Community

Charities warn older people about insulating lofts with spray foam

Published

2 years ago

February 10, 2024

THE WALES Against Scams Partnership (WASP) is urging older and other vulnerable people to seek advice before agreeing to insulate their lofts with spray foam following a spate of rogue traders misleading older people worried about soaring energy bills.

The Partnership warns that while spray foam is legal, it is only appropriate in specific and limited circumstances and should only be applied by specialists. It should never be marketed as a quick fix solution to loft insulation problems as improper use can cause structural damage and make it very difficult to sell a property, as mortgage lenders are becoming increasingly cautious about spray foam.

Age Cymru’s policy officer Sam Young, who heads WASP, says “We understand that many older people are worried about how they are going to pay their fuel bills this winter and as a result may be even more vulnerable to rogue traders.

“Previous studies have shown that older people are the most likely age group to be targeted by scammers, with data from National Trading Standards showing that 85% of victims of doorstep scams are over 65.

“In all situations we would urge older people to seek expert advice first and then make sure they’re claiming all their entitlements.

“However, millions of pounds worth of support, including £200m worth of Pension Credit, go unclaimed in Wales each year.

“Age Cymru publishes a free guide called More Money in Your Pocket that offers information about a range of benefits and how to go about claiming them.”

Care & Repair Cymru, also a WASP member, provides home safety improvements for their clients. From their work in the community, they found:

One client paid more than £4,000 for spray foam loft insulation that was sold by a doorstep trader. The clients were older people with various health problems, including sight and hearing loss and would have appeared vulnerable to the rogue trader.

Another older client was persuaded to pay a £2,000 deposit for spray foam. Their family stopped the work from going ahead.
One rogue trader claimed that a UK Government grant would cover most of the work, and that the client would ‘only’ have to pay £2,500 for installation.
An older client bought spray foam loft insulation for £3,500 and found they were unable to sell their house as a result. It cost £2,000 to remove the foam before the house could be put back on the market. However, the house was off the market for two months and during that time property value had dropped by £15,000.

Care & Repair Cymru’s chief executive Chris Jones says “Making your home more energy efficient is still important for your health, your finances, and the climate. However, we would urge people to be cautious and to do lots of research before going ahead with spray foam insulation work.

“Some local authorities have trusted trader lists, while they all should be able to advise on housing and environmental health queries.

“Trading Standards will have lists of approved traders under their ‘Buy with Confidence’ service while local Care & Repair Cymru branches will be able to offer advice on reliable contractors working in their areas.”

Tony Neate, chief executive officer at Get Safe Online added “Although traditionally you think of rogue builders approaching you on your doorstep, it’s also important not to be conned by online adverts. “Before you commit, make sure you do your homework. Check that the builder is reputable by looking at reviews and ensure your mortgage provider agrees with any alterations you’re thinking of doing.”

If you want to talk to someone directly about benefits and entitlements, and any of the issues raised in this news release call Age Cymru on 0300 303 44 98 (charged at a local rate) Monday to Friday between 9am and 4pm. You may also email [email protected] or visit www.agecymru.org.uk/cost-of-living.

Community

Tesco grant funds surf therapy for young people in Pembrokeshire

Published

16 hours ago

March 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A £1,500 grant from Tesco Stronger Starts has helped deliver a surf therapy programme for young people facing mental health challenges in Pembrokeshire.

Hywel Dda Health Charities, the official charity of Hywel Dda University Health Board, said the funding enabled Tonic Surf to run a ten-week course aimed at improving wellbeing among those aged 14 to 25.

The programme combined surfing with beach-based activities, using the natural coastal environment as a therapeutic setting. Sessions were delivered in partnership with Walkin’ on Water Surf School and supported by clinicians from the Health Board’s Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS).

Participants received guidance from qualified surf coaches alongside mental health professionals, creating a structured and supportive environment designed to build confidence and resilience.

Organisers said the project helped young people develop coping strategies, strengthen social connections, and support their recovery through positive outdoor experiences.

Claire Rumble, Fundraising Officer, said: “Thank you to Tesco Stronger Starts for supporting this local project.

“The support of our local communities enables us to provide services over and above what the NHS can provide in the three counties of Hywel Dda, and we are extremely grateful for every donation we receive.”

Hywel Dda Health Charities said the initiative highlights the value of community funding in providing additional support services beyond core NHS provision.

Photo caption: Community support: Corinda Pengilly, Tesco Charity Champion, with Katie Hancock, Fundraising Officer (Pic: Supplied).

Community

Youth hub coming to Pembrokeshire – but location still unknown

Published

18 hours ago

March 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

New support service confirmed for young people, but exact site yet to be revealed

A NEW youth hub is set to open in Pembrokeshire as part of a major UK Government rollout aimed at helping young people into work — but officials have not yet confirmed where it will be based.

The hub is one of 12 new sites announced across Wales, designed to support 16 to 24-year-olds with access to jobs, training, mental health services and housing advice under one roof.

The Department for Work and Pensions said the hubs will bring together Jobcentre Plus, local authorities, employers and training providers to help young people who are not currently in education, employment or training.

However, while Pembrokeshire has been named as a location, no further detail has been provided on which town or building will host the service.

The Herald understands that such hubs are often based in or alongside existing Jobcentre Plus offices or council-run facilities, but at this stage no confirmation has been given for Pembrokeshire.

Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden said: “Today marks a major boost for young people across Wales.

“We are delivering support in every region, connecting young people with employers and meeting them where they are so they can take the first step into work.”

The announcement also includes plans to hand more control over employment support funding to the Welsh Government, with £20 million already allocated to pilot schemes aimed at tackling economic inactivity.

Minister for Skills Jack Sargeant said the move would allow programmes to be tailored to local communities.

“Decisions about getting people back into work are made by those who know their communities best,” he said.

The new hubs form part of a wider UK-wide plan to ensure every area has access to a Youth Hub, amid concerns about rising numbers of young people not in work or education.

Further details, including the exact location of the Pembrokeshire hub and when it will open, are expected to be announced at a later date.

Community

Thousands of sick and disabled people supported into work as Government hits target

Published

24 hours ago

March 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

More than 65,000 people across the UK receive tailored employment support – but questions remain over impact and benefit changes

TENS of thousands of sick and disabled people across the UK – including in Wales – have received personalised employment support under a major Government scheme, according to new figures released this week.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) says more than 65,000 people have now been helped through its “Pathways to Work” programme, exceeding a target set in March 2025.

The initiative, delivered through Jobcentres, offers voluntary one-to-one support for people classed as having limited capability for work and work-related activity (LCWRA) – a group previously not required to seek employment.

Support or pressure?

Ministers say the scheme is helping to “fix a broken welfare system” by offering tailored advice, training opportunities and routes into employment.

Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden said the programme is giving people “a real chance at secure employment” after years of being “written off”.

However, critics have long argued that changes to welfare policy risk placing pressure on vulnerable people, particularly those with long-term health conditions or mental illness.

Around 2.7 million people are currently classed as LCWRA on Universal Credit, including more than 170,000 aged between 18 and 24.

Government data suggests that after two years, around 11.4% of those who received similar support were in work, compared to 8.1% who did not – a modest but measurable increase.

Changes coming in April

The announcement comes ahead of significant changes to Universal Credit due to take effect from April 6.

These include an above-inflation rise in the standard allowance, worth around £295 this year for a single claimant aged 25 or over.

However, the reforms also introduce a lower health-related payment for new claimants – £217.26 per month, compared to the current £429.80 – a move that has already attracted concern from campaigners.

The Government says the changes are designed to “rebalance” the system and encourage more people into work, alongside a wider £3.5 billion investment in employment support.

Real-life impact

The DWP highlighted individual success stories, including one claimant who turned a passion for art into paid work after receiving support from an adviser.

But questions remain about how widely such outcomes can be replicated, particularly in rural areas like Pembrokeshire where access to jobs, transport and specialist services can be limited.

Local picture unclear

While advisers are now based in Jobcentres across Wales, no local breakdown has been provided showing how many people in Pembrokeshire or West Wales have benefited from the scheme.

With economic inactivity and long-term illness rising in many parts of Wales, the real test will be whether programmes like this translate into sustained employment locally.

The Herald understands that further data on regional outcomes may be published later this year.