteer and supporter of NSPCC Cymru has received an MBE from the Prince of Wales in recognition of his commitment to the charity’s fight for every childhood.

Hywel Peterson, who has served as Chairman of NSPCC Cymru’s Fundraising Board since it was launched in 2023 and was previously a member of the NSPCC Wales Appeal Board from 2016 – 2019, was made an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) for voluntary and charitable services in the King’s New Year’s Honours list.

Mr Peterson attended a ceremony at Windsor Castle on Wednesday where he was honoured by Prince William.

“It was a wonderful honour to receive my MBE from the Prince of Wales at Windsor Castle and to share the moment with my parents, who have always supported and encouraged me in everything I have done,” Mr Peterson said.

“The Prince of Wales asked about my charity work and showed a genuine interest in the NSPCC in Wales and the different ways we raise money for vulnerable children, especially given the difficult economic climate.

“There has never been a more important time to ensure we do all we can for this vital cause.”

Under Mr Peterson’s leadership, NSPCC Cymru’s fundraising board raised more than £1-million for NSPCC Cymru’s services during its first year, with Hywel overseeing new partnerships such as with taxi company Veezu and the testimonial fundraising efforts of former Glamorgan County Cricket captain Chris Cooke.

The money raised supports the vital services of the NSPCC in Wales, including Speak out Stay safe, a safeguarding programme for children aged five- to 11-years-old, and Childline, a free, confidential counselling for children and young people up to the age of 19.

Carl Harris, Assistant Director at NSPCC Cymru, said: “Hywel’s commitment to NSPCC Cymru and our mission is exceptional and, on behalf of our charity and the children in Wales who we help every day, I would like to thank him for his continuing hard work and congratulate him on this deserved honour.

“Hywel’s leadership of the NSPCC Cymru Fundraising Board, which raised £1m in its first year, is making an enormous contribution to our fight for every childhood.

“Diolch yn fawr.”