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Poverty report calls for ‘words to action’ in Pembrokeshire

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CITIZENS Advice Pembrokeshire has launched a major new report highlighting the impact of poverty across the county and calling for practical steps to support struggling families.

The study, Words to Action, builds on earlier research and draws on the lived experiences of more than 40 local people. It identifies the high costs of the school day, spiralling household bills, and the damaging effect of poverty on physical and mental health. The report also highlights stigma and shame as issues that cut across every area of concern.

Community voices: Attendees at the launch discussed the real impacts of poverty in the county

Service delivery falling short

Researchers found that services often fail to reach people in the right place at the right time, with poor communication leaving many residents unsure where to turn for help. Too much support is crisis-based, with little emphasis on prevention.

Training and support

Families reported that school uniforms, meals, transport and trips placed them under severe pressure. Citizens Advice says training in budgeting, cooking and benefits awareness could help prevent people sliding deeper into hardship. Frontline workers also need more support and trauma-informed training.

Key recommendations

The report makes five major recommendations:

  • Develop a ‘one-stop shop’ systems approach to simplify access to services.
  • Improve communications between agencies and with the public.
  • Embed kind and compassionate approaches, underpinned by trauma-informed practice.
  • Promote prevention and early intervention, focusing on practical skills and benefit awareness.
  • Establish a Community of Practice across agencies to share knowledge and strengthen resilience.

The findings will be presented to the Pembrokeshire Public Services Board and to the Welsh Government’s Child Poverty Community of Practice.

Report in focus: The Words to Action executive summary sets out five key recommendations for tackling poverty

Citizens Advice Pembrokeshire is part of the national Citizens Advice network, offering free, confidential and impartial advice to people across the county. The charity helps thousands of residents every year with issues ranging from benefits, debt and housing to employment and consumer problems.

With main offices in Haverfordwest and Pembroke Dock, the service works closely with local authorities, schools, health providers and voluntary groups to make sure people get the support they need. It also campaigns on the wider issues that bring people through its doors, using local evidence to push for change at both county and national level.

Anyone in need of advice can call 01437 806070 or visit the offices at 36–38 High Street, Haverfordwest (SA61 2DA) or 38 Meyrick Street, Pembroke Dock (SA72 6UT).

 

Community

New illustrated heritage map unveiled in Narberth town centre

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A NEW illustrated heritage and wayfinding map has been installed in Narberth town centre, highlighting the town’s rich architectural history, cultural heritage and key landmarks.

The hand-drawn map has been created by local artist Fran Evans and is part of a wider project aimed at improving interpretation and the visitor experience in Narberth.

The panels have been installed at two prominent locations: the undercroft, also known as Rebecca’s Cell, at the rear of the Old Town Hall, and the existing external display frame at the side of No.47, adjacent to the town’s museum.

Developed and delivered by Narberth Town Council, the project has been funded through the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund, with additional match funding provided by the Town Council.

The illustrated map features detailed drawings of historic buildings, local stories and notable points of interest. It is designed to function both as a practical guide for residents and visitors navigating the town, and as a visual celebration of Narberth’s heritage.

Town councillors say the project forms part of a broader effort to enhance how the town’s history is presented in public spaces, making it more accessible and engaging for those visiting the area.

The Town Council has indicated that further information about the project, including background details and images of the newly installed panels, can be made available, along with comments from the artist and council representatives.

 

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Community

Views sought on Pembrokeshire Age Friendly Communities

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PEMBROKESHIRE residents aged fifty and over are being invited to share their views as part of a new consultation on Age Friendly Communities across the county.

The survey focuses on how older people experience life in Pembrokeshire and what helps them maintain a good quality of life as they grow older, both at home and within their local communities.

Participants are asked to reflect on their later years, including how well communities support older residents, and the role played by statutory services, voluntary groups and community organisations.

An Age Friendly Community is defined as a place where people are supported to age well, remain living in their own homes for as long as possible, take part in activities they value, and continue contributing to their communities.

The Age Friendly Communities approach was developed by the World Health Organization in 2007, following consultation with older people worldwide. It is based on evidence about what supports healthy and active ageing and places older residents at the centre of shaping the communities they live in.

Responses from the consultation will help inform the Pembrokeshire Age Friendly Communities Strategy and Action Plan. This will be developed in partnership with organisations including Hywel Dda University Health Board, Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, the voluntary sector and Pembrokeshire’s 50+ Forum.

Further information is available on Pembrokeshire County Council’s Have Your Say webpage. The online survey must be completed by February 15, 2026.

 

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Community

Bethlehem Baptist chapel set to undergo expansion

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A CALL to extend a chapel and hall near Haverfordwest to provide much-needed space for activities has been given the go-ahead by Pembrokeshire county planners.

Reverend Jenny Gough, through agent Sureline Design Services Ltd, sought permission for an extension to Bethlehem Chapel and its attached hall, in the village of Bethlehem.

A supporting statement said: “Bethlehem Baptist Chapel, located on the outskirts of Haverfordwest has 45 adults in membership of the church at the present time ranging from 19 years to those in their mid-90s. In addition, on a Sunday we have a further 46 adults in regular attendance and 11 regular under 16-year-olds.

“The growth of the church fellowship in the past ten years has necessitated the provision of a portacabin in church grounds which is a temporary measure, intended to be removed once the proposed extension to the church hall is completed.

“Whilst the church is currently providing various community activities, we are limited in the number of people who can attend and often find that we are restricted in the services we would like to provide due to the space available.

“Allied to this, the need to meet public standards for disabilities, parking, health, and safety and the need for an extension becomes ever more pressing. The project aim is to provide a first-class facility that will enhance the community, be a welcome lift to the area, and enable existing and new activities to be undertaken in a pleasant, warm, accessible and welcoming environment.”

It added: “Over the last four to five years it has become increasingly clear that the current building facility could not meet the needs of its users, nor hope to satisfy the ever-increasing regulatory demands placed on facilities that are open to the general public.”

The chapel hosts many activities including adult and toddler/baby group, ladies craft group, community lunch group, bereavement peer support group, dementia support group, primary school children’s holiday clubs, secondary school youth clubs, young adult groups, Christian teaching groups and social events.

“Since many of these activities are well attended, we are often lacking space in the building.  For some larger gatherings we are forced to use halls in the communities around us, which increases our workload for holding the events in having to transport necessary equipment.

“The main result is that we are not holding events to our full potential, if more space was available at Bethlehem Chapel, we would be able to hold more events to benefit the wider community with what we are already providing.”

The application was conditionally approved by officers.

 

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