Author: Rhys Gregory

An inspirational woman who regularly opened a bottle of wine for breakfast and washed it down with vodka is getting her life back on track thanks to a pioneering scheme. Samantha Taylor, 47, who lives in Rhyl, is being supported by the appropriately named Dechrau Newydd (Fresh Start) scheme which provides rapid-response support and help to break the vicious circle of drug and alcohol addiction and offending. The initiative, managed by the Kaleidoscope organisation, has been commissioned jointly by the North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Arfon Jones and Her Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS). Sam landed herself in…

Now in their fifth year, they are exclusive to Welsh companies that have launched within the last three years and provide a unique opportunity to recognise and celebrate the achievements of those new businesses that are making the greatest impact on the Welsh economy.  Having received a record 540 entries – with 40 per cent coming from female-owned firms – a total of 108 finalists have been selected across twenty six categories covering all sectors in Wales. Professor Dylan Jones-Evans, Assistant Pro-Vice Chancellor at the University of South wales and the creator of the awards back in 2016, was surprised…

As the UK gradually comes out of lockdown, Empire Fighting Chance has continued to punch above its weight throughout the pandemic, supporting 636 young people with boxing therapy and delivering over 3,700 coaching hours in the process. The Bristol-based charity has continued providing vital services in support of young people who rely on its services across the South West and South Wales, where others have had no option but to pause. Throughout lockdown, Empire Fighting Chance has: Supported 636 young people with continued boxing therapy Provided 3,797 coaching contact hours Worked with 25 schools across Wales and the South West…

A doctor has combined healthcare with virtual reality to help put patients at ease. Dr Kevin Rafferty came up with the concept of combining a disposable anaesthetic facemask with a VR headset to keep patients occupied while they undergo gas induction of anaesthesia or oxygen while working as a locum staff doctor in north Wales. The headset is single patient use, cardboard virtual reality headset integrating a detachable medical mask. The device is used in conjunction with a smartphone to create the virtual reality experience. The device can be used during multiple procedures, including post-operative recovery therapy, continuous positive airway…

A survey of more than 100 independent pubs, cafes, restaurants and event caterers has estimated that at least 30,000 job losses are expected in the Welsh hospitality sector – and nearly half of these have already happened. The survey was carried out by the Welsh Independent Restaurant Collective on Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th July, and came as pubs, cafes and restaurants reopened in England, and Scotland announced that the re-opening inside will begin on July 15th. Wales remains the only UK nation yet to give a date for inside opening. The survey revealed that within the 102 businesses that responded,…

Following mass lockdown easing across the UK, Welsh families are now free to enjoy a variety of outdoor attractions across Wales. However, First Minister Mark Drakeford is yet to address when and how indoor tourist spots can re-open, which continues to earn the frustration of members of WAVA, the Welsh Association of Visitor Attractions. “The Welsh First Minister has cleared outdoor attractions, but there’s still no relief for indoor sites,” WAVA Co-Chair Ashford Price states. “Welsh attractions are still on a cliff edge, and he is continuing to act as though he is the Messiah.” Pressure is piling on the…

Members of Swansea Building Society will now be able to securely access their savings and mortgage accounts online for the first time, following the launch of Swansea Online, a new digital service by the 97-year old institution. The Society’s customers will now be able to view their savings and mortgage account balances online, transfer between Society savings accounts and withdraw monies from their Society savings account(s) to a nominated bank account which must be in their name/joint names (subject to terms and conditions). Customers will also be able to view previous transactions on savings and mortgage accounts and directly contact…

Patients at Morriston Hospital’s Renal Unit were given a much-appreciated treat last weekend when a local charity surprised them by delivering more than 300 cream teas. The Paul Popham Fund, Renal Support Wales, delivered 320 afternoon tea boxes to Morriston Hospital Renal Unit, to lift the spirits of patients and staff on Friday 3 July 2020 and Saturday 4 July 2020. While Wales is slowly coming out of lockdown, the last few months have not been easy for the staff and patients at Morriston Hospital Renal Unit. People with kidney disease are classed as extremely vulnerable to serious complications caused…

A dedicated team of criminology students at the University of South Wales (USW) is reviewing investigations into people who have been missing for many years. Dr Cheryl Allsop, whose research focuses on cold case investigations and missing people, set up the cold case unit at USW to help the families of missing people whilst providing students with an opportunity to put the theory that they are taught in class into practice and learn additional investigative skills. Working alongside Locate International – a community interest company set up to help the families of missing people – as well as experts in…

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a severe global crisis ever since the start of the year. It hasn’t only paralyzed the economy but also took away the lives of hundreds and thousands of people. Hence, the government is continuously reminding its people to wear facemasks, practice regular handwashing, and practice social distancing. Today, the Coronavirus cases have reached approximately 11 million worldwide, with more than 500, 000 deaths and 6 million recoveries. With the continuous rise in numbers, strict home quarantine is advised to contain the severity of the virus. People are prohibited from going out of their homes unless…