Author: Rhys Gregory

Did you know that varying the types of terrain you run on can help to make you a stronger runner? Run 4 Wales Race Director, and double Olympic marathoner, Steve Brace, explains the impact that different surfaces can have. Treadmill Treadmill running is great for situations when you can’t get outdoors – particularly if it’s too hot, it’s dark, stormy or icy. Not only is it kinder on your joints but it allows you to have total control over how fast you’re running and the incline in which you’re running on. Running on a treadmill indoors is easier than an…

Community organisations across Powys are being encouraged to apply for funding to help strengthen food provision, improve access to nutritious meals and tackle poverty. Powys County Council has launched its Food Aid Small Grant Fund, offering grants of up to £9,000 per project to eligible not-for-profit organisations delivering services to residents. The fund aims to support a wide range of initiatives that make a real difference, including food banks, community meal schemes, food parcel services, and projects that build longer-term resilience such as food growing and distribution schemes. Money is available for both revenue costs (up to £4,000) and capital…

More than 140 parents, carers and support staff from across Wales and Scotland attended a recent workshop exploring why some children cope all day at school, then struggle as soon as they get home. The online session, After the Bell: Understanding Emotional Dysregulation, was delivered by Neuropathways and The Exchange, both part of Health is One. The services have come together to support families navigating neurodiversity, in response to growing demand for support. The session focused on what is often described as “after-school restraint collapse”, when children spend the day managing expectations, sensory input and social interaction, then release that…

Wales’ first Fintech Festival brought the Welsh ecosystem together in Swansea on 3 June, with a sold-out event celebrating the innovation, collaboration and growth shaping the nation’s fintech sector. Hosted at the Swansea Building Society Arena, the Wales Fintech Festival welcomed fintech leaders, founders, investors, policymakers, academics and ecosystem partners from across Wales and beyond for a full day of insight, connection and opportunity. Adam Price MS, Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, welcomed attendees to the festival, declaring that “Wales isn’t asking if it belongs in global fintech, but is shaping where it goes next”. Alongside appearances from well-known global…

Cardiff Capital Region (CCR) has secured approval of its second Gateway Review, unlocking the release of £134 million in UK Government funding to support economic growth across South East Wales over the next five years. The successful review confirms that CCR has met the requirements set by the UK Government to continue delivering its ambitious City Deal investment programme, recognising strong progress, effective governance and growing economic impact since the first Gateway Review in 2021. CCR was established in 2017 as a partnership of ten local authorities, working with the UK and Welsh Governments to deliver a £1.2bn City Deal…

A new public square is being developed on Kingsway, to createa tree-lined boulevard with seating, landscaping and open space, as part of a wider scheme to improve active travel routes and public transport to the eastern edge of the city. A new public square is set to be built on Kingsway, creating a tree-lined boulevard with seating, landscaping and open space, as part of a wider scheme to improve active travel routes and public transport to the eastern edge of the city. The new public space will prioritise people rather than traffic by introducing step-free crossings, wide footways and new…

Swansea is flying the flag on Armed Forces Day later this month to honour those who serve, our veterans and their families. A special commemoration event is taking place on June 22 outside Guildhall at 2pm, hosted by Lord Mayor Cllr Penny Matthews which is being attended by veterans groups, serving members of the armed forces, cadets and local VIPs. And the council is also organising a free bus service to take veterans, serving military, their families and armed forces personnel to the Wales national Armed Forces Day event at Pembrey on June 27. That night, Guildhall will also be…

An exciting new exhibition will bring the rich history of Neath to life this summer. With support from the Welsh Government’s Priorities for Culture Fund, Neath Port Talbot Council has successfully appointed Wales-based designers Made Roughley Ltd. to work with us to produce an interactive touring exhibition. The event will be open to the public at three locations around the Neath area between July and October this year, starting at Neath Civic Centre on 10 July before moving to Aberdulais Falls for the month of August. The exhibition will then be housed at the new Visitor Centre at Gnoll Country…

Landlords in Pembrokeshire are being reminded that Leasing Scheme Wales Pembrokeshire remains available as a flexible and secure option for renting out properties. Funded by the Welsh Government and delivered locally, the scheme offers landlords the opportunity to lease properties to Pembrokeshire County Council for between five and 20 years, with guaranteed rental payments throughout the lease period. Leasing Scheme Wales is designed to increase access to affordable private rentals, provide longer-term security for tenants, and give landlords greater confidence and support. The scheme also plays an important role in improving housing standards and helping to reduce homelessness. For landlords,…

Major national retailer NEXT has been given the green light to open its first store in the Caerphilly county borough. Planning permission has been granted for NEXT to establish a new store within a vacant unit on Gallagher Retail Park, conveniently located close to Caerphilly town centre. NEXT will invest £1.9million developing the new 1,373sqm store, resulting in 21 new full-time jobs. The store will offer clothing, footwear and homeware and features a mezzanine at first floor level as well as a café Leader of Council, Cllr Jamie Pritchard said, “This is great news for residents and is a real…