News

Police say ‘we care’ during National Safeguarding Week

Published

8 years ago

November 13, 2017

DYFED-POWYS POLICE is saying ‘we care’ during National Safeguarding Week (Nov 13-17) by highlighting the work it does day in day out to protect vulnerable children and adults.

Police officers and staff have teamed up with partner agencies to raise awareness of issues that affect vulnerable people in communities on behalf of the Regional Safeguarding Board for Children and Adults.

There will be themed days throughout the week where information will be provided to people in need of support or those who can help to protect people at risk of harm. Officers will also be promoting support services available to people such as Llamau missing persons debrief workers who liaise with children are have been missing and at risk of CSE, Independent Domestic Violence Officers (IDVA) officers who support those at high risk of domestic abuse Goleudy, an independent commissioned service for victims and witnesses of crime.

A Crucial Crew event will also be running in Pembrokeshire Monday to Friday, where police will give an input on cyber safety to all primary school children attending. There will also be focussed delivery of key topics in schools throughout the force area on topics including Child Sexual Exploitation, consent, grooming and safer relationships as well as a specific focus on bullying in schools where pupils get to discuss the difference between ‘banter’ and ‘bullying’ and look at the effect of bullying on children.

Temporary Assistant Chief Constable Claire Parmenter said: “Dyfed-Powys Police has dedicated teams who work with partner agencies to protect the most vulnerable including children, the elderly, people suffering domestic abuse and people with mental health issues. We care about our communities and we care about doing the best possible job we can to ensure we effectively look after those who are vulnerable. National Safeguarding Week is a perfect opportunity to strengthen our relationships with partners and to ensure the information people need to stay safe gets out there to the communities we serve.”

Detective Superintendent Anthony Griffiths said: “Safeguarding the vulnerable within our community is a priority for Dyfed-Powys Police. This week officers will be engaging with mental health teams, residential care providers, schools and the community to ensure that safeguarding is at the forefront of people’s minds and that everyone knows where support can be accessed.”

Themed activities for the week are as follows:

Monday – Child Sexual Exploitation
Officers and PCSOs will be out and about highlighting the signs of child sexual exploitation, particularly at hotels and guest houses where vulnerable children could be taken to be exploited. Officers and Llamau workers will also be visiting children highlighted as at risk of child sexual exploitation to ensure they are safe and understand the dangers of putting themselves at risk or going missing. They will also visit schools to ensure the messages get to the right people.

Tuesday – Modern Day Slavery
Raising awareness of the signs of modern day slavery within the police service to ensure officers recognise the signs and understand how to investigate effectively. Officers will also be on patrol distributing leaflets on the signs of modern day slavery.

Wednesday – Mental Health and Resilience
Officers and PCSOs will be visiting Mental Health Units promoting the services we provide that could be of benefit to people with mental health conditions, including how to report hate crime, encouraging people to talk about mental health, and raise awareness of the partnership safeguarding approach in place to protect vulnerable people. They will also be holding information roadshows in town centres and other locations.

Thursday – Cyber Security
Work will be carried out to raise awareness amongst the vulnerable of the potential harm of cybercrime and how they can become cyber secure. In Ceredigion, online safety information will be given at Coleg Ceredigion in the morning and Tesco in the afternoon. A Safeguarding conference will be held at Pembrokeshire College, bringing together professionals to find out more about cyberbullying, cyber fraud and exploitation.

Friday – Domestic Abuse
Domestic Abuse officers will be linking in with domestic abuse support services to offer advice on police responsibilities in domestic abuse cases and to encourage future reporting of cases and visit domestic abuse sufferers to ensure they are aware of the support available to them.

Crime

New pilot offers dedicated advocates for trafficking survivors

Published

3 minutes ago

March 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

National scheme aims to support hundreds of victims of modern slavery across the UK

MORE than 600 adult survivors of modern slavery are set to receive dedicated support through a new national pilot scheme providing accredited, independent advocates.

The initiative will see specially trained professionals working directly alongside survivors of human trafficking and exploitation, helping them navigate complex legal, social, and recovery processes.

While survivors of crimes such as domestic and sexual abuse already have access to specialist advocacy, no equivalent provision previously existed for victims of modern slavery—despite the often severe and long-term trauma they experience.

Over the next three years, 24 Independent Modern Slavery Advocates (IMSAs) will be deployed across the UK. Each advocate will complete a postgraduate qualification and receive support from a central hub hosted by anti-trafficking charity Hope for Justice.

Tim Nelson, CEO at Hope for Justice, said the pilot aims to tackle inequalities in support: “We want to end the postcode lottery that adult survivors of modern slavery and human trafficking are experiencing in the UK.

“There are many organisations already doing incredible work, but by working together and setting new standards, we can give survivors the best possible chance of rebuilding their lives.”

The scheme is backed by a £1 million National Lottery grant and involves several organisations, including Unseen UK, Medaille Trust, Bawso, SOHTIS, Hope for Justice, and the Snowdrop Project.

Since the pilot began six months ago, advocates have already supported 121 survivors, helping to secure housing, legal recognition, and access to vital services.

Key outcomes so far include:

Ten survivors provided with safe and secure housing
Seventeen Home Office decisions successfully challenged, granting victims access to support
Humanitarian protection secured for a young adult survivor

Advocates have also helped individuals access healthcare, mental health support, education, employment, and secure immigration status.

One survivor described the support as “life changing” after escaping a trafficker. In a letter to her advocate, she said: “You have fought our corner tirelessly when I did not have the strength. You stood beside us every step of the way.

“You helped me rebuild trust, believe in myself, and slowly find my voice again.”

The IMSA role aligns with international guidance on independent advocacy and has been shaped by experts and those with lived experience.

Louise Mensah, Head of Frontline at Unseen, said: “This pilot is a step towards a world without slavery. We are proud to be part of something that will improve outcomes and change futures.”

Ben Ryan, Deputy CEO at Medaille Trust, added: “We know the value of long-term support in recovery. This partnership allows us to embed best practice and develop new approaches.”

Organisations wishing to join the final phase of the pilot have until May 2026 to apply.

Further information is available at www.hopeforjustice.org/imsa/

Community

Charlie the ventriloquist doll returns to Pembroke Dock after 100 years

Published

10 minutes ago

March 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Beloved character to greet visitors as Heritage Centre reopens for new season

CHARLIE the 100-year-old ventriloquist’s doll is coming out of retirement — and back to where it all began.

Visitors to Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre will be greeted by the much-loved character when the attraction reopens for the new season on Monday (March 30).

It marks a nostalgic return for Charlie, who once performed in the very same building — then the Royal Dockyard Chapel — alongside his original owner, Ernie James, a Pembroke Dock bus company proprietor. Over the years, the duo became a familiar and popular act on the Pembrokeshire variety circuit.

Today, Charlie is cared for by Paul Elliott, of Llanreath, who inherited the doll from his father, Fred Elliott — better known locally as magician ‘Mr E’, whose shows delighted audiences for decades.

Charlie has also recently enjoyed a brush with national attention, appearing alongside Paul at a BBC Antiques Roadshow event in Swansea.

The Heritage Centre will offer free entry on opening day, with Charlie and Paul on hand to meet visitors and share stories from a century of entertainment.

Business

Wolfscastle spa earns prestigious AA recognition

Published

24 minutes ago

March 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

WOLFSCASTLE COUNTRY HOTEL and Spa in Pembrokeshire is celebrating national recognition after its luxury spa was included in the prestigious AA Recommended Spa Awards.

The accolade highlights the hotel’s commitment to delivering high-quality wellbeing experiences, exceptional service, and first-class facilities.

The AA Recommended Spa status is awarded to venues that provide an outstanding guest experience, combining professional expertise, premium treatments, and a relaxing environment. The recognition places Wolfscastle among a select group of leading spa destinations across the UK.

Grace, Levi and Bethan, full-time spa therapists at the award-winning Wolfscastle Spa.
Hot stone massage in the Wolfscastle Country Hotel & Spa treatment room.

The spa, which has been open for nine years, has established itself as one of Pembrokeshire’s top wellness destinations, welcoming both hotel guests and day visitors seeking relaxation in a tranquil countryside setting.

Facilities include hydrotherapy experiences, thermal suites, and dedicated relaxation areas, alongside a wide range of luxury treatments designed to help guests unwind and recharge.

Bethan, Spa Manager at Wolfscastle Country Hotel & Spa, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to be recognised by the AA as a Recommended Spa. The team here work really hard to make sure every guest feels relaxed, welcomed and properly looked after from the moment they arrive.

“To receive this recognition is very special for us and reflects the care and effort our therapists put into every treatment.”

The award further strengthens the hotel’s reputation as one of West Wales’ leading hospitality destinations, offering award-winning dining, boutique accommodation, and premium wellness experiences.

Guests can enjoy spa days, overnight breaks, and tailored treatments throughout the year.