YOUNG people across Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire and Powys are being encouraged to take their next step into training, volunteering and paid work opportunities through Porth Gwyrdd.

Whether you are unsure about your future, struggling to find opportunities, looking to build confidence, or simply wanting to try something new, Porth Gwyrdd offers free, personalised support to help young people aged 16-30 move towards employment and new experiences.

The project supports young people from ethnic minority communities and those with disabilities to access opportunities within growing green sectors, while helping them develop valuable skills, confidence, and experience along the way.

Delivered through a partnership between Antur Cymru, Foothold Cymru, PLANED and Menter Gorllewin Sir Gâr, the project provides one-to-one support tailored to each young person’s interests, strengths and goals.

Young people taking part can access environmental training, volunteering experiences and paid work placements, while receiving guidance from a dedicated job coach. Opportunities range from hospitality and retail to conservation, farming, and heritage roles.

Jon Morgan, Porth Gwyrdd Project Manager, said: “There are countless young people who face additional barriers when trying to access employment and opportunities. Some of these barriers are visible, while others – such as dyslexia, neurodivergence, or the challenges faced by young people from ethnic minority communities – can often go unseen.

“At Porth Gwyrdd, we work alongside young people to help them recognise their strengths, build confidence, and realise their potential in ways that are accessible, supportive, and meaningful to them.”

The project also works closely with employers to create inclusive opportunities, while helping organisations develop a more sustainable and diverse future workforce. Porth Gwyrdd is funded through the Dormant Assets Scheme and distributed by The National Lottery Community Fund.

Young people and employers interested in finding out more, accessing support, or getting involved can visit: www.porthgwyrdd.org.uk

COUNCILLOR Michele Wiggins and Councillor Roy Thomas, both respective outgoing Mayors for Pembroke Dock and Haverfordwest, are proud to announce that they have had a truly successful year of raising funds and awareness for the Paul Sartori Foundation.

Councillor Michele Wiggins dedicated a great deal of her time supporting and championing her chosen charities, The Paul Sartori Foundation and Forever 11 throughout her mayoral term and raised £1,700 for each charity. 

With equal dedication and spirit, Councillor Roy Thomas, supported by Mayoress Shirley Thomas, raised £2,172.50 for the Foundation, as well as raising money for charity Sandy Bear.

Throughout the year, both mayors have hosted afternoon teas, coffee mornings, sponsored walks, bingo evenings, and much more, in what has been a really special year of community spirit. 

The Paul Sartori Foundation’s Community Relationship Officer, Rosie-Faye Hart said: “As respected and prominent figures in the community, the support of the town mayors has had a significant impact on community awareness and participation, as well as ensuring that the safe continuation of these vital services are maintained through important community fundraising partnerships.”

These partnerships are not just about raising funds, but also raising the profile of the charity, spreading the word about the hospice at home services, and telling people about the fact that the services are free at the point of use. 

Without this kind of community support and spirit, the Foundation would not be able to help so many of those in need across Pembrokeshire.

Being chosen as Charity of the Year means that Paul Sartori can make a significant impact in a truly collaborative way, with communities as the focus. 

If you would like to choose Paul Sartori as your Charity of the Year in the future, they would be delighted to hear from you and support you in any way they can. Email Rosie-Faye on [email protected] or call Head Office on 01437 763 223.

THOUSANDS of homes and businesses in Milford Haven can now access Full Fibre broadband following a £2.1m investment by Openreach.

The upgrade means around 7,000 properties in the town are now able to move to faster and more reliable internet connections, with 85% of premises in the area covered by the new network.

Openreach says many residents and businesses may still be using slower connections because the upgrade is not automatic. Customers need to place an order through their chosen broadband provider to switch to Full Fibre.

Martin Williams, Partnership Director for Wales and the South West, said: “Most of Milford Haven is now covered by Full Fibre, but many residents and businesses still haven’t made the switch. It’s not automatic – you need to place an order with your chosen broadband provider.

“The difference in speed and reliability can be significant, especially for busy households or people working from home. We want to make sure everyone knows what’s available and how to get it.

“Openreach is committed to building the best Full Fibre network, and doing it sustainably. Through our Let’s Reach Zero strategy, we’re working to reduce carbon emissions, use fewer resources, cut waste, and protect nature wherever we operate.”

Full Fibre is designed to offer faster downloads, more stable connections and better performance when several devices are being used at the same time.

Openreach says the service can support modern online use including streaming, gaming, video calls, home working, online banking and running a business.

The company’s Full Fibre network now reaches 22 million homes and businesses across the UK. It plans to extend this to 25 million by the end of 2026, with the potential to reach 30 million by 2030 if investment conditions remain supportive.

Residents can check whether their property is able to upgrade by using Openreach’s Full Fibre checker.