Author: Rhys Gregory

An immersive Virtual Reality (VR) training programme, for social care staff in Bridgend is making significant impact, enhancing staff competency and patient care. Between 50-75% of residents in nursing homes suffer from dysphagia (a swallowing difficulty), with 1 in 10 over the age of 65 taking more than 8 medications per day, and 1 in 4 over the age of 85 taking more than 8 medications per day. Dysphagia can occur from food, fluid, saliva or medication, and can have many implications on patients. This can include difficulty taking/missing medication, a decline in physical or mental health, fear of coughing…

If you love the deep, smoky flavours of American BBQ, you’re going to want to clear some space in your diary. Hickory’s Smokehouse has announced it will be opening its doors in Cardiff this autumn, bringing its unique Southern-inspired smokehouse experience to the capital. The new restaurant will take over the former Melrose Rose Inn pub, once The Heron Marsh in St Mellons, on the east side of the city. It marks the brand’s third opening in Wales and, crucially, its first venture into south Wales. Their smokehouses in Rhos-on-Sea and Wrexham have already proven a hit, attracting loyal crowds…

Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water, the not-for-profit water company serving over three million people across Wales, Herefordshire, and parts of Deeside, has confirmed the appointment of Roch Cheroux as its new Chief Executive. Roch has held senior operational and leadership roles across Europe, Asia and Australia and was Chief Executive at Sydney Water, Australia’s largest water utility between 2019 and March 2025. With over three decades of experience in the water industry, he is widely respected for his focus on sustainability, customer service, and operational excellence. His appointment comes at a critical time for Welsh Water as the sector responds to…

A Caerphilly man has been jailed for various driving offences following a South Wales Police pursuit. Zackary Williams aged 30 from Risca in Caerphilly pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, driving without insurance, driving whilst disqualified, driving without a license and assaulting an emergency worker when he first appeared at Cardiff Magistrates Court on Saturday August 2, 2025. This followed an incident on Friday August 1, when officers received a phone call reporting a man driving while allegedly being intoxicated.  The Vauxhall Astra being driven by Williams was then sighted driving on Cowbridge Road, Bridgend. As soon as Williams spotted the…

A carer has been jailed for assaulting an elderly resident at a Wrexham care home. Michelle Goodwin, 55, of Heol Celyn, Coedpoeth, grabbed an 81-year-old woman by her hair and pushed her into a chair at the Cherry Tree Care Home in Coedpoeth on December 26th, 2023. The victim, who has advanced dementia, developed visible bruising to her head as a result. Goodwin denied a charge of assault causing actual bodily harm, but a jury at Mold Crown Court found her guilty of the offence in July this year. She was sentenced to 13 months in prison at Mold Crown…

A North Wales manufacturer is celebrating a major transformation after moving to a purpose-built facility — unlocking massive growth potential and creating dozens of new jobs. Continental Diamond Tool (CDT), has successfully relocated to a new 30,000 sq ft factory in Kinmel Bay after what managers described as a “logistical challenge on par with a military operation.” The operation involved transporting more than 100 metric tonnes of machinery and equipment to the new base that’s nearly three times the size of its old premises less than half a mile away on the Tir Llwyd Industrial Estate. The move is part…

A 24-year-old woman from Caerphilly will be taking on the Oysho Cardiff Half Marathon in memory of her mum who tragically lost her life to sepsis. Lauren Morgan will be raising money for UK Sepsis Trust and said: “Mum would be laughing at me now, as I’m a complete beginner when it comes to running and exercise”. The mum-of-two said the pair had started a weight-loss journey together just before the pandemic hit – but her mum Gemma soon started feeling unwell. Lauren said: “At the end of July 2020 mum started feeling unwell. She was a very proud lady,…

The National Lottery has celebrated the landmark achievement of over £2.5 billion being distributed to more than 75,000 Good Causes in Wales with a giant, hope-inspired Fingers Crossed sand sculpture on popular tourist destination Tenby beach. From grassroots sports, heritage projects, and arts initiatives to vital health and wellbeing services, The National Lottery funding has made a significant difference to the lives of people across Wales since funding began in 1994. To mark this incredible £2.5 billion milestone, The National Lottery joined together with Tenby Surf Lifesaving Club, one of 75,000 projects that has received National Lottery support, to celebrate…

A report from eBay UK has revealed that 71% of Wales-based e-commerce businesses feel confident about business growth in the next 12 months, with 31% describing themselves as ‘very confident’. The Censuswide research, commissioned by eBay, polled 1,000 UK small businesses selling via online platforms to spotlight a new generation of entrepreneurs that are building full-time businesses on their own terms. A combined 63% said they felt excited (24%) or curious (39%) about the potential of AI, with a third (31%) using it to list products faster and more easily, 27% to experiment with new products or ideas and 27%…

Dementia specialist Admiral Nurses will host clinics at Nationwide branches in Cwmbran, Llanelli, Colwyn Bay and Newport to offer tailored support and guidance to anyone affected by the condition Nationwide and Dementia UK’s free face-to-face clinics are returning to Nationwide branches in Wales this September, offering specialist support in a safe, comfortable and private space for people to discuss any aspect of dementia. Hosted by Dementia UK’s Admiral Nurses, the clinics are open to anyone impacted by dementia, offering life-changing support to families and individuals in the area. Appointments can be booked via Dementia UK’s website. The clinics will offer…