Author: Rhys Gregory

Amongst the many impacts of the Coronavirus pandemic, Coleg Gwent’s Health and Carelearners have found themselves unable to complete their work placements – an essential part of their training and experience. So, with placements currently on-hold and an increasing need for volunteers to join the befriending service in local hospitals, Coleg Gwent worked together with the Person-Centred Care Team at Aneurin Bevan University Health Board (ABUHB) to tackle both issues simultaneously. With opportunities open to all Health and Care learners to volunteer with the Person-Centred Care Team, Coleg Gwent’s students have been able to gain valuable experience in care settings…

An exciting career in civil engineering awaits apprentice Ceris Alaw Jones who is delighted to be able to learn through the medium of Welsh. Ceris, 21, from Penygroes, near Caernarfon, works for Gwynedd Council and is working towards an Apprenticeship in Civil and Municipal Engineering, which is being delivered by Coleg Cambria. She has also been appointed an Apprenticeship Ambassador by Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol, which leads the development of Welsh medium and bilingual education and training in the post-compulsory sector in Wales and the National Training Federation of Wales, which represents work-based learning providers across Wales. Ceris is enjoying her ambassadorial…

Researchers from Swansea University are part of a project to trial a new method of measuring tidal currents which could revolutionise the marine renewables industry. The project, led by the University of the Highlands and Islands, will use drones to film the movement of water then apply algorithms to determine its speed. It is hoped the technique could provide a simple, effective way to identify locations for underwater tidal turbines which will reduce costs for renewable energy developers and generate opportunities for developing countries. Current methods for measuring tidal streams rely on using survey vessels or installing seabed sensors which…

From rolling hills and valleys, delicate snowdrops, swathes of daffodils and cascades of blossom and roses, to riverside retreats National Garden Scheme gardens across Wales have been providing a stunning glimpse of their glories during lockdown. The virtual visits – filmed by the charity and its garden owners while their gates have been forced shut by the Coronavirus pandemic – have kept the gardens of Wales virtually open for the best part of a year.  “The films that garden owners across Wales have shared since last spring have provided respite and joy for so many, as well as a chance to make up the shortfall in funding that the pandemic has created for the National Garden Scheme and the…

Newtown and Llanllwchaiarn Town Council has joined forces with social enterprise Circular Economy Mid Wales (CEMW) to form a partnership that draws on the pioneering heritage of the town. The partnership builds on the reuse and repair foundations already laid to create a town-wide movement for change towards a zero waste society and lower carbon economy. Together they make an investment in Newtown’s future as a vibrant and sustainable place to live and work. The town council, with funding from the Welsh Government’s Circular Economy Fund and the support of CEMW, is enabling £675,000 investment in the town. A prominent…

Partygoers and people travelling to coastal areas among around 240 people fined for Covid breaches over the weekend Around 240 people were fined at the weekend as South Wales Police continued to enforce Coronavirus restrictions which remain in place to keep us safe. Despite the whole of Wales remaining under Welsh Government Alert Level 4 restrictions, officers responded to many reports of house parties, gatherings and people travelling to coastal areas and beauty spots. There were also proactive operations in place to stop motorists and check their reasons for their journey, including around 200 in and around Porthcawl. Among those…

Residents and businesses in Mountain Ash town centre will shortly receive a letter outlining upcoming work to demolish two buildings in Oxford Street – to enable significant future improvements at Rhos Square. Known locally as Guto Square, the area will be developed under the Mountain Ash Town Centre Regeneration Framework – which incorporates several future projects including a new Primary Care Centre, an Extra Care Facility and the redevelopment of 1-4 Oxford Buildings. Canolfan Pennar Community Hub was also delivered under the Framework, opening its doors in June 2019. Planning permission for the Rhos Square development was granted in April…

What are the most popular winning predictions for Super Bowl 2022? Who is likely to win the championship and what else can we expect? Predicting the outcome of the LVI of the 56th Super Bowl is not an easy task, especially in the early look of the season. If you are interested in reading Super Bowl 2022 predictions and create your betting strategy around it, check them out below. The Green Bay Packers and the Buffalo Bills In case Tom Brady comes back to join the Buck, there might be a likelihood that they could win the championship. However, the…

An innovative service that offers a safe, non-clinical environment for those experiencing mental health problems and distress has been piloted in the centre of Bridgend. Since opening just before Christmas, the out-of-hours service has received more than 100 referrals from across the area. It provides a less formal, early intervention and a homely non-clinical environment which is welcoming, calm and relaxed for those who are experiencing social distress. The service is provided by Mental Health Matters Wales and is delivered as part of a collaboration with Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board, Bridgend County Borough Council, South Wales Police and…

Residents visiting one of Bridgend County Borough’s community testing centres can make the process even easier by downloading the NHS Covid-19 QR code app. Community testing was launched last week in the Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board region for people who are not showing signs of coronavirus. Statistics from Public Health Wales confirm that one in three people may not display any symptoms and may be passing the virus on to others. The first testing centre for people aged 11 and over living in Cefn Cribwr, Pyle, Kenfig Hill and Cornelly, is open at Kenfig Hill Rugby and Football…