Author: Rhys Gregory

Although Christmas is time for joy and celebration, for many it can be overwhelming and have an impact on their mental wellbeing. With last year’s Christmas being heavily impacted by Government restrictions, this festive season may present new challenges for some. Psychologists Madeleine Gauffin, Dr Cecilia Radecka and Dag Härdfeldt, at digital healthcare provider Livi share some tips and practical tools to help you manage your mental health this Christmas. Dealing with stressful family gatherings Madeleine says: “Consider how you want to spend your time. Just because things feel more open this year, it doesn’t mean you have to spend time with absolutely everyone you know and…

Carmarthenshire risks complete road network shut down this winter after council broke its promise to workers, says GMB Union Gritters in Carmarthenshire County Council Highways department are set to strike early in the new year, after overwhelmingly voting to take industrial action. The move will see more than 50 gritters go on strike. Strike dates will be set when other unions – who have a further 20 members between them – also ballot for industrial action. In total 90% of members voted in favour of action after the council reneged on the agreement they signed with the union. The dispute follows on from…

The Prince of Wales has officially opened Aberystwyth University’s School of Veterinary Science. The Prince, a former Aberystwyth student, toured the new Veterinary Education Centre and spoke to some of the first cohort of students who began their studies in September this year. A key part of Wales’ first and only School of Veterinary Science, the centre represents an investment of more than £2 million in new teaching facilities on the University’s Penglais campus. Featuring brand new anatomy and study facilities, the centre was funded from alumni donations totalling £500,000 and the University’s own funds. As part of the visit,…

With many of us trying to have a sustainable Christmas this year, browsing in charity shops and online for gifts and festive clothes has become the ethical way to shop – and you might just find a celebrity item too! This December, the BHF are selling a selection of preloved items from none other than Hollywood favourite, Michael Sheen. The donated suits and clothing worn by Michael include items from high street favourites such as Zara, contemporary brand Peter Werth, and US labels Banana Republic and Club Monaco; and are available to bid on via the charity’s eBay shop, so…

Last month, key amendments were passed to the UK Government’s Kept Animals Bill – after the Welsh Government gave a green light for the law’s approach to primates to apply to Wales Restrictions on the keeping of primates as pets in Wales are now “closer than ever” – much to the delight of the RSPCA. It is estimated that around 120 monkeys are currently being kept as pets across the nation and RSPCA Cymru has long called for a ban. The charity has welcomed news that new conditions in the UK Government’s Kept Animals Bill, which will ban the keeping…

Swansea has launched its intention to become Wales’ first Human Rights City. First Minister Mark Drakeford joined Swansea Council leaders and senior representatives from other key organisations and businesses at the Guildhall today where they committed to working together with people across the city to secure official recognition. Mr Drakeford said: “It’s a great pleasure to be in Swansea today marking the start of the city’s journey to be a Human Rights City, a city that recognises the fundamental importance of human rights to each and every citizen here in Swansea and across Wales. “Congratulations to everyone who is now…

Work is due to restart in January 2022 on the first council houses to be built in Pembrokeshire for a generation. Following the previous contractor going into administration in July 2021, the Council is pleased to confirm the contract has now been awarded to W.B.Griffiths – and the development is due for completion in September 2022. In total, 33 affordable homes will be constructed by Pembrokeshire County Council on the site of a former primary school at Cranham Park, in Johnston. This will provide much needed affordable accommodation and will be the first of a number of developments in our…

Pupils and staff at Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Tyle’r Ynn in Briton Ferry are benefiting from the successful completion of a school improvement project which has seen the provision of two extra classrooms and new Welsh medium childcare provision. YGG Tyle’r Ynn is a 3 – 11 Welsh-medium school with capacity for 206 pupil places. In part due to the new facilities, pupil numbers are projected to increase by 3% over the next few years. The aim of the project at YGG Tyle’r Ynn is to create a more attractive and stimulating learning environment with high quality Welsh-medium childcare on site. In…

As Christmas draws closer, Bridgend County Borough Council and its waste partners Kier have confirmed what changes will be made to recycling and rubbish collections over the festive period. Collections will continue as normal up to and including Christmas Eve. From Monday 27 December to Thursday 30 December, collections will take place one day later than your normal collection date. Waste that is due to be collected on Friday 31 December will be picked up on Sunday, 2 January. Waste collections will return to normal service from Monday 3 January 2022 with no changes to the day recycling containers or…

Caerphilly County Borough Council has announced the launch of a new team to tackle the issue of empty properties. The council’s Cabinet gave the green light for the team to be established to proactively deal with empty homes throughout the county borough and as part of wider plans to deal with vacant properties, particularly in town centres. An action plan has been developed which sets out a series of actions to build on the council’s current work in engaging with owners of empty properties and bringing them back into beneficial use. The team also has powers to take enforcement action…