CEREDIGION YOUTH SERVICE has strengthened its early intervention and prevention work across the county through the Home Office-funded Bridges and Safe Spaces (BASS) programme.

Delivered in partnership with the Dyfed-Powys Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Hotspot Action Fund, the initiative is helping youth workers provide trusted adult support, positive activities, and a visible presence in key hotspot areas.

A standout success has been a youth-led graffiti project at Cardigan RFC, aimed at reducing anti-social behaviour by giving young people a sense of ownership over public spaces. Working alongside local artists and youth workers, participants transformed the rugby club stand into a vibrant mural, fostering pride while discouraging vandalism.

A spokesperson for Cardigan RFC said: “The graffiti project has shown the value of a community-based approach. Working with the Youth Service has helped us build stronger relationships with local young people and better understand the issues that matter to them. The transformation of the stand has brought new energy and pride to the club, creating a positive connection between young people and the wider rugby community. We are extremely grateful for their hard work and support.”

Across Aberystwyth, Lampeter and Cardigan, the Youth Service delivered 300 hours of outreach and detached youth work. This included expanded youth club provision and targeted sessions such as free gym access, wellbeing programmes and intergenerational activities.

These initiatives are designed to provide safe, supportive alternatives during key periods of vulnerability, particularly after school and in the evenings.

The BASS programme is also expanding its preventative reach through partnerships with Promo Cymru, developing digital engagement services, and with EYST to strengthen conversations around inclusion and community cohesion. Both partnerships support the Youth Service’s commitment to anti-racist, trauma-informed and bilingual practice.

Funding has also supported Saturday sessions at Depot, Area 43’s youth café in Cardigan, which welcomed more than 10,000 young people in 2025. Operations Manager Ruth Pilcher said the funding has been vital in sustaining the café’s busiest day, highlighting the importance of safe spaces, diversionary activities and needs-led support.

Gwenllian Morris, Team Manager for Community Youth Work and Prevention, said: “This project has strengthened our partnership with Cardigan RFC and Ysgol Uwchradd Aberteifi, giving young people a meaningful role in shaping a space they use every day. By bringing the school, the club and the Youth Service together, we have helped young people develop new skills, build relationships with trusted adults and contribute something lasting to their community.

“The mural celebrates 150 years of Cardigan RFC, but it also reflects the creativity, pride and teamwork of the young people involved. We are proud to have delivered this through the Dyfed-Powys Hotspot Fund, which has been vital in expanding preventative youth work across Ceredigion.”

Councillor Alun Williams, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Through Age and Wellbeing, added: “This project highlights the real impact of prevention-focused youth work. By giving young people support, creativity and a sense of belonging, we reduce the risk of anti-social behaviour and strengthen communities.

“The partnership between the Youth Service, Cardigan RFC and Ysgol Uwchradd Aberteifi shows how local organisations can work together to give young people positive opportunities and a genuine voice. Ceredigion is proud to champion preventative services like this as part of our long-term commitment to community wellbeing.”

For more information about the Bridges and Safe Spaces programme, contact [email protected] or follow Gwasanaeth Ieuenctid Ceredigion Youth Service on social media.

THE WELSH GOVERNMENT has confirmed £3 million in funding over the next three financial years to continue the Welsh Sheep Genetics Programme (WSGP), helping Welsh sheep farmers improve efficiency, productivity and environmental performance.

From April 2026, Hybu Cig Cymru – Meat Promotion Wales (HCC) will lead Phase 2 of the programme, marking a significant next step in supporting farmers to make smarter, evidence-based breeding decisions.

The new phase will provide transition support for existing participants while also opening the programme to new flocks. Farmers will receive practical, technical and financial support to make use of Genomic Estimated Breeding Values, advanced genetic tools designed to help them make better-informed decisions at farm level. The data collected will also strengthen industry benchmarking and support longer-term business planning.

Phase 2 will also include the development of robust key performance indicators, tailored farm-level action plans, and an ambitious portfolio of research projects aimed at driving innovation across the sector.

The programme’s objectives are closely aligned with the Sustainable Farming Scheme, which launched on January 1, 2026, as well as HCC’s Vision 2030, reflecting a shared commitment to a productive, sustainable and competitive Welsh red meat industry.

Phase 1 of the WSGP, delivered by Farming Connect, comes to an end on March 31, 2026. Since launching in 2023, the programme has achieved significant progress, including introducing genomics into the sheep sector for the first time anywhere in the world.

It has also generated 70,000 genotypes across Tier 1 and Tier 2 flocks on the AHDB-Signet database since 2023, the highest number recorded there, while developing two major research strands focused on breeding for worm resistance and reduced methane emissions.

The programme has worked in close partnership with leading specialists, including Innovis and AHDB-Signet, and has delivered measurable genetic gains and improvements in key performance traits across participating flocks.

The investment underlines the Welsh Government’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions while supporting the production of high-quality, sustainable PGI Welsh Lamb.

Deputy First Minister for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, Huw Irranca-Davies, said: “This funding demonstrates our commitment to supporting farmers to build profitable, resilient businesses while delivering on our climate ambitions. The Welsh Sheep Genetics Programme shows what is possible when cutting-edge science meets the proud tradition of Welsh livestock farming. By helping farmers breed healthier, more productive flocks with a lower environmental footprint, we are strengthening food security and safeguarding our rural economy for the long term.”

José Peralta, Chief Executive of Hybu Cig Cymru, said: “The progress achieved to date reflects the commitment of farmers across Wales, the work of the Farming Connect team, and the continued financial support of the Welsh Government. Together, these provide a strong platform for the next phase.

“This next step directly supports a core priority in our new strategic plan: to develop and lead the implementation of initiatives that improve economic and environmental sustainability. We look forward to working closely with farmers to ensure they have the tools, insights and support needed to thrive in the years ahead.”

I can also turn this into a Herald-style news story if you want.

PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL has revealed plans for a new state-of-the-art school in Milford Haven, promising modern, inspiring learning spaces for children and young people across the community.

A newly released video accompanying the announcement features the First Minister, the local authority’s Deputy Leader, the Cabinet Member for Education and the headteacher, outlining what the development will deliver. The plans include specialist teaching areas, improved accessibility, and high-quality outdoor learning and play spaces.

The project places a strong emphasis on sustainability, incorporating energy-efficient features and modern building standards designed to reduce environmental impact while delivering long-term value.

The scheme forms part of a Strategic Outline Case approval. Any final funding commitment will depend on the project successfully progressing through the full business case process.

Cllr Guy Woodham, Cabinet Member for Education, said: “This project represents a major investment in our children’s future. The new school will offer a safe, modern and inclusive environment where pupils can thrive, and we are delighted to share this vision with the community as we move towards the next stage of this exciting process.”

First Minister Eluned Morgan added: “This is fantastic news for pupils, parents, teachers and the whole community. Modern learning environments can make a real difference to pupils and staff alike. The Welsh Government has shown its commitment to new schools in Pembrokeshire as part of our wider programme of improving schools and colleges across Wales.”

Speaking on behalf of staff, pupils and governors, Deputy Headteacher Daryl John said the school community was excited by the plans.

He said: “Milford Haven School recently welcomed a visit from the First Minister, along with the Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Education, to mark initial progress on proposals for a new, aspirational school building.

“The development will provide inspirational learning and teaching spaces, offering high-quality, ambitious and equitable opportunities for all pupils. It aims to support our young people to thrive, develop their talents and grow into confident, successful individuals, supported by dedicated staff and the wider school community.”

Stephen Thomas, Headteacher at Milford Haven Primary School, said the project had been long awaited.

He said: “This new school building has been long awaited, and I know how much it will mean to our children, staff and the community as a whole in Milford Haven.

“For many years, our community has hoped for facilities that truly reflect the potential, pride and ambition of our children, and now that vision is becoming a reality.

“This is more than just a new building. It is a statement of belief in our young people and in the future of Milford Haven. It will provide modern, high-quality learning environments, improved spaces for wellbeing and inclusion, and facilities that will open up wider opportunities for our pupils and families.

“As Headteacher, I feel incredibly proud and grateful to see this investment in our community. Our children deserve the very best, and this new school will help us continue raising aspirations, strengthening community links and ensuring every child can thrive.”

The council will now begin a period of consultation and engagement with pupils, staff, parents and local residents to ensure the new school reflects the needs and ambitions of the whole community.