Charity

Fishguard RNLI Hosts ‘Women in Search and Rescue’ Event

Published

7 months ago

October 9, 2025

WOMEN involved in the RNLI and Search and Rescue (SAR) organisations came together at Fishguard Lifeboat Station for a day of valuable training, networking and sharing knowledge and experiences.

On Saturday 4 October 2025, Fishguard RNLI played host to an event celebrating the contribution of women in search and rescue, giving them a place to connect, share, develop and learn.

RNLI representatives from lifeboat stations across Wales and England were present, including Abersoch, Aberystwyth, Cardigan, Filey, Fishguard, Horton & Port Eynon, The Mumbles, Penarth, Port Talbot, Pwllhelli, St Davids and Weston-super-Mare, with volunteers from HM Coastguard teams from Fishguard and St Davids also present.

Gemma Gill, Fishguard RNLI’s Coxswain and lead event organiser said: “The RNLI’s national Women in SAR event at the RNLI College in Poole, proved the huge value in getting women together in a place that we can connect with one another, share valuable insights from the female perspective, have fun and build confidence.

“Rachel Jones, volunteer Launch Authority at Cardigan RNLI, suggested we should run a regional event. So as a full-time coxswain I was keen to support this idea and host it here in Fishguard. I knew I would be able to rely on our fantastic crew here, of both women and men, to support the planning and logistics both prior to the event and on the day. They certainly pulled out all the stops and showed what a crew who believe in equality and equity can achieve together.

“Women are often, if not always, underrepresented in the SAR space. But this day was about how we can learn from one another, network and use our collective voice to feedback on important topics that will improve our SAR experience. This will in turn benefit our whole crew, our ability to keep our assets on service, and ultimately the outcomes for our casualties.”

The day started with a welcome and brief from Gemma before attendees got to participate in the specialist sessions including:

– Practical use of navigation and salvage equipment on Trent class all-weather lifeboat Blue Peter VII

– Teambuilding activities

– Casualty care first aid scenarios

– VHF radio and HM Coastguard equipment demonstrations

– RNLI Operations Room and Launch Authority scenarios

– Human Factors.

During the day attendees had the opportunity to try on and provide feedback on trial personal protective equipment – lifeboat crew drysuits.

Jess Rogers, volunteer Lifeboat Crew at Fishguard RNLI, said: “Although the weather meant we had to adjust our plans to go afloat on the lifeboat, there was so much going on and a variety of fantastic sessions to get involved in. Getting to try on the drysuits and give specific and detailed feedback about how they felt was really valuable.

“I think being able to connect with fellow women in SAR is what makes these events so worthwhile. Sharing and learning from one another so we can take things forward into our different roles.”

The day also provided time for volunteers and colleagues to catch up, share experiences and provide advice to peers whilst enjoying the numerous home cooked refreshments brought in by participants.

The event concluded with RNLI Regional Engineer, Coral West, talking about her career to date. Coral has recently joined the RNLI in the role and spoke about her motivation and previous experiences of inequity as a woman in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) and in the sporting world.

Gemma said: “There was such a buzz and positive atmosphere at the station from start to finish and I want to say a huge thank you to all of the RNLI volunteers and staff who helped make this happen, as well as to our external partners and friends of the station who contributed to make it such as success.”

Fishguard RNLI would like to extend their thanks to all volunteers who assisted in making the day a success, and would also like to thank Tesco Express Goodwick for providing some of the refreshments for the day, StenaLine for providing access to the port and use of their facilities and to Performance Clothing for providing custom embroidered polo shirts free of charge for all attendees.

Charity

Homeless charity plans ‘safe haven’ centre with accommodation and training

Published

23 hours ago

May 2, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A new community project aims to tackle gaps in support for people living on the streets

A NEW community initiative is aiming to provide a “safe haven” for homeless people in west Wales, offering accommodation, training and round-the-clock support.

Safe Haven Homeless CIC has been set up by founder Dave Thomas, who said the idea came after witnessing the struggles faced by people sleeping rough in Carmarthen and Aberystwyth.

He described seeing individuals forced out of temporary camps, including one case where fencing was erected to prevent a homeless person returning to a former site.

Mr Thomas said: “We spoke to people who simply couldn’t access help because they had no fixed address or internet access. That was a real eye-opener.”

Research carried out by the group found that while a number of organisations provide advice and outreach support, there is a lack of safe, stable accommodation offering a full package of services.

The Herald understands that demand for housing remains high, with waiting lists for social housing stretching to around two years in some cases, particularly for those not in priority groups.

The project aims to address this by purchasing a property with land to create a multi-use support centre.

Plans include a main building with communal living areas, a kitchen, counselling rooms, IT facilities and training spaces, alongside outdoor accommodation such as bell tents and log cabins.

The site would also include recreational and work-based facilities, including a workshop, greenhouse, gym and fishing lake, designed to support wellbeing and provide opportunities for skills development.

Mr Thomas said the centre would be staffed 24 hours a day to ensure continuous support, addressing a gap where many services only operate during office hours.

The initiative also aims to become partly self-sustaining, with income generated through a small campsite, training activities and partnerships with external organisations.

Support networks are already being developed, including links with counsellors, charities and local businesses willing to offer employment opportunities to those using the service.

The organisation is being run by a team of directors alongside Mr Thomas, and is also building connections with other community projects in the region.

Mr Thomas added: “We believe this is a new and dynamic way to support homeless people. It’s about giving them not just a place to stay, but real support to rebuild their lives.”

Charity

Police cyclists to ride 75 miles in charity tribute

Published

1 day ago

May 2, 2026

Tom Sinclair

DYFED-POWYS POLICE cyclists will ride 75 hilly miles across Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire next week in a first-of-its-kind charity event for the force.

Around 35 riders will take part in The Chief’s Tour on Wednesday (May 6), raising money for Care of Police Survivors (COPS), a charity which supports the families of police officers and police staff who have died on duty.

The route will begin at St Mary’s Church in Fishguard at around 8:00am, before heading south through Pembrokeshire to Tenby and finishing at police headquarters in Carmarthen. The ride is expected to take between eight and 11 hours.

The event will also commemorate officers and staff who died while serving with Dyfed-Powys Police.

Chief Constable Ifan Charles said: “This event is a moment for communities, Dyfed-Powys Police, and families to come together to remember officers and staff whose lives were sadly cut short – and ensure their memory lives on.

“It would be fantastic to see people showing their support along the route, and we welcome cyclists to join us along the way.”

Scheduled stops will include St Mary’s Church, Fishguard, at around 8:00am, Newgale beach at 9:40am, Narberth Road layby in Tenby at 1:45pm, and Cana Cemetery, Banc-y-felin, Carmarthenshire, at 4:05pm.

Mr Charles added: “It was important to me to build moments of reflection into the route to make sure we remember the Dyfed-Powys Police officers who never made it home.

“Each name we reflect upon represents dedication, courage, and the highest standard of service to the public. They remind us of what it means to put the safety of others before our own, and of the risks inherent in the oath police officers take.”

The tour is aiming to raise £1,000 for COPS. More than £600 has already been donated.

Anyone wishing to support the team can donate through the JustGiving page for Dyfed Powys Police Cyclists.

Charity

Pembrokeshire Coast Charitable Trust thanks Blakemore for beach clean support

Published

4 days ago

April 29, 2026

Tom Sinclair

NEW EQUIPMENT TO BOOST COASTAL CLEAN-UP EFFORTS

THE PEMBROKESHIRE COAST CHARITABLE TRUST has thanked the Blakemore Foundation for funding new litter-picking equipment to support beach cleaning efforts across the county.

The equipment will be used during regular beach cleans organised by the Trust, helping volunteers and business groups safely remove waste from some of Pembrokeshire’s most popular and environmentally important beaches.

The Trust said the donation would make a real difference to its coastal conservation work, particularly as more local businesses look for practical ways to support the environment.

Abi Marriot, Funding Officer for the Trust, said: “We’re incredibly grateful to the Blakemore Foundation for their support. Their contribution enables us to equip participants properly, making every clean more impactful. It’s a real boost for our coastal conservation efforts.

“Our recent business-led beach cleans have proved popular, offering teams a refreshing break from the office, a chance to work together in a different environment, and a meaningful way to demonstrate their organisation’s commitment to sustainability.

“Many companies tell us that taking part strengthens team bonds while contributing to visible, positive environmental action.”

The new kit will be used at the next Pembrokeshire Business Big Beach Clean, which will take place at Freshwater West on Thursday, June 4, from 10:00am to 12:00pm.

The event will give local businesses the chance to work together, connect with other organisations, and help protect one of Pembrokeshire’s most iconic stretches of coastline.

The Trust is also welcoming suggestions for future autumn clean-up locations as it plans its next focus areas.

Booking for the Freshwater West event is essential. Businesses wishing to take part can reserve a place by contacting Abi at [email protected] or calling 07773 788196.