WELSH homeowners are being urged to check whether they qualify for government-backed support for solar panels and other energy-saving improvements as energy bills prepare to rise again.

Energy regulator Ofgem has confirmed that the price cap will rise by 13% from July 1, adding about £221 a year to the bill of a typical dual-fuel household paying by direct debit.

The increase means the average annual bill will rise from £1,641 to £1,862, although the actual amount paid will depend on how much energy a household uses.

Support already available

In Wales, homeowners can access help through schemes including Green Homes Wales and Nest Warm Homes.

Green Homes Wales, a Welsh Government scheme managed by the Development Bank of Wales, offers interest-free finance and funded expert support to help eligible owner-occupiers improve the energy efficiency of their homes.

More than £5m in additional funding has been confirmed for the scheme for 2026–27, following strong demand.

The support is not limited only to the lowest-income households, making it available to a broader group of homeowners considering improvements such as solar panels, insulation, heat pumps and battery storage.

England scheme still developing

Similar support in England is expected under the UK Government’s Warm Homes Plan, which includes proposals for low-interest and zero-interest loans for measures such as solar panels, batteries, heat pumps, smart controls and insulation.

However, that wider loan support has not yet been rolled out in the same way as the existing Welsh scheme.

Ian Mach, director of Swansea-based Ulex Energy, said: “With energy bills rising again, now is a good time for homeowners to consider whether solar could work for them.

“Many people are unaware that funding is available beyond lower-income households, particularly through schemes such as Green Homes Wales. Meanwhile, equivalent proposals in England have yet to be launched.”

VAT relief deadline

Homeowners can also currently benefit from 0% VAT on qualifying energy-saving installations, including solar panels and battery storage.

That relief is due to remain in place until March 31, 2027, after which the rate is expected to return to 5%.

Ulex Energy, based in Swansea, provides solar and battery storage systems across South Wales and was recently named a finalist in the Wales Energy Efficiency Awards 2026.

FRIENDSHIPS new and old were made and renewed as Pembroke and District Male Voice Choir enjoyed a hugely successful tour of Ireland over the long May weekend.

Led by Musical Director Juliet Rossiter and accompanied by the Rev William Lambert, the choir performed two concerts, at Drogheda and Clontarf.

A warm welcome in Drogheda

At St Peter’s Church of Ireland, Drogheda, the choir was hosted by the Tredagh Singers, who visited Pembrokeshire last year for a joint concert in Tenby.

The link between the two choirs began after a chance meeting at a bowls competition in Ireland between Pembroke baritone Ed Morris and a member of the Tredagh Singers.

The Welsh visitors performed alongside the host choir, which was supported by an orchestra, and the Gary Kelly Cancer Support Choir.

Introduced by choir MC Matthew John, Pembroke and District Male Voice Choir performed a programme including favourites from Les Misérables and World in Union, as well as joint items with Tredagh Singers.

The concert was warmly received by a packed audience of more than 300 people, who gave the choir a standing ovation.

Old friends reunited

At St Anthony’s Catholic Church, Clontarf, choir members were greeted by renowned singer Bryan Hoey, a long-standing vice-president of the choir, who helped arrange the concert.

They were also welcomed by the parish priest, Fr Larry White.

The choir’s 14-piece programme included a first performance of the Irish folk ballad The Fields of Athenry, along with Working Man, featuring solo parts by accompanist William Lambert.

The concert also saw the long-awaited debut of the Cheeky Boys, a group of nine choristers who performed Tell My Father and The Wonder of You to prolonged applause.

Gifts and fellowship

Gifts were presented at both concerts, including a choir plaque and a traditional Welsh love spoon.

Musical Director Juliet Rossiter presented the gifts to Vincent Moore, chairman of the Tredagh Singers, while choir chairman David Halsted presented a plaque to Fr White.

Geraint Morgan, who co-ordinated the tour arrangements, presented a love spoon to Bryan Hoey in recognition of his help and musical fellowship.

Bryan also met chorister Martin Harries, whose late father, Frank, was the choir’s senior member and a long-time friend and contact.

There was a further surprise for Bryan when the choir led the singing of Happy Birthday to mark a special milestone.

In keeping with choir tradition, MC Matthew John invited audience members to join the choir for American Trilogy. Bryan Hoey was among those who accepted, along with three others including coach driver and tour guide Jim Shannon, who was described as an “honorary Welshman” by the end of the tour.

The choir also acknowledged a generous donation made on behalf of the church by Fr White.

There was time for an impromptu mini-concert at the Guinness Storehouse, where the choir performed at the entrance, and the group also visited Johnstown Castle near Wexford before returning by ferry.

Choir members thanked Geraint Morgan and Ed Morris for their work in organising the tour.

Cover photo: Musical Director Juliet Rossiter, accompanist William Lambert and Pembroke and District Male Voice Choir members at St Anthony’s Church, Clontarf, with Bryan Hoey and Fr Larry White.

ALMOST 50,000 people in Wales are living with dementia, but new research suggests the condition is placing a heavy emotional, financial and practical strain on families and unpaid carers.

Alzheimer’s Society Cymru said the impact of dementia stretches far beyond those diagnosed, with many relatives carrying the burden quietly behind closed doors.

A UK-wide survey of more than 2,000 people, carried out for the charity’s annual Forget Me Not Appeal, found that 61 per cent of people in Wales say dementia affects their day-to-day life.

The research also found that 48 per cent of carers in Wales said supporting someone with dementia had negatively affected their mental health.

Across the UK, 56 per cent of carers said caring had damaged their mental health, while 70 per cent feared the stress was affecting their own health and wellbeing.

Many also said they were hiding the emotional strain from others, with nearly two-thirds saying they concealed how they felt from friends and family to avoid being a burden.

‘Like grieving’

Stephanie Marks, from Llanelli, cares for her brother Gareth, who has dementia and is now living in a care home in Swansea.

She said: “The impacts on us were constant worry, tiredness, financial cost and restriction of our own lives. But we cared for Gareth willingly and gladly. We love him and it was painful to see him slipping away while the system took its time. Like grieving.

“One of the hardest things was clearing his home once he was in care. It was a dismantling of our shared lives. I felt guilty that I couldn’t put it all right.

“I love visiting my brother but I worry constantly about his declining physical and mental health. I feel a huge weight of responsibility for ensuring his care needs are met. He can’t fight for himself so I have to do it for him.

“I wish I’d been more assertive in the very early stages and insisted on better attention when the system failed him. Carers shouldn’t have to struggle for attention and action. Vulnerable people like Gareth deserve far better.”

Fundraising at 100

Stephanie and Gareth’s mother, Peggy Hoare-Davies, who lives in Port Talbot, recently marked her 100th birthday by raising money for Alzheimer’s Society.

Stephanie said: “Mum visits him in the care home. They have activities like Halloween and Christmas parties. When mum was approaching her 100th birthday people asked what she wanted and she wanted to raise money for Alzheimer’s Society.

“Her church put on a party for her and people donated. She ended up raising £1,000.”

Call for support

Rachel Nelson, Alzheimer’s Society Country Manager for Wales, said families affected by dementia often face overwhelming pressures.

She said: “Every day, we see the reality of dementia across Wales. Behind every diagnosis are families navigating emotional, financial and practical pressures that can quickly become overwhelming.

“Too often people feel they’re facing this alone, which is why local support is so vital. At Alzheimer’s Society, we’re here to make sure no one has to go through dementia without help, guidance and someone to turn to.

“Through local services like Singing for the Brain groups, Alzheimer’s Society helps people affected by dementia feel supported, connected and understood.”

The charity is encouraging people in Wales to support its Forget Me Not Appeal during June by wearing a Forget Me Not badge.

The badge is intended as a symbol of the ongoing and often unseen weight carried by families affected by dementia.

Alzheimer’s Society said money raised through the appeal will help fund support services and dementia research.

More information is available at alzheimers.org.uk/forgetmenot

Cover photo: Stephanie and her brother Gareth.