Community

Carers charity marks Carers Week with call for stronger support

Published

2 minutes ago

June 8, 2026

A WEST WALES carers charity has marked Carers Week 2026 by calling for stronger, more inclusive communities for unpaid carers across Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion.

Carers Trust Crossroads West Wales said this year’s Carers Week theme, “building carer-friendly communities”, highlights the need for carers to be better understood, valued and supported.

The charity said small changes could make a major difference, including employers offering greater flexibility to staff with caring responsibilities, and GPs and pharmacies doing more to identify and support unpaid carers.

SUPPORTING LOCAL CARERS

During Carers Week, the organisation has delivered a range of activities across West Wales, including a guided walk at the National Botanic Garden of Wales, a beach barbecue, wellbeing walks at Dinefwr Castle, pamper days, Money MOTs and other support sessions.

The activities were aimed at giving unpaid carers a chance to take a break, meet others in similar circumstances, and find out more about the support available locally.

One local carer support service said: “We need carer-friendly communities to support carers, help them understand that they are cared for themselves, and ensure they feel part of the world around them.”

‘CARERS ARE NOT ALONE’

Andrew Fewtrell Smith, Carer Support Services Manager at Carers Trust Crossroads West Wales, said: “Unpaid carers are at the heart of our communities, often providing vital care and support without recognition or adequate support themselves.

“During Carers Week, we want to celebrate their contribution, raise awareness of the challenges they face, and remind carers that they are not alone.

“At Carers Trust Crossroads West Wales, we are committed to building more carer-friendly communities across West Wales, where carers of all ages feel valued, listened to and able to access the support, understanding and opportunities they need.”

Alexandra Roberts, Director of Network and Innovation at Carers Trust, said local organisations were making a real difference to carers’ lives every day.

She said: “From creating safe spaces to connect, to offering practical advice and essential support, the work of local carer organisations shows what’s possible when communities come together.

“Building carer-friendly communities starts with action and investment at a local level, and it’s inspiring to see our movement of local partners leading the way during this year’s Carers Week.”

Carers Trust Crossroads West Wales is part of a network of more than 130 local support centres for carers across England, Scotland and Wales.

More information is available at www.ctcww.org.uk/events/carers-week/ and www.carers.org/help-for-carers/carer-services-near-you.

Charity

Young fundraiser donated 12 inches of hair to help children with cancer

Published

17 minutes ago

June 8, 2026

Cerys Lafferty

A GENEROUS eight-year-old girl showed incredible kindness and determination when she donated 12 inches of her hair to help children affected by cancer.

The hair-cutting event took place at the Cross Inn, Broadmoor, where family, friends and members of the local community gathered to support her fundraising efforts. Her donated hair will be used to make wigs for children who have lost their hair during cancer treatment.

Alongside the hair donation, the young fundraiser worked hard to raise £2500 for the charity, with local businesses and residents contributing donations, vouchers and prizes to support the cause. The event helped raise valuable funds while also shining a spotlight on the important work carried out by charities supporting children and families facing cancer.

Her selfless act inspired many people in the community and helped raise awareness of the challenges experienced by young cancer patients. Supporters praised her bravery and generosity, recognising the difference her donation and fundraising efforts will make to children in need.

The event proved to be a wonderful success, demonstrating how one young person’s compassion can bring a community together and make a meaningful impact on the lives of others.

Community

West Wales Aviation Pioneers to be spotlighted at Pembrokeshire Aviation Group meeting

Published

28 minutes ago

June 8, 2026

Cerys Lafferty

STORIES of pioneering seaplane trials in the Milford Haven Waterway before the First World War and visits by famed aviator Amy Johnson will be among the highlights of a forthcoming talk hosted by the Pembrokeshire Aviation Group.

The presentation, titled West Wales Aviation Pioneers, will be delivered by the group’s founder member, John Evans, at the organisation’s June meeting on Wednesday, June 10.

The event will take place at the Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre, Meyrick Owen Way, Pembroke Dock (SA72 6WS), beginning at 7.30pm.

John Evans will explore some of the lesser-known chapters of the region’s rich aviation history, including early seaplane experiments on the Milford Haven Waterway and the connections between West Wales and national aviation heroine Amy Johnson.

The meeting is open to both members and non-members, with visitors welcome to attend for a contribution of £3 towards costs.

For further information, contact the group’s chairman, Graham Clarkson, on 01646 689979.

Community

Writers and young poets invited to celebrate Moby Dick at Fishguard Festival

Published

1 hour ago

June 8, 2026

Cerys Lafferty

ORGANISERS of Fishguard’s Ar Ymyl y Tir 2026/On Land’s Edge Festival are inviting writers and poets to pay their own tributes to Moby Dick.

This year’s festival (September 25-27) will be celebrating the 70th anniversary of the cinematic release of John Huston’s classic movie on the great white whale which was largely filmed in Fishguard Bay.

Details of an adults’ short story writing competition as well as a young persons’ poetry competition have now been announced.

Writers are invited to submit their own pieces of fictional prose – up to 3,000 words – that respond in some way to Moby Dick: the novel or the film.

They may choose a reworking of one of the characters or one of the incidents in the narrative; or alternately explore the same themes the novel raises or about a character’s own experience relating to reading the novel or seeing the film.

The competition will be judged by Robert Harries, the fiction editor of Folding Rock, Wales’ leading magazine of creative prose (foldingrock.com).

A prize of £100 will be awarded for the best entry. There will be an entry fee of £5, with all proceeds going towards literary events at Ar Ymyl y Tir 2026/On Land’s Edge.

The winners will be announced at the festival’s final event on Sunday, September 27.

Young people are also invited to write poems on the theme of sea creatures based on their own experiences and observations.

These do not have to be epic adventures like Captain Ahab’s, but ordinary encounters with crustaceans, cetaceans, fish, seabirds and other sea life which can provide experiences that work well in poetry.

The judges will be looking for truthfulness and clarity in these poems about sea creatures.

There is a £30 prize for the best entries in English and in Welsh and runner-up prizes of £20.