PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL, in collaboration with Pembrokeshire College, has launched a new campaign to inspire school leavers to pursue a rewarding career in teaching.

The initiative, supported by local schools, community partners, and current educators, aims to highlight the profound impact teachers can have on future generations and encourage school leavers to consider teaching as a career path.

With over 60 schools in the county, there is a growing demand for passionate and skilled educators to foster a bilingual and forward-thinking education system in Pembrokeshire. The campaign aims to nurture the next generation of teachers by sharing real-life stories from current educators in Pembrokeshire, providing insight into the career and encouraging young people to explore teaching as a fulfilling option.

Two local educators, Braint Llewellyn and Alisha John, have shared their personal teaching journeys to help inspire school leavers across Pembrokeshire.

Braint, 25, a primary school teacher at Ysgol Caer Elen, grew up in the Preseli Mountains in north Pembrokeshire. Braint’s passion for teaching is deeply rooted in her Welsh heritage and her desire to help children to embrace Welsh culture and language.

“Being able to teach through the medium of Welsh is an honour,” says Braint. “It’s rewarding to know I’m helping to shape the future of the Welsh language and culture.”

After completing a History degree at Cardiff University, Braint spent nearly two years as a teaching assistant before deciding to take on more responsibility in the classroom. She then completed her Primary PGCE at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David. Now in her second year of teaching, she cherishes the relationships she builds with her students and the variety of her role.

Braint’s message to young people considering teaching is simple: “Go for it! Teaching is tough at times, but the reward of helping shape young minds and being a constant source of support for your students makes it all worth it.”

Similarly, Alisha, a 23-year-old PE teacher at Ysgol Greenhill School in Tenby, has had a non-traditional path into teaching. Originally from Llanelli, she initially planned to become a physiotherapist after leaving school, but decided to pursue teaching after seeing the impact her PE teachers had on her life during her GCSEs and A-Levels.

Alisha completed her degree in Physical Education at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David and her Secondary PGCE at Cardiff Metropolitan University. Now in her second year of teaching, she is passionate about helping students engage with physical education and break down barriers to learning. She said, “Seeing students who were previously disengaged now bringing their kit to class and attending after-school clubs is one of the most rewarding aspects of my job.”

Alisha’s advice to anyone thinking about a career in teaching is to embrace the opportunity. “Teaching is incredibly rewarding. You get to make a difference in the lives of young people and watch them grow in confidence and ability. Every day is an opportunity to inspire.”

Steven Richards-Downes, director of education at Pembrokeshire Council said, “Teachers have a unique power to shape young minds, inspiring creativity, critical thinking, and a lifelong love of learning. We’re committed to attracting and retaining talented educators, with initiatives like our Coaching & Mentoring program to support NQTs in their first year.

“Pembrokeshire’s diverse range of Welsh and English medium, as well as faith-based schools, aims to inspire students not just to fill roles, but to ensure our schools continue providing top-quality education for the future.”

For more information on how to begin your journey towards a teaching career, visit https://www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/schools-and-learning.

To find out more about the campaign, please visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YJINeUhKRBM

MANCHESTER POLICE are appealing for assistance in tracing the next of kin of Ian Jones, a 52-year-old man originally from Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire.

Ian, who sadly passed away on November 25, 2024, in Chorlton, Manchester, was found at a property on St Clements Road. Authorities have confirmed that there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death.

Ian was born in Milford Haven, where his late father resided on Waterloo Road, Hakin, until his passing in 2015. Despite efforts, the police have been unable to identify or contact any of Ian’s surviving family members.

Greater Manchester Police are urging anyone with information about Ian’s relatives or next of kin to come forward.

If you can assist, please contact the Police Coroners Office on 0161 856 2334.

Your help could provide closure to those connected to Ian and ensure his affairs are respectfully handled.

HENRY TUFNELL MP will vote in favour of Kim Leadbetter MP’s Private Member’s Bill on the emotive subject of legalising assisted dying.

Under the Bill, terminally ill adults with a prognosis of six months or less could seek assistance to end their life, provided two doctors and a High Court judge confirm their eligibility and voluntary decision.

“A PROFOUNDLY COMPLEX ISSUE”

In a statement on his website, the Mid & South Pembrokeshire Labour MP said: “Assisted dying remains a profoundly complex and personal issue, and I’m grateful for the thoughtful input I receive from so many of you. Recently, Kim Leadbeater MP introduced a Private Members’ Bill on this topic, meaning a meaningful debate and potential reform could soon be on the horizon. 

“I support the idea of legalising assisted dying for mentally competent, terminally ill adults, provided strong safeguards are in place. This Bill, like all Private Members’ Bills, allows MPs to vote according to their conscience, ensuring a cross-party discussion that respects diverse views.

“For me, any change in law must prioritise protecting vulnerable individuals while addressing the autonomy of those facing terminal illness. Whatever happens, it’s vital to continue prioritising access to high-quality palliative and end-of-life care.

“In Wales, we’re fortunate to have a devolved approach to end-of-life care, with the Welsh Government allocating over £10.5 million annually. Quality care should always remain a priority, supporting dignity and choice at the end of life. 

 “Thank you again to everyone who has shared their views on assisted dying with me. This issue is both sensitive and significant, and I look forward to ensuring our community’s voice is heard in this conversation.”

We asked Mr Tufnell to expand on his stance, particularly regarding the use of scarce legal, judicial, and health resources.

A spokesperson for Mr Tufnell told The Pembrokeshire Herald: “Henry’s decision to support the Bill at this stage is informed by his belief in treating individuals facing terminal illness with dignity and compassion and upholding their right to autonomy over end-of-life decisions. However, it is important to note that this Bill is currently at the Second Reading stage, which is an opportunity to debate the principles of the proposed legislation rather than its detailed implementation.”

THE LEGISLATIVE PROCESS EXPLAINED

As a Private Members’ Bill, Kim Leadbeater MP introduced this legislation rather than the Government. Such Bills often focus on issues of personal conscience or areas where public debate is necessary.

While many Private Members’ Bills do not progress to becoming law, the Second Reading allows Parliament to assess whether the issue deserves further scrutiny. If the Bill passes this stage, it will proceed to the Committee stage, where MPs will examine its details and consider amendments.

Henry Tufnell’s spokesperson told us: “Henry believes it is vital to give this Bill the opportunity for detailed consideration and public discussion, recognising the ethical complexities it addresses.”

PAYING TO DIE

The issues surrounding the cost of delivering the legislation have been lost in the ethical arguments made by both sides of the debate. However, if the ratio of deaths through assisted dying matches that in the US state of Oregon, used as a touchstone by the Bill’s backers, approximately 3,500 deaths each year will come under the Bill’s provisions.

Those 3,500 deaths would take place following a process involving two doctors who would have to certify the request’s validity and the mental capacity of the person making it. If the doctors okay the request, an application will be made to a judge in the High Court Family Division. Only after a senior and appropriately qualified judge approved the application – which is potentially little more than a hearing followed by a rubber-stamping exercise, would the individual be able to make arrangements for their life to be ended on the NHS.

There are interlocking issues about the resources needed at each step. The first is the availability of the requisite expertise among appropriately qualified doctors. Secondly, the Bill’s proposal to use the High Court Family Division faces even greater issues regarding the availability of enough senior judges to hear and decide on an application.

There is a shortage of judges in the Family Division and a reluctance by sufficiently senior and experienced specialist lawyers to apply for a judicial appointment in it. In addition, in 2022/23, the Family Division of the High Court sat for around 19,000 hours. If the Bill becomes law, the number of sitting hours would increase to around 50,000. There is simply no spare capacity in the system for that level of judicial hours. The idea that the system could somehow “fast-track” applications under the Assisted Dying Bill’s terms runs a coach and horses through the idea that proposed safeguards are adequate or adequately thought through.

Finally, the lethal drugs would be administered using NHS facilities. Those seeking to die using state resources would necessarily displace resources that could be used elsewhere in a health service under extraordinary pressure and already short of resources.

As applications under the Assisted Dying Bill would not be eligible for Legal Aid, the Bill runs the considerable risk of being inaccessible to the terminally ill poor or those unable to afford the level of legal expertise needed to engage with the process.

A QUESTION OF RESOURCES

Mr Tufnell’s spokesperson said: “Henry is aware that implementing any future legislation on assisted dying would require careful planning to ensure sufficient judicial and legal oversight. That would include addressing concerns around clear safeguards and resource allocation.

“The Bill acknowledges the NHS’s central role in supporting individuals at the end of life. If the legislation progresses, Henry will work with colleagues to ensure adequate funding and training for healthcare professionals, alongside enhanced investment in palliative and mental health services.”

LISTENING AND DECIDING

Mr Tufnell’s spokesperson concluded: “Henry’s decision to support the Bill reflects extensive engagement with constituents and medical professionals. He has listened to the perspectives of those who feel strongly both for and against the proposal and has been guided by a commitment to enabling informed choices within a safe and regulated system.

“He recognises the significant public support for giving individuals greater autonomy at the end of life, but also the importance of balancing this with strong protections. The Second Reading stage provides a vital opportunity for Parliament to debate these issues in depth.

“Should the Bill progress further, Henry will continue to engage closely with stakeholders to ensure the proposed legislation is both compassionate and workable.”