Community

Rising demand for food banks sparks concern despite fewer parcels in Pembrokeshire

Published

2 years ago

November 8, 2023

NEW DATA released by the Trussell Trust, the UK’s leading food bank charity, has revealed a concerning trend: while Pembrokeshire saw a decrease in the number of food parcels distributed between April and September this year, the overall demand for essential items across the UK has reached unprecedented levels. The figures have raised alarms, prompting calls for urgent action to address the root causes of hunger and poverty.

According to the Trussell Trust, five food banks in Pembrokeshire distributed 1,629 emergency food parcels during the specified period, marking a slight decline from the 1,674 parcels handed out in the same timeframe the previous year. However, this decrease in Pembrokeshire contrasts sharply with the national landscape. Across the UK, a record-breaking 1.5 million food parcels were distributed, indicating a surge of 200,000 more parcels than in the summer of 2022.

Emma Revie, the Chief Executive of the Trussell Trust, expressed her deep concern, describing the escalating demand for essentials across the country as “extremely alarming”. She highlighted the grim reality faced by many families, where parents and children are forced to rely on food banks to meet their basic needs. “An increasing number of children are growing up in families facing hunger, forced to turn to food banks to survive,” Ms. Revie stated, adding that such a situation was far from acceptable for any community.

The figures released by the charity showed that 607 of the food parcels distributed in Pembrokeshire during the summer months were specifically allocated to children. Ms. Revie emphasized the profound impact that hunger and financial hardship have on individuals, communities, and the nation as a whole. She further expressed her concern that a whole generation might grow up perceiving food bank reliance as a normal part of life.

Wales and the North East of England emerged as the regions with the highest levels of food bank usage, with one parcel distributed for every 35 residents in both areas. In response to the rising crisis, the Trussell Trust has called for an “essentials guarantee”, urging that Universal Credit should shield people from going without basic necessities. Additionally, they have advocated for benefits to rise in line with inflation in the upcoming Autumn Statement.

However, the Department for Work and Pensions defended its efforts, pointing out that there are 1.7 million fewer people in absolute poverty than in 2010. A spokesperson stated, “We are providing a record support package worth £3,300 per household, including cost of living payments directly to over eight million households, a 10% increase in benefits earlier this year, and our £2 billion Household Support Fund to help people purchase essentials.” The government’s focus remains on getting more people into employment through strategic investments and an increase in the national living wage.

Despite the apparent efforts, the statistics reflect a sobering reality: many families continue to struggle, and the need for comprehensive, sustainable solutions to tackle the root causes of poverty has never been more urgent. As the nation grapples with this crisis, community leaders, policymakers, and citizens alike are left pondering the future, hoping for a day when food banks are no longer a necessity but a relic of a more equitable past.

Community

Charlie the ventriloquist doll returns to Pembroke Dock after 100 years

Published

7 hours 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.

Community

First person of colour to be elected mayor of Haverfordwest

Published

16 hours ago

March 21, 2026

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A PEMBROKESHIRE town council will soon have its first-ever person of colour as mayor, and its youngest mayor in a century.

Haverfordwest Town Councillor Randell Iziah Thomas-Turner, aged 37, is to become mayor this May.

Cllr Turner said: “Tonight [March 19], I had the honour of accepting the nomination as mayor-elect — a moment that will forever stay with me.

“In doing so, I am humbled to be making history as the first mayor of colour in Haverfordwest and the youngest mayor in a century. This is not just my achievement, it belongs to every person who believes in progress, representation, and the power of community. This is a new chapter for our town — one built on unity, opportunity, and hope.

“My mayor-making will take place this May, and I cannot wait to officially step into the role and begin serving the people of Haverfordwest with pride, passion, and purpose. Haverfordwest is the best in the West — and together, we are just getting started.

“Diversity is not a challenge to overcome, but a strength to embrace. When people from different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives come together with respect and openness, we unlock new ideas, stronger solutions, and deeper understanding.”

It’s a double celebration for the Thomas-Turner family.

Wife, and fellow town councillor, Dani, has been voted as sheriff of the town for the second-year-running, the first woman to serve as sheriff for two consecutive years.

“The coming civic year will be one to watch as my husband Councillor Randell Izaiah Thomas-Turner is becoming the first mayor of colour in Haverfordwest’s history,” said Cllr Dani Thomas-Turner, adding: “It’s going to be a year of history and memory making for sure.”

Community

Kurtz welcomes £4.3m National Lottery boost for local communities

Published

2 days ago

March 19, 2026

Tom Sinclair

SAMUEL Kurtz MS has welcomed more than £4.3 million in National Lottery funding awarded to community projects across Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire since 2021.

Figures released by The National Lottery Community Fund show that £4,318,484 has been distributed through 122 grants in the constituency since the 2021/22 financial year, the same year Mr Kurtz was elected.

The funding has supported a wide range of grassroots charities, voluntary organisations and community groups through programmes including National Lottery Awards for All, offering grants of up to £20,000, and People and Places, which provides larger awards of up to £500,000.

Projects backed locally include mental health support for young people, environmental and sustainability initiatives, community workshops, outdoor wellbeing activities, support for vulnerable adults, and programmes aimed at building skills and confidence.

Among the organisations to benefit is Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority, which received £343,584 for its Routes to Discovery project, helping improve mental and physical wellbeing through accessible outdoor activities.

St Davids Diocesan Council for Social Responsibility was awarded £398,078 to deliver its Plant Dewi: Strengthening our Communities initiative, supporting families and local groups.

Other recipients include The VC Gallery, Redberth Croft CIC, The Tenby Project CIC and Neptune’s Army of Rubbish Cleaners, with funding supporting projects ranging from food initiatives and nature-based wellbeing to volunteering and environmental action.

Mr Kurtz said: “Community groups and charities across Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire do incredible work supporting people and strengthening local communities.

“It is fantastic to see more than £4.3 million of National Lottery funding invested in projects that are improving wellbeing, tackling isolation and creating opportunities for people of all ages during my time in office.

“The voluntary sector plays a vital role in our area, and this funding is helping organisations deliver projects that bring people together and make a real difference to people’s lives.”

The National Lottery Community Fund is the largest funder of community activity in Wales, supporting initiatives that bring communities together, promote environmental sustainability, help children and young people thrive, and improve health and wellbeing.

Organisations across Wales can apply for funding through the Awards for All and People and Places programmes to support projects that matter most to their communities.