Community

Commissioner launches free course to help tackle ageism in Wales

Published

19 hours ago

June 10, 2026

A NEW free learning course has been launched to help people across Wales recognise and challenge ageism.

The Older People’s Commissioner for Wales, Rhian Bowen-Davies, has developed the interactive course in partnership with the Open University in Wales.

It is designed to show how ageism affects older people’s lives, including access to services, employment, recruitment, the media and advertising.

The course also explains key protections under the Equality Act and gives practical advice on how people can take action when they see ageism or age discrimination.

Although aimed mainly at public sector staff in Wales, the course is free and available to anyone who wants to learn more.

The Commissioner said ageism remained “one of the most persistent and overlooked forms of discrimination” in society.

She said: “Ageism means that growing older is often viewed only in negative terms, presented as something to be feared and associated with decline and dependence.

“This reinforces ageist attitudes and discrimination, limiting the opportunities available to us as we grow older and creating barriers to living and ageing well.

“So I’m delighted to be launching this learning course to help provide participants with the practical information they need so they can recognise ageism and feel empowered to call it out or challenge it.”

The course follows earlier face-to-face and online learning sessions delivered by the Commissioner’s team to public bodies and organisations across Wales.

Dr Scott McKenzie, Assistant Director, Learning, Skills and Innovation at the OU in Wales, said the free course reflected the university’s mission of opening up opportunities for all.

He said: “A person’s background, including their age, shouldn’t stop them from reaching their potential.

“We’re helping people develop new knowledge, support their communities, and take their first steps into lifelong learning.”

Dysgu, the national professional learning and leadership body for maintained schools and settings in Wales, helped test the course during its final development stages.

Its chief executive, Dr Gwenllian Lansdown Davies, said the course would help create “equitable and inclusive learning environments, where everyone feels respected and valued.”

The Commissioner said ageism underpinned many of the issues faced by older people.

She added: “At its heart, ultimately, is unfairness and injustice, both of which do not sit comfortably with us here in Wales.

“That’s why it’s crucial that ageism and the damage it causes is recognised and that we all play our part by standing up and speaking out against it.”

Community

Mayors and community leaders join Milford Haven Founders Day celebrations

Published

4 hours ago

June 10, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Town’s civic leaders praised as event highlights community spirit

A HOST of civic dignitaries and community representatives joined residents for this year’s Milford Haven Founders Day, helping to mark the town’s annual celebration of its heritage and community spirit.

The event, held on Saturday, welcomed mayors and representatives from towns across Pembrokeshire, alongside police officers, clergy and local business leaders.

Milford Haven Founders Day organisers thanked guests for attending and supporting the occasion, describing their presence as helping to make the day “even more special”.

Among those attending were the Mayor of Milford Haven, Mark Woodward, accompanied by Mayoress Evija Upeniece Woodward; the Mayor of Haverfordwest, Councillor Randell Izaiah Thomas-Turner, accompanied by Mayoress and Sheriff Councillor Dani Thomas-Turner; the Mayor of Pembroke, Jonathan Grimes; the Mayor of Pembroke Dock, Councillor Tony Wilcox; and the Mayor of Neyland, Councillor Peter Hay, accompanied by Mayoress Mitzy Hay.

The event also welcomed local Police Community Support Officers from Milford Haven and Neyland Police, Reverend Dr Adrian Furse of St Katharine and St Peter’s Church, Milford Haven, Milford Haven Business Circle chairman Byron Thomas Jenkins, and treasurer Amanda Dyson.

Organisers said the strong turnout from civic leaders reflected the importance of Founders Day as a celebration of Milford Haven’s identity and local pride.

A spokesperson for Milford Haven Founders Day said: “Your presence and support helped make the day a memorable celebration of our town, its history and its community spirit. We are truly grateful that you took the time to join us and share in the festivities.”

Pembroke Mayor Jonathan Grimes later praised the event, commenting: “Thank you for the kind invitation – it was a wonderful event!”

Photo caption:

Civic guests: Mayors, community representatives and local officers gather during Milford Haven Founders Day celebrations (Pic: Captured Soul Photography).

Community

Community rallies to protect AJ Store after break-in

Published

5 hours ago

June 10, 2026

Tom Sinclair

New security gate installed thanks to generosity of Pill and Milford Haven residents

MILFORD HAEVN residents have rallied around the owner of AJ Store in Pill Lane after a recent break-in, helping fund new security measures to protect the independent business.

Just days after an appeal was launched to support the shop following another break-in, donations from local people helped pay for a new security gate, now installed at the front of the store.

The owner, who took over the business around nine months ago, had faced costly repairs and mounting concerns over security after the latest incident.

The fundraiser, launched with the owner’s permission, asked for help towards repairs and measures to safeguard the future of the business.

In an emotional message posted online, AJ Local thanked the community for its support.

The shop said: “I would like to thank everyone who have been so generous with your donations to the GoFundMe and have enabled us to have this amazing security gate made and fitted by an excellent local business, KGM Welding.

“A big thank you to Kyle Morris, I’m very, very grateful to you and all of the people of Pill and Milford community.”

Community spirit

The rapid response to the appeal has been praised as an example of Milford Haven residents coming together to support a valued local business during a difficult time.

Independent convenience stores often face significant financial pressures following break-ins, with repair costs, insurance increases and additional security expenses placing strain on small traders.

The Herald previously reported on concerns about shop crime in Milford Haven, with businesses in areas including Pill Lane and Charles Street affected by robberies and break-ins in recent years.

Protected:

The new security gate installed at AJ Store in Pill Lane following community donations (Pic: AJ Local).

Charity

More than £5,000 raised for rescue animals at Greenacres Fun Day

Published

11 hours ago

June 10, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A FUN Day and Dog Show in St Clears has raised more than £5,000 to help vulnerable and abandoned animals.

The event, held in aid of Greenacres Animal Rescue on Sunday, May 10, brought together supporters, local businesses and members of the community to raise vital funds for the charity’s rescue and rehabilitation work.

A total of £2,584.84 was raised on the day, with the amount then matched by the Benefact Group through the support of Lloyd & Whyte Community Broking, bringing the final total to £5,169.68.

The money will help Greenacres meet the growing costs of caring for animals in need, including veterinary treatment, rehabilitation, food and other essential welfare expenses.

Greenacres Animal Rescue provides refuge and care for animals that have been abandoned, neglected or need rehoming. The charity relies heavily on donations, fundraising and volunteer support to continue its work.

A spokesperson for Greenacres Animal Rescue said: “We’re honestly blown away by your generosity and support.”

Among those supporting the event were representatives from Lloyd & Whyte Community Broking, which has backed Greenacres Animal Rescue for several years as its chosen charity partner.

Colleagues Stephen Vale, Yvette Llewellyn and Lauren Davies attended the event, helping to support the fundraising and celebrate the work carried out by the charity.

Stephen Vale, from Lloyd & Whyte Community Broking said: “Greenacres Animal Rescue has been our chosen charity for several years and we’re incredibly proud to support the vital work they do for vulnerable animals in our community.

“The dedication of the Greenacres team is inspiring, and it’s fantastic to see local people come together to help raise funds that will directly support the charity’s ongoing rescue and rehabilitation work.

“As part of the Benefact Group, giving back is central to who we are, so being able to support Greenacres through fundraising and matched funding initiatives is something we’re passionate about.”

The success of the event highlights the strength of community support for Greenacres Animal Rescue and the difference local fundraising can make for animals in need.