Author: Rhys Gregory

A Youth Engagement Officer who grew up in care himself is helping support teens who face the same challenges he did by offering advice and guidance to help them get into training or employment. Cameron Carlson, age 24, from Bettws, is as a Youth Engagement Officer for Wales-wide skills and training provider Itec, working at its Blackwood and Newport centres, where he helps local teens build their confidence, gain new skills, and explore employment opportunities. Cameron’s passion for helping young people came from his own struggles as a teen which he faced alone, without any support. His own school experience…

A mother and son are leading from the front at a family-run animal bedding company that’s celebrating its 50th anniversary with a 25 per cent surge in sales. Chris Whittaker, a third generation director at the Wrexham-based Platts Group, has already won a major honour and his mum, managing director Caroline Platt, has been shortlisted for another one. Caroline, daughter of company founders Robert and Christine Platt, will be among the finalists in the sustainability category at the Institute of Directors’ Wales Director of the Year Awards on May 12. Meanwhile, Chris goes forward to the UK final of the…

A new app that has the potential to help protect and restore ecosystems and environments around the world is being launched by Aberystwyth University academics today (Thursday 4 May). As part of the Living Wales project, researchers have developed the app which records information on land cover using internationally-recognised terms. It monitors over 240 types of change, including forest clearance, fire damage, flooding and erosion – those caused by humans and natural events alike. Called ‘Earthtrack’, the app has already contributed to mapping and assessing forests and habitats in Wales as well as other countries, such as the impact of…

A leading science visitor attraction in the centre of Wrexham has revealed the full impact of its work engaging communities through STEM. After relocating to Henblas Street in 2020, Xplore! Science Discovery Centre has ‘exceeded all expectations’, focusing on creating a diverse experience for its visitors. Formally known as Techniquest Glyndŵr, the charity is celebrating its 20th anniversary, and has shared its work building partnerships with businesses, communities, and schools in its 2022/23 Impact Brochure. Through science-themed exhibitions, shows, and workshops, including ten new additions to the programme in the past year, 16,000 school learners have engaged in its outreach activities…

More than 1,200 homes in a dozen city communities are to get solar panels on their roofs to help them generate electricity and reduce the cost of energy. Around £26m has been set aside for the four-year project which will see work start on council houses this summer. The scheme will include installing PV solar panels and batteries to generate and store energy for electric power and light which can be used by individual residents on demand. More than 30 council properties in rural areas not on mains gas will also get an insulation upgrade and be provided with a…

The Leader of Neath Port Talbot Council, Cllr Steve Hunt, has given his congratulations to the Neath Schools Under-11s rugby team which won the prestigious DC Thomas Bowl Final at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium. The young team defeated a Pembrokeshire Schools Under-11s side in a hotly contested, exciting final on April 26th, 2023, which saw the Neath team run out 20-15 winners thanks to a last minute try from Jackson Evans. Highlights of the final, captured by the Welsh Rugby Union’s camera team, were widely watched on social media. Cllr Hunt said: “This win was down to the hard work and…

Education and housing in Pembrokeshire came under the political spotlight last week as Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford and Plaid Cymru Leader Adam Price visited the county to see how the Co-operation Agreement is supporting thriving communities. Among the places they visited were Ysgol Caer Elen, County Hall, and the Cashfields Estate in Haverfordwest, where Pembrokeshire County Council bought 46 properties last year with Welsh Government funding to use as affordable homes for local people. The Leader of Pembrokeshire County Council, Cllr David Simpson, said: “It is always a pleasure to welcome the First Minister to Pembrokeshire and on this…

The Classic Car Show is again making a pit stop at A Welsh Coal Mining Experience, Rhondda Heritage Park Museum this Summer! The event offers a fantastic time for all the family, with the chance to see pristine classic cars and meet their enthusiastic and knowledgeable owners. It all takes place on Saturday, June 24th, 10am – 4pm. The event is, as always, held in association with Glamorgan Classic Car Club. Entry is £3 per person. Cllr Ann Crimmings, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment and Leisure, said: “The Classic Car Show is always welcome at A Welsh…

Helping to protect Wales from cyber-attacks, creating new jobs with a pipeline of future talent for the UK’s fast-growing cyber ecosystem is at the heart of a new Cyber Action Plan for Wales being launched today by Economy Minister Vaughan Gething. The new plan sets out how Wales’ leading cyber sector can support the growth of the Welsh economy, ensuring Wales can prosper through cyber resilience, talent, and innovation. The Covid-19 pandemic has accelerated the prominence and importance of digital in the lives of the people of Wales. This reliance has led to an increase in the risk of more…

A package of reforms to council tax will address unfairness in the current system, the Welsh Government’s Minister for Finance and Local Government has said. Rebecca Evans provided an update on the plans to the Senedd this week. The Welsh Government has proposed reforms including more progressive bands reflecting the latest data, regular revaluations, and a review of arrangements for discounts and reductions to ensure people are supported in the most effective way. The changes are set to be delivered from April 2025, and more detail about what the new system will look like will be confirmed towards the end…