A HOSPICE in St Davids is finding new ways to support the community after financial challenges forced changes to its operations. Shalom House, a well-loved facility on Nun Street, has shifted its focus in recent years, balancing healthcare provision with its founding mission.

Established in 2007, Shalom House was originally designed as a five-bed hospice offering respite and palliative care. Its creation was made possible by the donation of the property from Elizabeth de Guise, a novelist with a deep connection to Pembrokeshire. However, rising costs and funding shortfalls have led to significant changes in how the hospice operates.

In late October, the closure of St Davids Surgery prompted Shalom House to repurpose two of its rooms for use by a branch surgery. The facility is now home to a service staffed by practice nurses under Hywel Dda Health Board, ensuring local residents continue to have access to healthcare.

Balancing priorities

While the move has been welcomed by many in the area, it has come at a cost. Shalom House now operates with three respite beds instead of five, a change that has sparked concern among some supporters.

“We had to make a difficult decision,” a spokesperson for the hospice said. “Our primary goal is to serve the community, and this arrangement allows us to do so in multiple ways. The branch surgery provides vital medical care while helping us generate income to keep Shalom House open.”

The hospice continues to offer day-care services to several patients each week, with additional respite care provided as resources allow. Trustees are optimistic that full capacity can be restored in the future, depending on funding.

Community campaign brings hope

Despite the challenges, Shalom House has received overwhelming support from the Pembrokeshire community. A recent campaign, “Save Shalom,” has seen donations increase dramatically, offering a glimmer of hope for the hospice’s long-term future.

Local resident and campaign volunteer, Jenny Williams, said: “Shalom House means so much to so many people. It’s more than a building—it’s a lifeline for families across the county. We’re determined to do everything we can to keep it running.”

Looking ahead

The trustees are exploring new ways to raise funds and expand services, with plans to launch a series of community events next year. They have also expressed gratitude for the continued generosity of local residents, whose donations remain crucial.

“Shalom House has always been about Pembrokeshire’s people,” said the spokesperson. “Every penny donated helps us provide care and support to those who need it most. We’re confident that, with the community behind us, we can overcome these challenges.”

For more information about Shalom House or to make a donation, visit www.shalomstdavids.org.

RSPCA Cymru has welcomed strong public support for Welsh Government proposals to introduce licensing for animal welfare establishments (AWEs), such as sanctuaries, rehoming centres, and rescues.

A recent consultation revealed that 82% of respondents back regulation for AWEs, marking significant progress in a campaign led by RSPCA Cymru to ensure these establishments are formally overseen. This would provide vital assurances to the public and enhance animal welfare protections.

Currently, AWEs in Wales are not subject to specific regulations—unlike riding schools, dog breeders, and cat boarders. This means that anyone can establish a sanctuary or rescue centre without proving they have the skills, funds, or resources needed to properly care for animals.

The Welsh Government’s consultation, which included 1,180 responses and also examined the future of greyhound racing, revealed:

• 82.18% of respondents supported licensing for AWEs (735 responses).
• 74.52% supported licensing for animal activities (726 responses).
• 71.63% backed a licensing scheme to strengthen regulations for animal exhibits (719 responses).

The consultation findings were published today (Dec 18), with further steps expected to be announced in Spring 2025.

RSPCA welcomes progress

RSPCA Cymru’s Senior Public Affairs Manager, Billie-Jade Thomas, described the support as “overwhelming,” stating:
“Many owners of sanctuaries and other AWEs undertake hugely important work, but the lack of regulation and oversight has long been a concern.

“Our officers have too often dealt with situations spiralling out of control—capacity, governance, and financial issues are all too common. These findings highlight the clear need for regulatory action.”

The charity launched a report in 2023 highlighting the “urgent need” for regulation, supported by a poll showing 88% of the Welsh public agree AWEs should be licensed. Notably, 82% of AWEs surveyed by the RSPCA also supported licensing.

The report found that only 5% of the public were aware that AWEs are currently unregulated in Wales, with many assuming external oversight already exists.

Challenges with voluntary guidance

A voluntary Code of Practice for AWEs was introduced in September 2020, providing operational guidance. However, nearly half of AWEs surveyed admitted they had never referred to it, raising concerns about its effectiveness.

“While the Code of Practice was a step forward, it is clear too little notice has been paid to it,” said Billie. “We’ve even had to prosecute some AWE owners since its publication, showing legislative action is urgently needed.

“Without oversight, welfare issues can escalate, leaving owners overburdened and animals at risk. Regulations must ensure establishments are registered with local authorities and subjected to inspections.”

Broader welfare issues

The RSPCA is also part of the ‘Cut the Chase’ coalition, alongside Dogs Trust, Blue Cross, Hope Rescue, and Greyhound Rescue Wales, advocating for animal welfare reforms across sectors.

The consultation included proposals regarding greyhound racing, with further announcements on its future expected next year.

Supporters can learn more about the RSPCA’s #SaferSanctuaries campaign by visiting the charity’s website.

Photo caption
Campaign success: RSPCA Cymru continues to push for regulation of AWEs (Pic: Herald)

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.”