Community

PLANED highlights innovation at WCVA Conference in Cardiff

Published

5 months ago

July 3, 2025

Carmarthenshire’s Living Well Centre showcased as model of community collaboration

A COMMUNITY-led initiative from West Wales has taken centre stage at a major voluntary sector conference in Cardiff this week.

Representatives from PLANED were invited to present at the WCVA (Wales Council for Voluntary Action) Annual Conference, known as Gofod3, where they showcased the Carmarthenshire Living Well Centre — a hub supporting over 20 organisations under one roof.

Iwan Thomas, Chief Executive of PLANED, spoke directly to Cabinet Secretary Jane Hutt and WCVA’s Chief Executive, Dr Lindsay Cordery-Bruce, about the centre’s success in empowering communities and bringing together a wide range of support services and grassroots projects.

The Carmarthenshire Living Well Centre, developed and led by PLANED, is now seen as a pioneering model of community co-location and cooperation. It hosts projects ranging from mental health support and family services to green energy initiatives and rural enterprise schemes.

Speaking after the event, Mr Thomas said the centre was about “breaking down silos and making it easier for people to access joined-up support, all in one place.”

The conference also highlighted the contribution of Pembrokeshire organisations, with several local community groups taking part in afternoon sessions focused on collaboration, social innovation, and building resilience at the grassroots level.

PLANED, based in Narberth, has long been a champion of rural community development in West Wales, working across Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion. Their presence at the national event in Cardiff is being seen as further recognition of the importance of place-based, locally driven solutions.

The event drew hundreds of delegates from across Wales’ third sector, and offered a platform for networking, policy discussions, and celebrating best practice in community empowerment.

Photo caption: Iwan Thomas from PLANED presents the Carmarthenshire Living Well Centre to Cabinet Secretary Jane Hutt and WCVA CEO Dr Lindsay Cordery-Bruce (Pic: PLANED).

Community

Narbelles WI support Food Bank with festive donation

Published

3 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Group marks December meeting with charity collection and Christmas celebrations

NARBELLES WI rounded off the year with a festive December meeting featuring a bring-and-share buffet, party games and a Secret Santa gift exchange.

Members also used the occasion to support families in need across the county, collecting food items and presenting a £120 cheque to Ann Watling from Pembrokeshire Food Bank. The donation represents the proceeds of the group’s bucket collection during Narberth Civic Week 2024.

A spokesperson for the WI said the group was delighted to finish the year “with fun, friendship and a chance to give something back to the community.”

(Photo: Narbelles WI members presenting the cheque to Ann Watling, Pembrokeshire Food Bank.)

Community

Annual charity carol service raises funds for good causes

Published

1 day ago

December 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

MID and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service held its annual Charity Carol Service on Wednesday (Dec 10) at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel in Crymych.

The event brought together members of the local community alongside Fire Service staff for an evening of carols, readings and festive refreshments, marking the Christmas season in a warm and inclusive atmosphere.

This year’s service supported two important charities — the Fire Fighters Charity and Cancer Research Wales — with all proceeds going directly towards their ongoing work.

A total of £597 was raised on the night, which will be shared equally between the two charities.

The Service thanked the congregation at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel for hosting the event, as well as everyone who gave their time, support and generosity to make the evening such a success.

Community

3 Amigos toy bike run under way across Pembrokeshire

Published

1 day ago

December 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Castle Inn fun runners back festive charity event

THE ANNUAL 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run is under way this afternoon (Saturday), with hundreds of motorcyclists setting off from Pembroke to raise funds for children’s services.

Riders gathered at The Commons car park in Pembroke from around midday before departing shortly after 1:00pm. The festive convoy is travelling along its traditional route, taking in Pembroke Dock and continuing through parts of the county including Neyland, Milford Haven and Haverfordwest.

The event is organised by the 3 Amigos and Dollies Motorcycle Group and has become a much-anticipated Christmas tradition in west Wales, with toys and donations collected for children receiving care within the Hywel Dda University Health Board area.

Also supporting the event are fun runners from the Castle Inn in Pembroke, who have been fundraising in aid of the 3 Amigos. The group are pictured alongside participants from today’s run.

The 3 Amigos have been raising funds for children’s wards and health charities for more than twenty-five years, with their Easter and Christmas events continuing to make a positive difference to young patients and their families.

Organisers have thanked the public for their support and asked road users to be mindful of the large convoy as it passes through towns and villages this afternoon.

Photo caption:
Festive fundraising: Fun runners from the Castle Inn, Pembroke, pictured supporting the 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run (Pic: Martin Cavaney/Herald)