News

Sandy Bear: Local child bereavement service to shut its doors in June

Published

8 years ago

April 13, 2016

A BEREAVEMENT service helping children and young people will close within months, it has been confirmed today.

In a statement a spokesman said for Hywel Dda University Health Board said: “The Sandy Bear Service will end in June 2016 as a commissioned service.

“We continue our work with the county council and other partners to explore new opportunities for bereavement services for children young people and their families.”

The Pembrokeshire-based community service has been working with children aged from 0-18 for 19 years and has been cited as an example of best practice in helping children with unresolved grief issues.
The service has two funded part-time coordinators and volunteers recruited from health, education and social services.
The development of this service was unique and innovative within Pembrokeshire as research states that by and large the mental health service field had not previously appreciated the impact of loss and bereavement on a child’s emotional health and well-being.
Despite the excellent work being delivered by the service, a post appeared in the Save Essential Services Facebook group from an unimpeachable source stating that the service is definitely to close.
Reactions to the news were appalled.
Samantha-Jane Connor wrote: ”Sandy bear helped me when I lost my dad 10 years ago (I was 11) I still even have the teddy they gave me and the memory box that was created! It’s wrong … I think children need this!”

Service users, both past and current, were unanimous in their condemnation of the service cut. A check on the County Council’s website revealed that there appeared to have been no discussion of cutting the service with councillors, and the service is not mentioned in the string of cuts to the social services budget rubber-stamped by the County Council’s Cabinet.
As the cut to funding is likely to have an impact on the welfare of a defined group of young people, the Council should have carried out an impact assessment. There is no sign of it having done so.
The Herald asked the local authority to confirm or deny that the services was to close, in a statement which neither confirmed nor confirmed its closure, a spokesperson told The Herald: ”Council services provided by the Families First grant – including Sandy Bear – are currently being reviewed following a reduction in funding from the Welsh Government.”
Sandy Bear is part of the Council’s Emotional Health and Well Being service commissioned from the Hywel Dda University Health Board.

”Tellingly, an online link to information on the county council’s own website no carries the information described on a Google search as being held there.

As the Council’s statement had flagged up the involvement of the Health Board, we approached it for a comment as well. Libby Ryan-Davies, Director of Mental Health and Learning Disabilities, told us: “Hywel Dda University Health Board are working together with Pembrokeshire County Council to review the current provision of Bereavement services in Pembrokeshire as a result of the recent confirmation of Welsh Government funding reduction.
“We are committed to looking at all opportunities to ensure the delivery of evidence-based services, locally.”
Pembrokeshire County Councillor Stephen Joseph joined the online discussion on Thursday (Mar 24), commenting: ‘I have only become aware that funding has been cut to this service through Facebook today. I have spent the morning trying to establish who has made the decision and why it has been made without, it appears, any involvement from any councillors’.
At the time of writing this article, an online petition started by Nina Evans has gathered 2,600 signatures in under forty-eight hours.
Nina’s petition states: “This is a service that help hundreds of children who have encountered bereavement. They carry out an amazing service supporting children & helping them understand what has happened. I would hate to think what dark place my child would be in now if he had not been lucky enough to have the support from Sandy Bears.

”Please help to make Pembrokeshire county council sit up and re-think their decision. As a mother of a child who has suffered a bereavement of a parent I know how difficult it is dealing with grief, so please sign and let others have the support that that my family did.

”Fiona Skeate, a former volunteer with the service responding to the petition wrote: ”I work with some of the most damaged LAC children in Wales and see first-hand the devastating emotional and psychological impact that bereavement and loss can have on children and young people, both in the immediate and long term.

”I volunteered for Sandy Bears a few years ago and have seen first hand the positive difference this kind of support group provides to troubled teens and children as well as providing vital support to families who are having difficulty supporting themselves and are often at a loss as to how best help their children.

”Karen and Anita have been able to visit families in their homes to provide immediate guidance and develop a rapport with families.At a later date, children can then share their grief, express feelings and emotions, talk, share memories, carry out therapeutic activities and have pertinent questione answered that in most cases they have previously been unable to do.

”Think again and research into the therapeutic value of this kind of intervention before it is too late.”

Community

Welsh National Scooter Rally gears up for a revival in Tenby

Published

5 hours ago

April 27, 2024

Tom Sinclair

SCOOTER enthusiasts from across the country are set to descend on Tenby for the eagerly anticipated return of the Welsh National Scooter Rally this May Bank Holiday weekend. This marks the event’s grand return to the popular seaside destination for the first time since 2022, promising a vibrant celebration of scooter culture.

Organised by the Scooter Collective South Wales, the rally is expected to draw hundreds to Pembrokeshire’s “jewel in the crown.” Attendees can look forward to a colourful array of scooters lining the historic Tenby High Street, adding a splash of retro charm to the town’s picturesque scenery.

The weekend’s schedule is packed with activities, starting with a scenic ‘ride-out’ from Tenby United RFC on Heywood Lane on Saturday afternoon. This event promises to be a visual spectacle, with a parade of beautifully maintained and creatively decorated scooters cruising through the local area.

Music lovers have plenty to get excited about as well. The Specials Limited, a renowned two-tone tribute band, will be performing at the De Valence Pavilion on Friday night, supported by DJ Steve Foster. Concurrently, the Ex-Servicemen’s Club and Tenby Rugby Club will host rooms dedicated to Northern Soul and Reggae soul, respectively, ensuring that there’s something to suit all musical tastes.

Saturday’s festivities will also feature a customs show and traders fair at the Rugby Ground. This event provides a perfect opportunity for enthusiasts to showcase their scooters and exchange tips and accessories with fellow aficionados.

As the rally winds down, the weekend will conclude with a grand end-of-rally party at the Rugby Club, where participants can celebrate their shared passion for scooters and music, reflecting on a weekend full of fun and camaraderie.

For those planning to attend, the Welsh National Scooter Rally not only offers a chance to revel in scooter culture but also to explore the enchanting town of Tenby.

With its rich history and stunning coastal views, Tenby provides the perfect backdrop for an event that celebrates classic style and community spirit.

Community

Barley Saturday makes a grand return to Cardigan

Published

5 hours ago

April 27, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ON SATURDAY (Apr 27), the historic town of Cardigan in West Wales is abuzz with excitement as it hosts its largest annual event, Barley Saturday. This significant day marks not just a local festival but a vital link to the agricultural roots of the region, attracting spectators from across the country to witness a spectacular parade of livestock and vintage vehicles.

At 2 PM, the main streets of Cardigan transformed into a vibrant parade route featuring the best of rural life—from the supreme stallion, admired by an enthusiastic crowd, to the meticulously prepared parade participants. This parade not only showcases the beauty and strength of these animals but also the care and tradition that continue to thrive in Cardigan.

The event kicked off early with an impressive lineup of agricultural workhorses displayed on the show field. The anticipation built up throughout the day as crowds gathered, lining the streets, eager to catch a glimpse of the gleaming vintage vehicles and the majestic livestock. According to Tudor Harries, the show secretary, “Barley Saturday helps restore the lost link between our community and its agricultural heritage.”

With such a large turnout, local authorities implemented strategic road closures and diversions to manage the flow of traffic effectively. Between 1:30 PM and 4 PM, several main roads were closed, ensuring the parade route remains clear and safe for both participants and spectators. Traffic around the town was slow-moving, indicating the high volume of attendees this year.

Beyond the festivities, Barley Saturday is a day of community and giving. Volunteers play a crucial role in marshaling the event, and bucket collections are conducted throughout the day, with all proceeds going to local charities. This spirit of community service is a testament to the values that underpin Barley Saturday.

Barley Saturday is more than just an event; it’s a celebration of Cardigan’s heritage and a vital part of its cultural calendar. It offers a day filled with joy, community spirit, and a deep appreciation for the rural traditions that are so often overlooked in modern times. As the town enjoys today’s festivities, it also renews its connection to the past, ensuring that these traditions will not be forgotten.

Charity

Peter’s walk for veterans suffering from mental health issues

Published

6 hours ago

April 27, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ON Saturday, March 30, Peter Kraus undertook a 15.6-mile walk from Front Street in Pembroke Dock to Carew Castle to support veterans struggling with mental health issues and PTSD.

Originally believing the route to be 10 miles, Kraus faced a greater challenge than anticipated. He organized the walk through the Combat Stress Site, aiming to raise £1000. “They look after us and keep us safe,” Kraus told The Herald, expressing his effort as a gesture of gratitude towards the veterans.