Community

£100k New York fundraiser aims to save mental health service in Pembrokeshire

Published

7 months ago

August 10, 2025

A PEMBROKESHIRE woman living in New York has launched an ambitious fundraiser to help save one of the county’s most vital mental health services.

Pathway Counselling, a small but essential charity based in Pembrokeshire, has supported hundreds of people through trauma, grief, anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts. Until recently, all its sessions were free of charge – removing the financial barrier that often prevents people from getting help.

But now, a lack of funding has forced the service to introduce paid appointments, despite more than 84% of its clients saying they could not afford therapy if it wasn’t free. The charity is urgently seeking £100,000 in match funding to keep going.

‘Not a runner – but running anyway’

That’s where Jasmyn, who grew up in Pembrokeshire but now lives in New York City, has stepped in. She has set herself a personal challenge – to complete her first ever 5K run, despite never being a runner – to raise money for the service.

“I’m not a runner. Even running for 60 seconds feels like my lungs are collapsing,” she said. “I wanted to choose something completely out of reach to reflect what it can feel like when you’re battling with your mental health.

“This isn’t a marathon. It’s a 5K. But when your mental health is suffering, even getting out of bed or making a meal can feel like a marathon. That’s what I want people to understand.”

Jasmyn is training using the Couch to 5K programme and documenting her journey online. So far, she has had just three donations – but she’s determined to keep going.

A service under pressure

Pathway Counselling has already received over 1,000 referrals in the past year alone. Unlike many services, it does not require a GP referral, a diagnosis, or even payment. Its trauma-informed approach has made it a lifeline for those who need help fast – particularly in rural Pembrokeshire, where services are often sparse.

“All they want to do is provide free counselling, but they’ve had to start charging for some sessions just to survive,” Jasmyn said. “If over 80% of clients can’t afford that, where will they turn?”

Mental health need in rural Wales

Public Health Wales data shows that more than one in five people in Wales now report experiencing a mental health problem, with suicide remaining one of the leading causes of death in young people. Rural areas like Pembrokeshire often have some of the highest levels of need and the fewest resources.

“Pathway is one of the only places people can turn to without months of waiting,” Jasmyn said. “This is not just about saving a service – it’s about saving lives.”

How to help

To support Jasmyn’s challenge and help Pathway Counselling continue offering free mental health support in Pembrokeshire, visit: https://gofund.me/b615238a.

You can follow her training journey on Facebook, TikTok and Instagram via Pathway Counselling.

Pathway Counselling will also be at the Pembrokeshire County Show with a mental health drop-in stall, offering a listening ear with no appointments needed.

Community

Milford Haven salon named national awards finalist

Published

5 hours ago

March 22, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A local beauty therapist earns recognition in prestigious UK competition

A MILFORD HAVEN beauty therapist has been shortlisted for a major national award celebrating excellence in the hair and beauty industry.

Charlotte Mitchell-Johns, of The Attic Hair & Beauty, has been named a finalist in the Hair Extensions Specialist category at the UK Hair and Beauty Awards 2026.

Ms Mitchell-Johns, who is a Level four beauty therapist, also works as a hair extensions specialist and beauty educator with HB Training.

Speaking about the recognition, she said she was “truly honoured” to be named among the finalists.

She added that she believes the industry thrives on collaboration rather than competition, and that supporting others is key to long-term success.

Ms Mitchell-Johns has been recognised for her technical skill, commitment to clients, and efforts to maintain high standards within the beauty sector.

The UK Hair and Beauty Awards highlight leading professionals from across the country, celebrating talent, creativity and dedication within the industry.

Community

Pembrokeshire foster carers could get council tax exemption

Published

11 hours ago

March 22, 2026

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

THE FINAL sign-off for a pilot scheme for foster carers in Pembrokeshire to be exempt from council tax payments, has been backed by senior councillors.

Last July, Pembrokeshire County Council Cabinet members backed a pilot scheme, giving 100 per cent exemptions for those meeting the criteria, running from April 1 of this year, up to March 31, 2029.

In a report presented by Cabinet Member for Young Persons, Community, Well-being and Future Generations Cllr Marc Tierney, members heard the average yearly cost of a young person being supported by an in-house foster carer per year is £22,770, while the cost for those in in residential care per year is £409,812, a variance of £387,042 per year.

“It is evident that if we can support more people to foster through a council tax discretionary discount scheme, this will benefit the Local Authority by reducing reliance on far more expensive residential care placements, or independent fostering agency arrangements, whilst enabling children to remain in their own communities,” the report said.

It added: “Based on the 25/26 Council Tax (Band D) equivalent rate of £2,059.82 per annum, the cost of implementing a 100 per cent discount per year for current mainstream foster carers would be £133,888.30. It is noted that there may be some households within this cohort who are already receiving some sort of discount, however £133,888.30 should be the maximum impact.”

Offset against that, current costs for Independent Fostering Agencies placements are some £1,956,500; the spend for the same number of children placed with in-house foster carers based on average placement costs would £796,920 per annum, an annual variance of £1,159,580 less per year compared to IFA placement costs.

“Introducing this discount on a pilot basis would be with a view to identifying if additional costs incurred by implementing this scheme would be offset by reducing the number of children and young people placed with Independent Fostering Agencies and increasing the number of children being cared for via in-house foster carers,” the report said.

It added: “This proposal will also have the added benefit of creating capacity for more young people looked after to remain close to their families, their homes, their schools, and communities thus retaining crucial local links and support networks.”

At the March meeting of Cabinet, members were asked to again back the scheme, with minor amendments to eligibility, which was supported by Cabinet.

Community

Loose horse sparks police response in Pembroke

Published

17 hours ago

March 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Animal seen galloping through residential streets and towards main road

POLICE are reportedly tracking a loose horse which strayed into a residential area of Pembroke.

The animal was first spotted in Gatehouse View before making its way onto a nearby main road.

A post on the Pembroke and Pembroke Dock Citizens’ Forum said the horse had left Gatehouse View and was seen heading towards the road by Pembroke Leisure Centre.

The resident wrote: “Anyone recognise it? Police following it.”

The horse was later reported to be galloping down Buttermilk Lane in the direction of Martha’s.

Stray horses are not uncommon in the area. In January, several animals were reported loose around Pembroke and along the A477, particularly near Buttermilk Close and the Cleddau Bridge.

Those incidents created a hazard for motorists, prompting Pembrokeshire County Council to step in and return the animals. Drivers were advised to take extra care and avoid startling them.