News

Healthy workplaces win top awards

Published

10 years ago

March 27, 2015

DEPUTY Health Minister Vaughan Gething presented awards to businesses and organisations who have increased physical activity in the workplace at a special event in Swansea on Thursday (Mar 12).

Employers gathered at the Liberty Stadium to show how they are helping their staff become more active and improve their health at the Healthy Working Wales awards.

Healthy Working Wales is a Welsh Government initiative, which aims to improve health in the workplace, prevent people being made ill at work. It also encourages the rehabilitation of people who become ill as a result of their work.

More than 2,400 organisations have received support and advice through the programme, supporting almost 31% of the working population of Wales.

Organisations receiving awards include Aberystwyth University, Hortech Limited, Morgan Sindall plc, Rhondda Housing Association, Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water and Cwm Taf University Health Board.

Mr Gething said: “It is great to recognise companies and organisations, which are doing such a good job in helping their staff become more active and improving their health. Increasing physical activity can have benefits, including increased productivity. Employers involved in Healthy Working Wales have reported reductions in sickness absence by up to 30%.”

Sue Wing, principal public health practitioner, at Public Health Wales, said: “The workplace can have a positive affect on employees’ health and wellbeing as people spend around 60% of their waking hours at work. There are numerous opportunities to reduce sedentary behaviour and increase physical activity throughout the working day, including the commute to and from work. Public Health Wales and partners can provide advice about this to any employer in Wales.”

All employers in Wales can access free professional support and advice about any work and health issue at www.healthyworkingwales.com.

Crime

Mother admits to killing seven-year-old son in Haverfordwest

Published

4 hours ago

November 22, 2024

Luke Sinclair

A mother has admitted to the manslaughter of her seven-year-old son at their home in Haverfordwest, citing diminished responsibility.

Papaipit Linse, 43, appeared at Swansea Crown Court on Friday (Nov 22), where she denied murder but pleaded guilty to manslaughter in connection with the death of her son, Louis Linse. Prosecutor Caroline Rees KC confirmed the manslaughter plea would be accepted, stating it “did not come as a surprise” to the prosecution.

The incident occurred on 10 January when police were called to a property on Upper Market Street. Louis was rushed to Withybush General Hospital but tragically died shortly afterwards.

During the hearing, Linse, who spoke only to confirm her name and enter her pleas, was informed that she would be sentenced on 13 December. Judge Paul Thomas KC described the case as “clearly a very sensitive as well as a very tragic case.”

The court was told that Linse is currently receiving treatment at the Caswell Clinic, a mental health facility in Bridgend. Psychiatric evidence is expected to be presented during the sentencing hearing to provide further insight into the circumstances surrounding the case.

Community

Council warns of icy conditions as temperatures drop

Published

17 hours ago

November 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ROAD users in Pembrokeshire are being urged to exercise caution tonight as temperatures are forecast to dip below freezing.

Pembrokeshire County Council has announced that road surface temperatures could reach as low as -2°C, with the possibility of sleet or snow on higher ground. In response, precautionary salting of the county’s primary routes will be carried out this evening and overnight.

A spokesperson for the council said: “Road users are advised to take care if travelling on untreated roads.”

Motorists are reminded to plan ahead and drive carefully, particularly in areas that may not have been treated.

Stay tuned to The Herald for updates on road conditions and weather warnings.

Community

Stallholders wanted for Milford Haven Christmas Market

Published

17 hours ago

November 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

MILFORD HAVEN BUSINESS CIRCLE is calling for stallholders to join the town’s festive Christmas Market, set to bring holiday cheer on Friday, December 6, and Saturday, December 7, 2024.

The market will take place at the Lower Charles Street Car Park, promising a vibrant mix of stalls and attractions. Organizers are seeking a variety of vendors, including those offering gifts, children’s toys and games, food, cakes, flowers, and more.

There’s also an open invitation for someone with small children’s rides to add to the festive fun. A highlight of the event will be the Grinch’s Grotto, offering an entertaining twist to this year’s celebrations.

If you’re interested in having a stall, contact the Milford Haven Business Circle via email at [email protected] for more information.