Connect with us
Advertisement
Advertisement

Community

Calls to end ‘national disgrace’ of veteran homelessness

Published

on

VETERAN homelessness has been labelled a “national disgrace” as the Senedd debated Conservative calls for ex-service personnel to be given priority for social housing.

James Evans warned it was unacceptable to have veterans sleeping on the streets, arguing that guaranteeing them a home should be a matter of “principle, not paperwork”.

The Tory Senedd Member said: “It is a national disgrace that men and women who wore the country’s uniform – who stood ready to risk everything for our freedoms and protections – are sleeping rough or are stuck in insecure accommodation.”

He called on the Welsh Government to require councils and social landlords to give homeless veterans the highest priority for housing.

Leading a debate on Wednesday (November 12), Mr Evans set out a five-point plan to honour veterans, arguing remembrance must be about action rather than words.

He told the Senedd: “Remembrance must never just be about looking back, it must be about looking after those who have served and those who still serve today.”

As well as priority housing, the motion called for free bus travel for all veterans, a national military museum, support for service children and permanent peer mentors in the NHS.

Mr Evans criticised amendments, accusing Plaid Cymru of seeking to replace the substance of the motion with “vague platitudes or political point scoring”.

He said: “The most unacceptable part of Plaid Cymru’s amendment is that it seeks to delete a section of our motion that recognises the significant ongoing contribution that the military makes to Wales. How disrespectful is that?”

Plaid Cymru’s Peredur Owen Griffiths warned one in five Welsh veterans could be eligible for an Armed Forces pension but are not claiming it – “often due to confusion or complexity”.

South Wales East's Plaid Cymru MS Peredur Owen Griffiths
South Wales East’s Plaid Cymru MS Peredur Owen Griffiths, pictured in October

He told the Senedd: “Veterans should receive what they are owed automatically and not be left to navigate a bureaucratic maze.”

Mr Owen Griffiths said: “Too many veterans still face poverty, homelessness and poor mental and physical health – a damning indictment of successive UK Governments.

“The independent review of UK Government welfare services for veterans could not have been clearer: funding cuts have hollowed out support.

“The Trussell Trust reports that over a quarter of veterans now struggle to afford food.”

Lindsay Whittle, the newly returned Plaid Cymru Senedd Member for Caerphilly, raised his constituents’ concerns about military personnel’s access to NHS dental services.

Caerphilly's Plaid Cymru MS Lindsay Whittle
Caerphilly’s Plaid Cymru MS Lindsay Whittle, pictured on November 4

Mr Whittle called for a service pause policy for NHS dental registration, so veterans and their families do not lose access due to a change of address. He said: “I would like to think that we are all united, despite the attacks earlier,… in supporting the veterans of this country.”

Ken Skates, who is responsible for Armed Forces policy in Wales insofar as it is devolved, described the Tory proposals as “well-intentioned asks” which presented challenges.

Responding to calls for priority housing, he pointed to the Welsh Government’s homelessness bill which is making its way through the Senedd scrutiny process.

Transport and North Wales secretary Ken Skates
Transport and North Wales secretary Ken Skates

The transport secretary said: “The bill seeks to create a person-centred homelessness system that responds to the support needs of all applicants experiencing or at risk of homelessness, including, crucially, members of the Armed Forces community.”

Mr Skates confirmed a review of the national housing pathway for ex-service personnel was under way to ensure it is applied consistently across all 22 councils. He said offering free bus travel could lead to calls for emergency workers to receive the same entitlement.

Senedd Members voted 35-13 against the motion. The Welsh Government’s amended version – which removed the Tories’ five calls – was agreed 36-11, with one abstention.

 

Community

Free naloxone training session announced for Pembroke Dock

Published

on

A FREE life-saving training session is set to take place in Pembroke Dock next month, giving people the skills to respond to suspected drug overdoses.

RM Training and Security Solutions has confirmed it will host a naloxone (Naxoline) training course at The Cricketers in Pembroke Dock on Tuesday (June 9) from 2:00pm to 4:00pm.

The session is being delivered in partnership with the Dyfed Drug and Alcohol Service (DDAS) and is open to anyone, including security staff, venue teams, event workers and members of the public.

Organisers say the training is designed to be quick, practical and accessible, equipping attendees with the knowledge and confidence to act in an emergency.

Those taking part will learn how to recognise the signs of an overdose, what to do in a critical situation, how to safely administer naloxone, and gain an understanding of basic harm reduction.

Naloxone is a medication used to reverse the effects of opioid overdoses and can be administered via a nasal spray.

RM Training and Security Solutions said the session forms part of a wider effort to improve safety across communities, particularly in nightlife and public-facing environments.

Places are limited, and early booking is advised. Those interested can book via the company’s website or contact the organisers directly for more information.

Photo caption:

Life-saving skills: Free naloxone training will be held at The Cricketers in Pembroke Dock on Tuesday (June 9).

 

Continue Reading

Community

Security firm meets councillors over town safety concerns

Published

on

A MEETING has been held at Haverfordwest Town Council offices to discuss community safety and security concerns in the town.

Councillor Randell Izaiah Thomas-Turner welcomed RM Training and Security Solutions for what he described as a “productive and forward-thinking” discussion.

He was joined by Deputy Mayor-elect Cllr Adam Benson Davis and the Sheriff of Haverfordwest, Cllr Dani Thomas-Turner, for the meeting with Ryan Mayne and Matthew Davis of RM Training and Security Solutions.

The discussion focused on concerns facing the community, including public safety, anti-social behaviour and the need for practical partnership working to help support residents, businesses and visitors.

Cllr Thomas-Turner said the meeting was open and honest, with all parties keen to look at constructive ways of improving safety and confidence in the town.

Further discussions are expected as councillors continue to explore possible community-led solutions.

Photo caption:

Town safety talks: Councillors met with representatives of RM Training and Security Solutions at Haverfordwest Town Council offices.

 

Continue Reading

Community

Port invests almost £500,000 in Pembrokeshire communities

Published

on

YOUNG people, water safety projects and environmental schemes across Pembrokeshire benefited from almost half a million pounds of support from the Port of Milford Haven during 2025.

The Port said its investment reflected another year of commitment to strengthening local communities, building confidence among young people, improving access to the Milford Haven Waterway and supporting environmental resilience across the county.

Its community support focused on three main themes: a safe, inclusive and enjoyable Waterway; a skilled and confident community, with a particular focus on young people; and a sustainable and resilient environment.

Water safety projects delivered with Windswept, Paddle West and Blue Horizons CIC helped more people access the Waterway safely, including skills sessions and boat trips for people of all abilities and backgrounds.

The Port also supported Tenby Surf Life Saving Club and Porthmawr Surf Life Saving Club, helping provide training and safety equipment for volunteers carrying out lifesaving work.

Youth support

long-standing partnerships also remained central to the Port’s community investment.

Its continued work with Milford Youth Matters supported initiatives including Under the Bridge and the Winter Warmers scheme, providing safe and warm spaces for young people during the colder months.

Support for Megan’s Starr Foundation funded more than 300 hours of counselling for young people, helping improve mental health and wellbeing.

The Port also worked with Pembrokeshire County Council and Milford Haven Town Council to help keep a vital library resource open.

Support continued for the Torch Theatre, which delivered opportunities for young people outside traditional academic or sporting settings and won an award in 2025.

In partnership with the SPARC Alliance, the Port also helped encourage young women to explore careers in STEM, with 172 girls enrolled in the programme.

Environmental work

The Port said it remained proud to support the Pembrokeshire Marine SAC Officer post, recognising the importance of protecting and sharing the county’s special marine environment.

It also highlighted its role with the Milford Haven Waterway Environment Surveillance Group, which has monitored the Waterway’s habitats and wildlife for more than thirty years.

The Port has also supported Cymbrogi Futures in delivering the Tomorrow’s Changemakers Hackathon programme for schools across Pembrokeshire.

Anna Malloy, Communications and Marketing Director at the Port of Milford Haven, said: “Our community investments are some of the most rewarding ways we support people across Pembrokeshire.

“Every year we see incredible dedication from local groups working to make our communities safer, more inclusive, and more inspiring, especially for young people.

“We are particularly proud that in 2026 the fund will be focusing further on supporting projects that help young people gain skills and grow in confidence.

“Our investment in people today helps create a stronger, more inclusive and ambitious generation tomorrow.”

The Port of Milford Haven is the UK’s top energy port and Wales’ busiest port, handling around 20% of Britain’s seaborne trade in oil and gas. It also owns and operates Pembroke Port and Milford Waterfront.

Photo caption: Water safety projects delivered with Windswept, Paddle West and Blue Horizons CIC helped more people access the Waterway safely.

 

Continue Reading

Crime15 hours ago

70-year-old denies assault and restraining order breach

A PENSIONER from Pembroke Dock has denied breaching a restraining order and assaulting another man. Henry Howlett, 70, of Market...

News1 day ago

Conservatives target two seats in new Ceredigion Penfro constituency

Paul Davies and Sam Kurtz say health, farming and transport are key as they seek return to the Senedd CONSERVATIVE...

Community2 days ago

Milford Haven Beer Fest returns to waterfront this May

EVENT WILL FEATURE 34 DRINKS, LIVE MUSIC AND STREET FOOD MILFORD HAVEN is preparing to raise a glass as Beer...

Community3 days ago

Cancer patients targeted with parking fines outside Haverfordwest support centre

Adam’s Bucketful of Hope says vulnerable users, elderly volunteers and charity drivers have paid more than £1,000 after Ateb introduced...

Charity3 days ago

Row erupts at Spitfire museum after Reform poster displayed at charity premises

A HAVERFORDWEST museum has become caught up in a political row after Reform UK campaign material was photographed inside the...

Crime3 days ago

Pembrokeshire man charged with making hundreds of indecent images of children

A PEMBROKESHIRE man has appeared before magistrates charged with making hundreds of indecent images of children. David Lewis, 42, is...

Crime4 days ago

Man appears in court charged over death of Blood Bike Wales volunteer

FAMILY WATCHED FROM PUBLIC GALLERY AS CASE SENT TO CROWN COURT A PEMBROKESHIRE man has appeared before magistrates charged with...

Crime4 days ago

Police launch arson investigation after Haverfordwest fire

CCTV APPEAL ISSUED POLICE have launched an arson investigation after a derelict building was destroyed in a major overnight fire...

News4 days ago

Residents told to stay indoors as derelict building destroyed in Haverfordwest fire

EMERGENCY SERVICS were called to a major overnight fire in Haverfordwest which led to residents being urged to remain indoors...

Health4 days ago

Welsh public backs urgent action on dementia ahead of Senedd elections

Calls grow for diagnosis, care and support to become national priority NEW figures reveal overwhelming public demand for dementia to...

Popular This Week