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Charity

Salvation Army aims to expand role in Carmarthen

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THE SALVATION ARMY in Carmarthen has set its sights on becoming an even greater force for good in the community in 2025. New Community Manager, Carolyn Yelland, is spearheading efforts to ensure more people in need can access vital support and services.

Carolyn, who took up the role three months ago, brings a wealth of local knowledge and experience to the position. Having grown up in Carmarthen, she previously taught Information Technology at a local secondary school and worked with Towy Community Church and The Trussell Trust. Her familiarity with the area and its needs is shaping her ambitious plans for the organisation’s buildings on Lammas Street in the heart of the town.

Carolyn Yelland said: “We are planning to launch a couple of new events. We’ll expand our drop-in advice sessions by inviting more outside agencies to share their expertise alongside our existing services, such as housing support, job seeking, and addiction recovery. I’d love to introduce a workshop on healthy eating led by someone with a healthcare background, and we’re also starting art and crafts sessions.

“One of my key priorities is to work in partnership with others who can bring fresh and helpful ideas.

“It makes a massive difference being on the main street in town. People know where we are. We have two buildings: one houses our charity shop and café, while next door is our church and community centre. These spaces feed into each other, creating a very real and practical sense of support.

“So far, I’ve found it deeply satisfying to see how quickly and directly we can help those in need.”

With plans for expanded services and new workshops, The Salvation Army is cementing its position as a cornerstone of the Carmarthen community.

Charity

Coastguard and Lifeboat Team Bake Up a Storm

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THE SMELL of freshly baked cakes wafted across the RNLI Fishguard Lifeboat Station on Sunday morning as lifeboat crews from Fishguard and Cardigan squared off in their inaugural Bake Off competition.

This week’s challenge? Vegetable cakes. From carrot classics to more adventurous courgette creations, the bakers pulled out all the stops to impress the judges — the HM Coastguard Fishguard team, who eagerly took on the role of official tasters (and coffee drinkers).

“It was a tough job, but someone had to do it,” quipped a coastguard spokesperson, clutching what may or may not have been their third slice of cake. “We’re stuffed!”

Ian Davies honoured for service

Amid the friendly competition, a moment of heartfelt celebration took centre stage. Ian Davies, a longstanding RNLI crew member, was presented with an award marking 20 years of dedicated service. Applause echoed through the station as colleagues and families congratulated Ian on his incredible milestone.

The atmosphere was electric, with the station buzzing not just with lifeboat crews but also with local families and their four-legged friends, who seemed equally delighted by the day’s events..

Weather warning issued

Despite the cheer, the Coastguard issued a reminder to the public to stay safe as extreme weather conditions continue across the region. “It’s all fun and games here at the station, but remember to respect the water and stay vigilant,” they added.

A sweet success

The Bake Off was declared a resounding success, with plenty of laughs, camaraderie, and crumbs to go around. No word yet on which lifeboat team emerged victorious, but one thing’s for sure — this competition is likely to become a station staple.

Here’s to cakes, community, and the incredible heroes of the RNLI. Stay safe out there!

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Charity

Aldi donates 50,900 meals to Welsh charities over festive period

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ALDI stores in Wales donated 50,900 meals to those in need during the recent festive season.

The UK’s fourth-largest supermarket collaborated with local charities and community groups across the country, providing fresh and chilled foods from its stores after early closures on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.

Research by Neighbourly, the community giving platform that partners with Aldi, revealed growing concerns among charities this Christmas. It found that 78% of the good causes it supports were more worried about meeting demand compared to the previous year, while 51% reported being unable to respond to all requests due to limited capacity and funding.

To further assist, Aldi contributed £25,000 to Neighbourly’s GoGive Christmas campaign, which supports local charities across the UK and Ireland.

Aldi has been working with Neighbourly since 2019, donating surplus food from all its UK stores to hundreds of charities year-round.

Luke Emery, National Sustainability Director at Aldi UK, said: “This Christmas, we were proud to support so many incredible charities across the UK that provide essential help to those in need.

“The services provided by food banks are more important than ever over the festive period, and we’re committed to ensuring those who rely on them have access to a wide range of high-quality foods.”

Steve Butterworth, CEO of Neighbourly, added: “We’re so grateful to have had Aldi’s support for another year. Christmas is one of the busiest periods for our charities, and the donations from Aldi mean we can help even more people who need that extra support over the festive period.”

Shoppers can contribute by donating to local charities, food banks, and community groups through donation points located in Aldi stores nationwide.

In addition, Aldi partners with Company Shop Group, the UK’s leading redistributor of surplus food and household products. This year, it provided more than 2,000 free Christmas lunches to Community Shop, an award-winning social enterprise run by the group.

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Charity

RSPCA issues advice as Storm Éowyn moves in across the UK from today

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THE RSPCA is urging animal owners to follow urgent advice to keep pets, livestock and wildlife safe as the Met Office warns Storm Éowyn will bring very strong wind gusts across the UK from today (Thursday 22 January).

Most parts of England and Wales are likely to experience the storm with the Met Office predicting the worst impacts from Storm Éowyn to be felt early on Friday, with strengthening winds initially in southwestern parts of the UK with accompanying heavy rainfall. This is forecast to quickly spread northeast to other parts of the UK during Friday morning.

Yellow weather warnings predict heavy rain will move from the west to east of England and Wales – bringing strong and gusty winds, expected to reach 50-60 mph (80-96 kph) over exposed coasts and hills, whilst amber weather warnings are in place in some locations for Friday (24 January), with wind gusts of up to 90 miles per hour (145km per hour) along the northwest and northeast of England.

Thursday’s wind warning (Image: MET OFFICE)

The RSPCA has approximately 32 specially-trained officers and a fleet of emergency rescue boats that can be launched for water rescues of animals. The water rescue teams are trained to operate in fast-flowing and contaminated water, and can be called upon to assist in rescuing animals, people and provide assistance to communities affected by flooding.

Animal owners are advised to keep an eye on local forecasts and check for warnings, and the animal charity is also calling on people to take immediate action to ensure the welfare of animals – as rising water levels and strong winds take a toll on the natural habitats of wild fowl and other wildlife.

RSPCA Inspector Jason Finch, National Water Rescue Coordinator said: “It’s really important we once again help our animal friends get through this bout of bad weather this week, which could possibly lead to flooding and other damage caused by very strong gusts of wind. Animals must not be forgotten as the country prepares for Storm Éowyn.

“Floodwater can rise very quickly so if there is a flood warning in your area then act early – make sure you have a plan so that you know how to get your animals out of danger if the worst was to happen and you found yourself caught up in flooding.

“We have lots of helpful advice and tips available for people to make sure their pets and local wildlife are kept safe, and we’d urge animal lovers to help us by spreading these potentially lifesaving messages.

“In areas affected by flooding owners should be looking to bring small animals inside and move them upstairs, while livestock should be taken up to higher ground with enough supplies for their needs. Horses or livestock in flooded fields is also a big concern whenever there is heavy rain forecast, so while we’ve not had to launch any rescues yet, we are urging pet owners and farmers to act now to ensure the safety of their animals.

“Wild animals can also struggle in stormy weather but people can help them too. For example, they can leave some extra food out for hungry birds above ground level and even provide shelter for ground-nesting birds.”

RSPCA tips for pet owners during heavy rainfall and flood risk

Plan your escape route and keep contact details of people who can help you move your animals in an emergency;
Ensure you can be contacted in an emergency – if you have horses or livestock in field attach your contact details to gates so you can be contacted;
Make sure you have suitable carriers available for small animals and keep a supply of food in case of evacuation;
Bring small animals inside and, if possible, upstairs, and move food, bedding etc somewhere dry;
Put important documents in sealed bag along with photo of pet incase they get lost and ensure microchip details are up-to-date and registered;
Move livestock and horses to high ground and ensure you have emergency feed and water supplies;
If you have to leave your animals behind, leave them inside an upstairs room with plenty of food and water. Leave notices on the outside doors to say there are animals inside and contact us or your local Flood Warden immediately to arrange rescue.

If the worst does happen and if flooding does leave animals in danger, members of the public should be careful not to take risks with their own safety by attempting animal rescues.

It is best to leave that to the experts. The RSPCA’s trained officers are equipped to deal with flood-stricken animals and work as part of Defra’s National Flood Response to help rescue stranded animals.

Jason added: “Don’t put your own life or another’s life in danger to attempt an animal rescue and instead call us and other response agencies for help in an emergency.”

Residents can stay informed by calling Floodline on 0845 988 1188 for information and flood warnings 24 hours a day, or visit www.environment-agency.gov.uk/flood. Wales residents should seek updates from Natural Resources Wales..

To see all RSPCA flood advice for small pets, horses and livestock, see the charity’s guide online: www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/seasonal/floods.

There’s information on the RSPCA website about what to do if you see an animal in distress.

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