Community

New campaign is put in the Frame

Published

11 years ago

September 13, 2013

A PEMBROKESHIRE business is fronting a new campaign to showcase the contribution of social enterprises to the economy.
Community re-use organisation Pembrokeshire Frame is being featured in ‘Go Full Circle’, a national campaign to raise the profile of social enterprises – a business or service with primarily social or community objectives.
The company provides work practice, training and employment opportunities to people with, or recovering from, mental ill health and or a learning disability and those who are socially disadvantaged.
Originally established as ‘Furniture Recycled and Managed Effectively’, it was set up to maximise employment opportunities for people who are severely disadvantaged in the labour market.
The company provides opportunities for people to undertake work, develop new skills and change the direction of their lives. It employs 34 people and has helped more than 3000 people in the county since it was established in 1994.
The ‘Go Full Circle’ campaign, which has been launched by the Wales Co-operative Centre, aims to demonstrate to consumers the services offered in their local communities by social enterprises and encourage a broader understanding of the benefits of using the goods and services of a social enterprise.
It’s aiming to challenge common myths around social enterprise as a business model and educate people on the importance of a thriving social economy.
It will culminate in Wales’ first ‘Social Saturday’ event on September 21, when people will be encouraged to support their local social enterprises, for example through shopping with a consumer-facing social firm.
Jenny Sims, CEO Pembrokeshire Frame said: “Pembrokeshire Frame was established long before social firms had been thought of as a concept, to provide work opportunities for a group of people with, and recovering from, mental health illness.
“For many of these people it’s been a lifeline; helping them back into employment when they saw no hope of returning to work because of the stigma.
“Being able to operate a commercially sound business while staying true to our ethical values is something that’s really important to us. There’s a huge lack of understanding amongst the general public about social enterprise, with people often thinking that they’re not as viable as those based on more traditional models but we’re evidence that this isn’t true.
“There’s a body of work to do to tackle these misconceptions and demonstrate to people the benefits of using social enterprises like our own in Pembrokeshire, The social return on investment of the goods and services of businesses like ours goes far deeper into the community than you might think.”
Derek Walker, Chief Executive of Wales Co-operative Centre, said: “Raising awareness of the existence and contribution of social enterprises in Wales will be key to increasing their number, sustainability and growth in the future.
“The aim of Go Full Circle is to promote the existence of social enterprises in Wales, highlighting their widespread offerings and encouraging consumers across Wales to recognise the benefits of using one.
“Part of these efforts must focus on tackling common misconceptions about social enterprise – such as that social enterprises rely on grants or donations to exist – and Go Full Circle is aiming to do just that.
“The campaign’s also aiming to empower the enterprises themselves to shout about their good work to demonstrate how they’re helping the community in which they are operating.”

Community

Pembrokeshire beaches among the best for winter walks

Published

2 hours ago

December 17, 2024

Tom Sinclair

NEW research has revealed that two of the top five beaches to visit in Wales this winter are right here in Pembrokeshire.

The outdoor experts at GO Outdoors rated and ranked Wales’ best winter beach walks based on average rainfall, temperature, daylight hours, popularity, and visitor reviews. The results highlight Whitesands Bay and Marloes Sands as standout destinations for a festive season stroll.

WHITESANDS BAY Ranked second overall, Whitesands Bay near St David’s scored an impressive 8.50 out of 10. The beach is celebrated for its fine white sands and stunning views of the Welsh peninsula. During the winter months, the beach becomes a haven for dog walkers as restrictions are lifted, and visitors can take advantage of facilities including toilets and an on-site cafe.

MARLOES SANDS Coming in third place, Marloes Sands earned a score of 7.50 out of 10. Known for its breathtaking beauty and dramatic views of Skokholm and Gateholm Island, the beach offers a quieter alternative during the winter months. Visitors can explore the Marloes Peninsula Beach Walk, a 4-mile circular route that highlights the best of the area’s natural scenery. The surrounding area also boasts cosy accommodation options, such as Gupton Farm Surf Lodge.

Calum Jones, outdoor expert at GO Outdoors, said: “Although the cold weather may cause people to stay inside, there is no better time to explore the UK than the winter months. As crowds disperse, visitors to beaches often find themselves with miles of coastline to themselves. Some beaches remove car parking charges, and local eateries offer discounts during the off-season months.

“I would recommend wrapping up in the colder months, wearing base layers, and investing in a good waterproof jacket to ensure you can enjoy these beaches no matter the weather.”

THE TOP FIVE BEACHES

Rhossili Bay, Glamorgan – 9.26/10
Whitesands Bay, Pembrokeshire – 8.50/10
Marloes Sands, Pembrokeshire – 7.50/10
Three Cliffs Bay, Glamorgan – 7.31/10
Dunraven Bay, Glamorgan – 6.93/10

With Pembrokeshire featuring twice in the rankings, it’s clear that the county’s stunning coastline continues to draw visitors year-round. For those looking to enjoy a Boxing Day beach walk or a peaceful winter escape, Whitesands and Marloes Sands are two perfect options.

Community

Age UK urges older people to protect their health with winter vaccines

Published

6 hours ago

December 17, 2024

Tom Sinclair

AGE UK is urging older people to safeguard their health this winter by taking up the COVID-19, flu, and RSV vaccines as soon as they become eligible.

The rollout of the 2024 winter vaccination programme comes as hospital admissions for respiratory illnesses rise sharply, particularly among older age groups. The charity warns that failing to get vaccinated could leave those most vulnerable at serious risk as the colder months approach.

Sharp rise in RSV cases
The latest data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) shows a dramatic increase in hospital admissions for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) among older people. Between October and November 2024, RSV admissions for the 65-74 age group surged from 0.3 to 2.92 per 100,000 patients. For those aged 75-84, the rate climbed from 0.5 to 5.95 per 100,000 patients, while for people aged 85 and above, rates soared from 1.27 to 14.05.

RSV can cause symptoms similar to a cold, but for older people, it can lead to severe complications such as pneumonia or bronchiolitis. This year, for the first time, the NHS is offering an RSV vaccine to adults turning 75 on or after September 1, alongside a catch-up campaign for those aged 75-79 by August 31.

Flu and COVID-19 vaccines remain vital
Age UK emphasised that the COVID-19 and flu vaccines remain crucial tools in preventing serious illness. According to UKHSA surveillance reports, those aged 85 and above had the highest hospital admission rates for flu between December 2023 and May 2024, followed closely by those aged 75-84.

While flu vaccine uptake has been lower this season compared to last year, studies show it remains effective, reducing hospitalisation rates by up to 30% in those aged 65 and above.

Charity Director calls for action
Caroline Abrahams, Charity Director at Age UK, said: “This winter is shaping up to be another challenging one for older people, with concerns about keeping warm, rising food costs, and changes to the Winter Fuel Payment. However, one practical step we can all take is having the vaccines we’re offered to reduce the risk of serious illness.

“Alongside getting vaccinated, older people can stay healthier by managing long-term conditions, eating well, keeping warm, and washing hands regularly. These small steps can make a big difference.”

How to book your vaccines
The flu and COVID-19 vaccines can be booked via the NHS website, NHS App, or by calling 119 for free. Some people will also be contacted by their GP practice. The RSV vaccine, however, will be offered separately, with eligible patients being invited directly by their GP.

Ms Abrahams added: “If you’re eligible for any of these vaccines, I urge you to take up the opportunity. Protecting yourself now could make all the difference this winter.”

Age UK acknowledges that some older people may feel frustrated if they are not currently eligible for the RSV vaccine, but the charity remains hopeful that eligibility will expand in the future.

For more information, visit the NHS website or speak to your GP.

Charity

Hog roast celebration to mark 60 years of caravan site raises funds for charity

Published

10 hours ago

December 17, 2024

Richard Lewis

A PEMBROKESHIRE couple who held a hog roast celebration to mark their caravan site’s 60^th anniversary, have donated funds raised on the night to the Wales Air Ambulance.

Anthony and Alys Daye, who own Brandy Brook Caravan and Camping site in Haycastle recently handed over a cheque for £684 to the lifesaving charity.

Alys, who has two sons and two daughters, as well as five grandchildren said: “We live in such a beautiful, secluded part of North Pembrokeshire and appreciate the importance of the air ambulance.

“Thousands of visitors head to our region each year and we are part of a big farming community too. We produce fattened lamb as well as running the camp site.

“Living where we do it is always reassuring to know that the service is there if someone is facing a critical health situation.”

The Wales Air Ambulance is consultant-led, taking hospital-standard treatments to the patient and if required, transferring them directly to the most appropriate hospital for their illness or injury.

It is delivered via a unique Third Sector and Public Sector partnership. The Emergency Medical Retrieval and Transfer Service (EMRTS) supplies highly skilled NHS consultants and critical care practitioners who work on board the charity’s vehicles.

62-year-old Alys said: “We wanted to do something special to mark the 60^th anniversary of the caravan site.

“It’s been in the family all that time. My parents opened it, then we supported them as they got older and we took over when they both passed away.”

She continued: “We are totally off grid, with the ethos and fundamental things not changing much since 1962. It’s very back to basics, which is the market we are looking for, for those who want to get away from it all.

“We are at the bottom of a wooded valley, with a brook running through it with trout. Otters have been spotted there too and there is plenty of wildlife in the surrounding woodland.”

Alys says there have been “a number of different incidents nearby”, where “holidaymakers have needed the air ambulance”.

She said: “The service is essential, and that’s why we decided to hold a pig roast, inviting family, friends, and our loyal customers.

“We thought instead of charging people to come along, it would be nice to ask for donations for the air ambulance.

“There was one chap who was so generous, he brought along a mini-motorbike and then decided to auction it off to help raise funds, which was so kind of him.”

The Wales Air Ambulance needs to raise £11.2 million every year to keep its helicopters in the air and its rapid response vehicles on the road and attends around 4,000 patients each year.

Alys said: “We support the charity throughout the year by keeping a collection box on the counter in the shop and we ask people to donate.

“But we would really like to do another event in aid of the air ambulance next year.”

Mike May, Regional Fundraising Manager for Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire said: “We are hugely grateful to Alys and Anthony Daye for thinking of us on the 60^th anniversary of their family-run business!

“It’s an honour that our charity was the sole beneficiary of their fundraiser to celebrate their caravan site. I am sure it has brought much joy to thousands of people over the decades.

“We travel the length and breadth of Wales each year helping thousands of people wherever and whenever they need us. Without the kindness of our supporters, like the Dayes we really would not be able to continue to do what we do.”