Author: Rhys Gregory

Schools are working to reduce the impact of poverty and break the link between educational attainment and financial background. Thanks to £85,000 of Welsh Government funding, six school clusters across Wales will receive training and support to tackle the impact of poverty on day-to-day school life and identify ways to reduce its impact on children and their families. In Rhondda Cynon Taf, Ferndale Community School and the primary schools in the cluster are one of the first groups of schools to take part in the scheme. Teachers have been undergoing training from Children North East, an organisation specialising in identifying the…

Flour will be boosted with folic acid to protect hundreds of babies against serious disabilities every year. But daily supplements are still vital urges Wales’ top doctor. New law will require non-wholemeal flour to be fortified with folic acid from the end of 2026. This will help prevent around 200 neural tube defects in babies every year. Neural tube defects affect the brain, spine and spinal cord from developing properly in the womb. This can cause life-limiting spinal conditions like spina bifida or anencephaly. Before becoming pregnant and in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, women are advised to take…

The Parc Dewi Sant site in Carmarthen has opened a wellbeing and healthcare hub which offers a wide range of medical services including a private GP’s surgery. The historic 38-acre Carmarthenshire site’s history dates back to 1850, and was bought by Parc Dewi Sant Limited in May from Carmarthen Council. Then, Parc Dewi Sant Ltd announced its plans for redevelopment, with health and wellbeing benefits for the local community at the forefront. These include retaining and recruiting both NHS and private health providers. The well-being and health hub Medispace has now opened, providing medical businesses and professionals the opportunity to…

HOWDEN, the global insurance intermediary group, is continuing its period of growth in south Wales as it places its focus on corporate and commercial growth. Currently undergoing a recruitment surge, Howden Wales attracts new talent through its unique employee ownership model, different from the traditional share price and shareholder value model, and is setting its sights on further growth to maximise its potential in providing solution-based insurance support to its growing clientele in south Wales. Stephen Yandle is the latest expert recruit to be enticed by Howden’s model, joining as regional corporate and commercial sales director for Wales. Stephen joins…

A data gathering buoy linked to north Wales tidal energy scheme, Morlais, embarks on its second mission this week following its launch off the coast near Holyhead. The vessel also known as the Marinus LiDAR buoy, is part of a significant research exercise to ensure that marine mammals and birds are safeguarded as Morlais becomes operational from 2026. The unmanned buoy was first deployed at the site by the Menter Môn-led, Marine Characterisation and Research Project (MCRP) in 2023. Now, following rigorous testing and refurbishment Marinus is fully operational again, and will use the latest technologies to continue its data…

Medical Cannabis Accessibility in Wales Overview of Medical Cannabis Legalisation Medical cannabis was reclassified in the UK in November 2018, allowing specialist doctors to prescribe it under specific conditions. However, access remains regulated and is not as widespread as in some other countries. Patients must meet stringent criteria and often have to seek treatment through private clinics rather than the NHS. Challenges in Accessing Medical Cannabis Locally In Wales, accessing medical cannabis can be challenging due to the limited number of local clinics and the strict regulatory framework. Patients often face difficulties in finding clinics that offer comprehensive services and…

Wales’ already stunning landscapes take on a magical quality when winter descends upon the country. From cosy, firelit interiors to snow-draped mountains, there’s something for everyone to enjoy during this special season in Wales. Whether you’re someone who likes the warmth of the indoors or you’re an adventurer who prefers seeking outdoor thrills, Wales has a wide array of activities that highlight the beauty and charm of winter. The possibilities are as varied as they are delightful. Let’s get into it!  Wales offers plenty of cosy activities to enjoy indoor activities when the weather is less inviting. To warm you…

The balance between maintaining privacy while allowing natural light to flood a space is a common challenge in interior design. One of the elegant solutions to this ongoing conundrum is reeded glass. Often favoured for both its aesthetic and functional properties, reeded glass not only provides a chic visual appeal but also ensures that privacy is not compromised. This fascinating material has been gaining popularity and is seen in a diverse range of settings—from modern homes to upscale restaurants and trendy office spaces. Understanding Reeded Glass Reeded glass, sometimes referred to as fluted or ribbed glass, features a texture produced…

A LUXURIOUS state-of-the-art spa and relaxation complex has opened this week.  Based at the heart of the new £14m Health and Wellbeing Centre at Coleg Cambria Yale in Wrexham, Iâl Spa features industry-standard facilities; simulated hospital wards and virtual reality environments sit alongside a Thermal Suite with sauna, steam room, jacuzzi and health food bar. The cutting-edge building also includes a commercial spa and treatment rooms which offer bespoke pamper packages so customers can indulge in facials, massages, body treatments, and more. Vice Principal of Technical Studies Vicky Edwards is excited to see their vision come to fruition and says…

Global real estate advisor Avison Young, in partnership with Natural Resources Wales and Caerphilly County Borough Council, is seeking expressions of interest on the future development of Cwmcarn Forest Drive and the opportunity to establish it as a prime leisure destination in Wales. Situated in a key strategic location within the Valleys Regional Park Network, Cwmcarn Forest Drive opened to the public as a visitor destination in 1972, having previously served as a coal colliery, and has undergone a significant period of redevelopment, including the creation of a lake and cross-country bike trails. Since 2004, continued investment has revitalised the…