Author: Rhys Gregory

£1.8 million in emergency funding has been confirmed to repair flood defence infrastructure damage due to Storm Claudia. Local authorities across Wales saw assets suffer significant damage during extreme weather in November. The emergency funding will enable 11 councils to undertake urgent repairs to ensure flood defences can continue to protect communities effectively throughout the winter. Deputy First Minister with responsibility for Climate Change, Huw Irranca-Davies said: “Flooding has devastating impacts, which is why we have invested a record more than £377 million to reduce flood risks across Wales over the lifetime of this government. “The extreme weather we experienced…

South West Wales Connected, the region’s Community Rail Partnership (CRP), is delighted to announce that Dawn Lyle has been re-elected as Chair following the Partnership’s Annual General Meeting (AGM). The AGM, held at Tramshed Tech in Swansea, was well-attended with representatives from community groups, transport organisations and regional stakeholders, reflecting the CRP’s growing collaboration and impact across Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire, Swansea and Neath Port Talbot. This year marked a major milestone for South West Wales Connected CRP, as the Partnership celebrates its fifth year in operation. Since its establishment in 2020, with 4TheRegion serving as its host organisation, the CRP has…

Over 400 warm hubs across Wales are providing vital support to communities this winter, thanks to £1.5m Welsh Government funding. The hubs offer safe and welcoming spaces where people of all ages can meet, access advice, stay warm, and connect with others in their local community. Many warm hubs provide practical help with managing bills, claiming benefits, and accessing energy-saving advice. They also create opportunities for social activities, learning new skills, or simply enjoying a warm drink or food and friendly conversation. This funding commitment in the Welsh Government’s budget for 2025-26 builds on previous investment, totalling £4m since 2022,…

Significant improvements to Aberaeron’s leisure and library facilities were celebrated during a visit by Jack Sargeant MS, Minister for Culture, Skills and Social Partnership earlier this month. Sir Geraint Evans Leisure Centre, Aberaeron Serving the community and pupils of Ysgol Gyfun Aberaeron since 1999, Sir Geraint Evans Leisure Centre, Aberaeron, has recently undergone a major refurbishment of its sports hall. The project was supported by a Sport Wales grant from the Welsh Government, alongside funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and Ceredigion County Council. The upgrades include a new floor, LED lighting, and redecoration, with innovative line markings for…

A Powys couple, who work as Shared Lives carers, have scooped a top award for helping a young man, who previously spoke only to his mother, to ‘find his voice’. John and Stacey Darrell, from Llandrindod Wells, Picked up the Living Well prize at the Shared Lives Plus Awards 2025 in November. Their work was seen as an inspirational example of person-centred support and care from among Shared Lives carers across the UK. The online ceremony was told that John and Stacey had used patience, consistency, and gentle encouragement to help the young man they support grow in confidence, make…

Aberystwyth University academics will investigate options for devolving broadcasting powers on behalf of the Welsh Government. Professor Jamie Medhurst from the Department of Theatre, Film and Television Studies at Aberystwyth University, will explore five options for the future of public service broadcasting in Wales – from keeping the existing powers of the Senedd to full devolution of oversight and regulation. Areas covered by the research will include the associated costs of any changes to the existing model, whether a new body would need to be established if one of the five options was pursued, how any change would meet the…

Orbis Education and Care’s staff and pupils have embraced the Christmas spirit by donating 100 festive goodie bags to two local children’s charities, as part of its Build a Bag Christmas charity campaign. Located across Wales, including Cardiff, Swansea and Brecon, Orbis’ homes and schools have been busy preparing bags and filling them with Christmas gifts and everyday essentials for patients at both Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospital located at Cardiff’s Heath Hospital, as well as Dreams and Wishes – both charities are dedicated to helping seriously ill children. The Build a Bag initiative encouraged Orbis Education and Care staff, pupils…

Taylor Wimpey South Wales has donated 470 warming items such as socks, hats and scarves to homelessness charity, Crisis’s South Wales Skylight based in Swansea. As part of its Wrap Up Warm campaign, the leading homebuilder has donated over 14,000 much  needed winter essentials to 24 homelessness centres in England, Scotland and Wales in support of its national charity partners – CRASH, St Mungo’s and Crisis. Glyn Harteveld, Operations Manager- Coaching at Crisis Skylight South Wales said: “Although Christmas is a happy time for many, for our members here at the Crisis South Wales Skylight, it can be a lonely…

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Adult vaping habits in the UK have become more settled over the past few years. Rather than experimenting constantly with new products, many users now prefer options that fit easily into daily routines. This shift is especially visible among those using refillable pod systems, where simplicity and consistency are valued more than novelty. Across different regions of the UK, including Wales, adult vapers are increasingly choosing products that offer predictable performance and familiar flavours. This change reflects a broader consumer trend towards practicality in everyday purchases. From Occasional Use to Daily Routine For many adult users, vaping is no longer…