A PEMBROKESHIRE-based mental health charity has expanded its presence with the opening of a second premises in Tenby.

Give The Boys A Lift (GTBAL), a community-focused organisation aimed at supporting mental wellbeing, has launched its new shop as part of its growing mission to create safe, welcoming spaces for conversation and connection.

The charity, which has built a strong local following, uses its café-style venues as a way to engage with the public and encourage open discussion around mental health — particularly among men.

Community effort

The team behind GTBAL said the new opening reflects a collective effort from staff and supporters alike.

A spokesperson said: “This one feels special. Not just because we’ve opened another space, but because of how we’ve done it. Every single member of our team has played a part — ideas, effort, care, and decisions. This has been a proper collective.”

They added: “To our community, thank you will never quite cover it. The support we receive day in, day out, is what allows this to exist.”

More than just a shop

While serving coffee and refreshments, the charity says its venues are about far more than what’s on offer behind the counter.

“Our baristas are the heartbeat of this,” the spokesperson said. “The smiles, the conversations, the moments they give to people — that’s what makes this more than just a coffee shop.”

New staff joining the Tenby location have also been welcomed as part of what the organisation describes as the “GTBAL family”.

Behind the scenes

The team also highlighted the work that goes on behind the scenes to keep the organisation running.

“From the outside, it might look easy going — and we’re proud that it feels that way — but behind it is a lot of hard work, a lot of care, and a lot of belief in what we’re building,” the spokesperson said.

Looking ahead

With its second site now open, GTBAL says it is continuing to grow its reach across Pembrokeshire.

“We’re just getting started,” the spokesperson added.

Historic Haverfordwest building set for transformation after years of neglect

A HISTORIC Haverfordwest building is set to be transformed into a major cancer support centre, breathing new life into one of Pembrokeshire’s most significant architectural landmarks.

Foley House, which has stood neglected for nearly 20 years, will become the new home of Adam’s Bucketful of Hope Cancer Support Centre—an ambitious project inspired by the life and legacy of Adam Evans-Thomas.

The plans were discussed at a recent meeting held at The Merlin Theatre, Pembrokeshire College, attended by local councillors, campaigners, and community supporters.

Speaking after the meeting, County Councillor for the Castle Ward and Chairman of the charity, Thomas Tudor, said it had been “lovely” to hear more about the building’s history and future potential.

He thanked guest speaker Mark Muller for outlining the history of Foley House, and Cris Tomos of PLANED for offering guidance on how the project could move forward. Tribute was also paid to The Bucket Music Makers and Chris Evans-Thomas for their continued support.

New purpose for historic building

Designed in 1791 by renowned architect John Nash—best known for his work on Regent Street, Regent’s Park and parts of Buckingham Palace—Foley House is regarded as one of Haverfordwest’s architectural gems.

Now, after years of decline, the building is set to be carefully restored and adapted to provide a modern, accessible centre for cancer support services.

The Herald understands the vision is to create a welcoming environment combining heritage with healthcare, including lifts, treatment rooms, and calm spaces designed for patients and their families.

Inspired by Adam’s legacy

The project builds on the legacy of Adam Evans-Thomas, who was diagnosed with Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia in his early twenties.

Despite years of treatment, Adam became known for his courage, humour, and compassion—qualities that inspired those around him. He died at the age of 35, but his story continues to shape cancer support services in Pembrokeshire and beyond.

Over the past 30 years, initiatives linked to his legacy have helped establish the PHODU ward at Withybush Hospital and a double ICU room at the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff.

Friends and family are now aiming to take that legacy further by creating a dedicated centre of excellence in Haverfordwest.

Expanding support services

The new centre will not only continue existing support services but expand them, including therapies and treatments not always available through the NHS.

Plans also include a significant expansion of lymphoedema services, helping patients recovering from cancer surgery.

Alongside clinical support, Foley House will offer a wide range of wellbeing activities, including singing, gentle exercise, meditation, yoga, and arts and crafts.

Community at its heart

Organisers say the centre will be firmly rooted in the community, with volunteers and patients playing a central role.

A group known as the “Buckateers”—patients and volunteers aged 70 and over—will help bring energy and character to the project, including themed events celebrating the building’s Georgian heritage.

There are also plans to host performances by young musicians, creating a welcoming and uplifting atmosphere for visitors.

Call for support

With restoration work ahead, the charity is now seeking funding partners, grants, and corporate sponsors to help bring the project to completion.

Supporters say every contribution will help transform Foley House into a vital community resource—offering hope, care, and comfort to families across Pembrokeshire.

For more information, or to get involved, contact Adam’s Bucketful of Hope Cancer Support Centre at [email protected] or call 01437 779400.

Support for bereaved children among local causes chosen in Pembroke Dock

LIDL colleagues in Pembroke Dock have chosen a Pembrokeshire children’s bereavement charity to receive a community donation as part of the retailer’s expanded investment programme across Wales.

Staff at the store selected Sandy Bear Children’s Bereavement Charity as one of two local organisations to receive a £500 donation. The charity provides specialist support to children and young people up to the age of 25, helping them cope with loss and rebuild confidence.

Sandy Bear was chosen in recognition of its work supporting bereaved families across Pembrokeshire, including more than 20 families in the Pembroke area.

Ben Rees, shift manager at the Pembroke Dock store, said the scheme allows staff to support organisations making a real difference locally.

Martin Jones, business development manager at Sandy Bear, said: “Behind every child we support is a story of loss that no family should have to face alone. Support from local businesses like Lidl means we can continue to be there when families need us most, helping children understand their grief and find a way forward.”

Colleagues also selected Pembrokeshire and Carmarthen Mind, which provides mental health support through community programmes and wellbeing initiatives across the region.

The donations form part of Lidl GB’s wider community investment programme, which has supported more than 145 causes in Wales since 2022, contributing over £188,000 to local charities.

Alongside financial donations, charities linked to Lidl stores also receive support through the retailer’s ‘Feed it Back’ scheme, run in partnership with Neighbourly. The initiative redistributes surplus food, providing the equivalent of more than 2.3 million meals in Wales since 2016.

Lidl GB chief executive Ryan McDonnell said the programme empowers staff to support causes that matter most to their communities.

The retailer says its wider community work in Wales includes investment in initiatives such as its Foodies programme, which promotes healthy eating in schools and has reached more than 25,000 children across the country.