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Mental health first aid ‘as vital as physical first aid’, says charity chief

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Pembrokeshire groups back call for greater awareness and local support

ON WORLD MENTAL HEALTH DAY, St John Ambulance Cymru’s Chief Executive Richard Lee has underlined the importance of equipping people with the skills to help others experiencing mental health issues — not just physical injuries.

It’s a message that Pembrokeshire’s own mental health organisations, Get The Boys A Lift and The VC Gallery, are already putting into practice in their communities.

Richard Lee, who joined the charity in 2024 after decades of service in healthcare, the armed forces and the NHS, said first aid must evolve to meet the needs of modern Wales.

“Much of the syllabus is still rooted in 1970s Britain, with heavy industry, car factories and coal mines,” he explained. “But workplace incidents look different now. We need to equip people to respond not just to physical injuries, but also to mental health crises.”

That shift is already influencing event medicine. “At large concerts or festivals, we’re seeing more people who are simply overwhelmed,” he said. “Our teams need to be prepared for that just as much as for physical injuries.”

VC Gallery, High Street, Haverfordwest (Image: File)

A leader shaped by service

Lee’s career has taken him from the battlefields of the Gulf War to the heart of the NHS — and from leading the Covid-19 vaccination effort in England to championing community first aid in Wales.
A registered paramedic for 30 years, he still volunteers on the frontline.
“One of the chapters in the Richard Lee Book of Leadership is: get out, find out what’s going on, and be part of it,” he said. “If I’m at an event, I see firsthand the frustrations and successes. That’s how you understand the organisation.”

Having served as a medical assistant in the RAF and later rising through the ambulance service ranks, Lee believes leadership is never a solo journey. “There’s no such thing as a self-made leader,” he reflected. “We’re all a product of the people we’ve worked with, and in healthcare, the patients we’ve looked after.”

Since taking up the role as St John Ambulance Cymru’s fifth chief executive in five years, Lee has focused on stability and vision. A consultation with more than 500 people across the organisation shaped a five-year strategy built around four priorities: improving the experience of staff and volunteers; preparing young people for health careers; expanding community education in lifesaving and mental health skills; and ensuring the charity remains inclusive, sustainable and financially secure.

“Mental health first aid saves lives,” he said. “It’s every bit as important as knowing CPR.”

Local heroes in Pembrokeshire

In Haverfordwest, Get The Boys A Lift has been living that message for years. Founded by friends after losing loved ones to suicide, the charity runs a coffee shop and clothing store on Dew Street that doubles as a safe space for people to talk.
Every coffee and T-shirt sold helps fund free counselling sessions for anyone who needs them.
The team’s motto is simple: make talking about mental health as normal as talking about the weather.

Get The Boys A Lift crew

Across town, The VC Gallery — founded by veteran artist Barry John MBE — uses art, creativity and community projects to tackle isolation and poor mental health among veterans, families and vulnerable people.
Through workshops and exhibitions, it offers people purpose, connection and recovery.

Both organisations, alongside national partners like St John Ambulance Cymru, show that mental health support doesn’t just happen in clinics — it happens in cafés, art studios and everyday conversations.

Looking to the next 150 years

As St John Ambulance in England approaches its 150th anniversary in 2027, Lee wants to ensure that St John Ambulance Cymru is ready for the next 150 years.
“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to shape the future,” he said. “Why wouldn’t you want to be part of that?”

To listen to the Just in Case: Stories from St John podcast, visit Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
For details on Mental Health First Aid courses or volunteering opportunities, visit www.sjacymru.org.uk.

For local support, contact:

If you or someone you know is in crisis, help is available 24 hours a day:

  • Samaritans: 116 123 (free) – www.samaritans.org
  • CALL Helpline Wales: 0800 132737 or text HELP to 81066
  • Mind UK Info Line: 0300 123 3393
  • Shout Textline: Text SHOUT to 85258 for free, confidential support.
  • NHS 111 (option 2) for urgent mental health support in Wales.

 

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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