News
Service launched to support carers
A NEW carers’ information and support service has been launched to provide information, advice and assistance for carers in Pembrokeshire.
The free service, based at the Crossroads offices in Upper Market Street in Haverfordwest, is available to anyone in Pembrokeshire, aged over 18, who identifies themselves as being a carer.
Pembrokeshire County Council, together with Hywel Dda University Health Board, jointly commissioned Crossroads Mid and West Wales (MWW) to deliver the service.
Crossroads are well known in Pembrokeshire as they currently support carers through their outreach service and through the provision of respite services to people of all ages, whatever their health condition.
The new Carers Support Service aims to take time to listen to carers’ needs and help them access relevant support in the community through:
• A Walk-In Centre for Carers.
• Information, Advice and Assistance
• Carers Recognition Card
• Carers Emergency Back-up Scheme
A Carer can be anyone of any age who provides, or intends to provide, unpaid care and support to a relative, friend or neighbour who is disabled, physically or mentally ill, or affected by substance/alcohol misuse on a regular basis.
The service can be accessed via phone, email, promotional event, or one-to-one meetings.
Lin Martin, Director of Service Development for Crossroads MWW, said: “The amount of information for carers can be overwhelming and we aim to inform and support carers in their choices and to let them know what help is available if they need it in the future.”
Her views were echoed by Simon Hancock, Cabinet Spokesperson for Adult Services, Health and Wellbeing, who added: “Pembrokeshire County Council and Hywel Dda University Health Boards are committed to ensuring that carers are supported and that their role is recognised and valued.
“We are looking forward to working with Crossroads MWW to ensure that carers are able to receive the information and support they need to help them in their caring role.”
For more information, contact the Carers Information and Support Service on 01437 764639 or email [email protected].
News
Welsh Lib Dems urge Welsh Gov to protect asylum-seeking children
IN the Senedd on Tuesday (May 7), the Welsh Liberal Democrats have called on the Welsh Government to protect children seeking asylum in Wales.
According to the Refugee Council, lone child asylum seekers are often at a greater risk of being wrongly classified as adults by the Home Office and then sent to Rwanda under the UK government’s controversial policy.
In 2022, two-thirds of children deemed adults by the Home Office were later confirmed as children by local authorities.
The Welsh Lib Dems have urged the Welsh Government to ensure that children seeking asylum in Wales, especially those on their own, are granted protection as part of Wales’ role as a nation of sanctuary.
Commenting, the Leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats Jane Dodds MS said: “Our nation’s reputation as a haven for those fleeing hardships is under threat from the UK Government’s cold-hearted Rwanda policy.
This immoral approach towards what is essentially a human-rights crisis represents a serious threat to our most vulnerable residents, those being unaccompanied children.
According to the Refugee Council, lone child asylum seekers are more likely to be wrongly classified as adults which places them at a greater risk of being forced onto flights and expelled.
We here in Wales, both as a Nation of Sanctuary and under the Social Services and Well-being Act 2014, have a moral and legal duty to protect lone-child asylum seekers.
We cannot allow the Conservatives to trample our values, nor the universal rights owed to children fleeing trauma.”
Farming
Welsh farmers urged to be vigilant for signs of Bluetongue
WALES’ Chief Veterinary Officer has urged farmers in Wales to be alert to signs of Bluetongue as we enter a period where animals are at an increased risk of contracting Bluetongue virus from midges.
Bluetongue does not affect people or food safety. The virus is primarily transmitted by midge bites and affects cattle, goats, sheep and camelids such as llamas, and midges are most active between April and November.
Bluetongue is a notifiable disease, so any suspect cases must be reported to the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA).
The impacts on susceptible animals can vary greatly – some show no clinical signs or effects at all, for others it can cause productivity issues such as reduced milk yield or reproductive losses, while in the most severe cases can be fatal for infected animals.
Farmers can help prevent the disease by:
- responsibly source livestock
- practicing good biosecurityon your premises
- remaining vigilant
Keepers considering importing animals or biological products, for example germinal products , from BTV affected countries or out of disease control zones should consult their vet to check if this is permitted, and on the risks of doing so. This should always be done before deciding to import or move animals.
All businesses should have a contingency plan for both responding to disease outbreaks on their premises and if they might be in a disease control zone. Contingency plans should include details of where animals are normally slaughtered to check that abattoir is designated.
Richard Irvine, Wales’ Chief Veterinary Officer, said: “As we enter this period where animals are more at risk from Bluetongue from midges, I would urge all keepers to take action now to protect their herds and flocks to keep disease out, be aware of how to spot Bluetongue and report any suspected cases immediately”.
“Wales has never had a case of Bluetongue – but – with past cases in England and in Europe we are encouraging people to be vigilant and prepared for Bluetongue to strike again.”
Your local Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) office should be contacted immediately on 0300 303 8268 if you suspect Bluetongue in your animals. APHA vets will investigate suspected cases.
Further information and resources on the current bluetongue situation are also available on the Ruminant Health and Welfare website.
News
Police investigating collision between Mini Cooper and pedestrian
DYFED-POWYS POLICE is investigating a collision on Water Street, Carmarthen, at around 7.45pm on Friday, April 26.
The collision involved a silver Mini Cooper and a pedestrian.
The female pedestrian suffered injuries to their leg.
Police are now appealing for anyone with information, dash cam or CCTV footage, that could help them with their investigation, either online at https://bit.ly/DPPContactOnline, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101.
Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555111, or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.
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