Author: Rhys Gregory

Mental health is more than just a small part of our lives – it’s connected to everything we do, every place we go and everyone around us. Knowing how to respond to someone who is struggling with their mental health, or being open with others about our own emotions, is something lots of us still find difficult, however. This Mental Health Awareness Week (May 12-16), Mind Cymru is sharing its top tips to help anyone who might be concerned about someone they know, or about their own mental health, find ways to get a conversation around it going. Talking to…

An independent advisory business looking to buy out a retiring director has been supported with a £325,000 loan from the Development Bank of Wales, via the Wales Flexible Investment Fund. Premier Commercial Wealth Management is an FCA-authorised business providing financial advice and services to businesses across south Wales on pensions, investments and tax planning. It was set up by former HSBC colleagues Jonathan Williams, Paul Tracey and Jeremy Reed in 2012, and has since gone on to advise businesses and manage funds for a number of providers. With the upcoming retirement of outgoing director Jeremy, fellow directors were keen to…

An Aberystwyth University academic has achieved one of the highest accolades in the geographic field after being made an Honorary Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society. Professor Michael Woods, who specialises in rural and political geography, has received the accolade in recognition of his service to geography. The Society was formed in 1830 for “the advancement of geographical science” and today develops and supports research, public engagement and influencing public policy. Honorary Fellowships form part of a series of the Society’s prestigious awards, which recognise pioneering achievements in geographical research, fieldwork and expeditions, teaching, policy, professional practice and public engagement.…

On 8 May, Brynawel House marked a significant milestone in its mission to provide comprehensive addiction recovery services with the official opening of Meadow Lodge, a purpose-built detox unit on its grounds in Llanharan. Meadow Lodge is a four-bedroom unit designed to provide a calm, supportive environment for individuals at the critical first stage of their recovery journey – detoxification. With scenic views across rolling green fields and access to tranquil outdoor spaces, the lodge offers a safe, clinically supervised setting where guests can begin to heal. Meadow House was officially opened by Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing, Sarah…

The FAW McDonald’s Free Fun Football Festivals are back for 2025 and they are bigger than ever. Aimed at children aged 5-11, Fun Football Festivals are the ultimate family-friendly events, featuring giant inflatables, coaching sessions, fun games, activity books, face painting, prizes and more all for free. Whether you’re a seasoned football fanatic or just starting out, FAW McDonald’s Free Fun Football Festivals have something for everyone. Three festivals will take place across Cymru this summer, starting at the Swansea.com Stadium on Saturday, 8 June before heading to Caernarfon on Saturday, 5 July. The final festival will take place at Mold…

A man from Swansea has been jailed after he deliberately set fire to another man’s car. 34-year-old Jamie Paton, from Penlan, committed the arson on November 11, 2024. He later made threats to “petrol bomb” a rival’s address. Despite efforts to avoid arrest, Paton was found by police in December. He then damaged a police vehicle during his arrest and was convicted of a homophobic public order offence against the arresting officer. He has been sentenced to 25 months in prison. PC Lisa Stokes said: “Jamie Paton is clearly a hot-headed and immature individual who was unwilling to accept the…

Searches for 16-year-old Athrun, who was reported missing in Llandudno on Saturday afternoon continue today. Officers from North Wales Police – including search and drone team officers, along with the Northwest Joint Underwater Search Unit and the Coastguard – have resumed their search in and around the West Shore area where Athrun was last seen at approximately 2pm on Saturday. Athrun is from South Gloucestershire and was on holiday in Llandudno. He is described as having short dark hair and is approximately 6ft tall and of slim build. He was last seen wearing blue and white patterned swim shorts and…

Seventy percent of all Transport for Wales services will be operated on new trains following timetable changes this May. Brand new Class 756 tri-mode trains will also be introduced onto the Coryton and Penarth lines later this summer, further increasing the number of new trains providing services on the Wales and Borders network. Rail customers across Wales and the Borders are being urged to check their journey details prior to travel with a new rail timetable coming into effect on Sunday 18 May. Regular travellers who are used to catching their service at the same time each day should ensure…

COUNCILLOR Wayne Carpenter has been sworn in as the new Mayor of Neath Port Talbot for 2025/26. Melin born Cllr Carpenter (Neath East), is the son of a Metal Box worker father and a mother who helped provide school meals in Neath for a large part of her life. For many years Cllr Carpenter administered youth arts and music for the former West Glamorgan County Council and was the administrator for the annual Margam Festival. A committed Christian, he later became a professional singer, recording four albums and touring the UK, Southern Ireland, the Channel Islands, South Africa and Romania.…

Haverfordwest Youth Club had the pleasure of welcoming 20 young people and their teachers from Oberkirch, Germany, as part of a return visit last month. Oberkirch has been twinned with Haverfordwest since 1989, fostering a long-standing partnership between the two communities. The visit on April 7th followed a successful exchange in August 2024, when 20 members of Haverfordwest Youth Club, and their youth workers, travelled to Oberkirch. Both trips were funded through the Taith programme – an initiative supporting international learning exchanges in Wales, funded by the Welsh Government. The five-day visit to Pembrokeshire offered young people a valuable opportunity…